Prussian Generals - part 3, Moltke

Clausewitz found one of his most ardent supporters in Helmuth von Moltke. Moltke coined the phrase "No battle plan survives contact 
with the enemy", advocating adaptability at all levels.

Moltke became Chief of the Prussian General Staff in 1857, a position he held for the next 30 years. When his plans to defeat the Danes in the Second Schleswig War was bodged, he intervened and saved the day. Given this success, Moltke was influential enough to get his way in future wars. Prussia won major wars against Austria (1866), and France (1870-1871).

Though a great strategist, his key to success was meticulous preparations. (Moltke would probably consider that an important part of the strategy.)

• The Prussian war academy trained officers for staff service, and since the cadets were encouraged to socialize and befriend each other, a powerful social network was created within the Prussian army.
• Possible army movements was mapped out in detail. Thus commanders knew their logistical options instead of having to discover everything as they went.
  
• War games was used extensively to gain experience in maneuvering troops. (Moltke used blue figures for friendly troops and red for the enemy, colors that are still used today.)
• Commanders, on all levels, were encouraged to continuously assess the situation, and adjust their plans accordingly. To adjust was more important than to follow orders. One could in fact be reprimanded for following orders, if it meant that opportunities were missed.
  

The social network led to ad hoc collaboration on the battlefield. Intelligence and war game experience led to better, more informed decisions. Command culture led to exploiting enemy weaknesses and countering their strengths, dynamically, on the battle field.

During the second half of the 19th century, the Prussians were invincible.

part 4