Sun Tzu – The Art of War 8.6

So, the student of war who is unversed in the art of war of varying his plans, even though he be acquainted with the Five Advantages, will fail to make the best use of his men.

Sun Tzu’s Art of War stresses the importance of adapting to changing situations on the battlefield, and one of the key ways to do this is by varying tactics. In Chapter 8, Verse 4, Sun Tzu states that a general who understands the advantages of varying tactics will know how to handle his troops. In Verse 5, he goes on to say that a general who is not familiar with this concept may have knowledge of the terrain, but will not be able to put it into practice effectively.

Verse 6 further emphasizes the importance of varying tactics, as Sun Tzu warns that a student of war who is not well-versed in this art will fail to make the best use of his troops, even if he understands the Five Advantages.

The Five Advantages refer to the factors that should be considered in determining the best course of action in any given situation: Heaven, Earth, the Commander, Method, and Discipline. By taking these factors into account and varying tactics accordingly, a general can adapt to changing circumstances and maximize the effectiveness of his troops.

Varying tactics can take many forms, including changing the formation of troops, altering the timing of attacks, or employing deception and misdirection. It requires flexibility and creativity, as well as a deep understanding of the capabilities and limitations of one’s own forces and those of the enemy.

In modern military strategy, the concept of varying tactics is still highly relevant. As technology continues to evolve and new threats emerge, militaries must be able to adapt and innovate in order to stay ahead of their adversaries. The ability to vary tactics and respond to changing situations quickly and effectively is a key factor in achieving success on the battlefield.

In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s advice to vary tactics is as relevant today as it was when The Art of War was written over 2,000 years ago. By understanding the advantages of varying tactics and being willing to adapt to changing circumstances, a general can make the best use of his troops and increase the likelihood of victory.