You know it is the most trite thing, but the thing that keeps popping into my head watching the ramshackle Russian operations in Ukraine is that scene in Kingdom of Heaven where Saladin patiently explains to his subordinate how battles are won.
"...battles are determined by God, but also by preparation, numbers, absence of disease and availability of water. One cannot maintain a siege with the enemy behind."
That last line could be the caption to every photo of a burned out Russian truck.
That last line could be the caption to every photo of a burned out Russian truck.
Of course that line is a bit funny in context because at Acre in 1191 the crusaders absolutely did maintain a siege with *Saladin* behind counter-besieging, so, you know, no absolutes.
Still a bad sign when movie strategists appear to understand it better than a real world army.
Still a bad sign when movie strategists appear to understand it better than a real world army.
You could absolutely get the wisdom to avoid a catastrophe like this from Sun Tzu or Clausewitz or Jomini or any number of other theorists who would talk sieges, friction, interior lines, will, etc.
Or, apparently, you can get it from Ridley f***ing Scott.
Or, apparently, you can get it from Ridley f***ing Scott.
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