Strategy First, Tactics Last

The cardinal rule of the Anzaian school of social power–

Strategy first, tactics last.

Sounds simple, and yet few understand this. Strategies and tactics seem so similar that it’s typical to confuse one for the other.

What makes a strategy different from a tactic?

Famed military theorist General Carl von Clausewitz had the answer–

“Tactics is the art of using the troops in battle. Strategy is the art of using battles to win the war.”

What does that mean?

Let’s answer the question with a historical event.

Picture this–you’re a general in the Roman empire. And you’re waging war against your nemesis, King Pyrrhus of Epirus.

You’re camped in Asculum (present day Ascoli Satriano, Italy) with 40,000 men under your command. King Pyrrhus matches your numbers with his own 40,000-strong infantry. The Epirotes, however, have an edge over you–war elephants.

Monstrously huge and wildly unpredictable, they are the Achilles Heel of the straight-laced Roman army. Pyrrhus had routed your soldiers a year ago in Heraclea. And with these colossal tuskers, he sets his sights for a repeat victory lap in Asculum.

Your advantage? The might of the fearsome Roman legion backing you. With an immense reserve of foot soldiers, swords and shields, you have the resources to fight as long as it takes.

So, what will you do?

Choose your option (click the appropriate box).

Charge at the enemy head on, war elephants and all.

Choose your skirmishes, inflict selective damage and wear the enemy out.

Then, click here to continue.