prevented as much as possible; and what a
gain this will be towards rapid rallying after the confusion of an
encounter will be obvious to every reader.

Finally, and perhaps this is of even greater importance, a far higher
measure of initiative will be given to the subordinate leaders than
was conceivable under the old scheme ('Treffen Taktik').

These advantages can hardly be over-estimated. There remain, however,
yet two other directions in which this paragraph may lead to yet more
important consequences.

In the first place, it secures for the Commander himself an immense
simplification of the whole mechanism he is called on to control--for
he has no longer to occupy his mind with the fundamental conception of
the 'Treffen'--_i.e._, Three-Line System.[9]

[Footnote 9: The 'Drei Treffen Taktik' owes its origin to the
study of the Wars of Frederick the Great, and claims to have
again brought to life the fundamental principles to which our
Cavalry successes in those days were due. Against this view I
would point out that Frederick's Cavalry were always formed
in two Lines under one common command. Besides these two
Lines ('Treffen') there was generally, but by no means
always, a 'Reserve'--constituted usually of Hussars
only--who, if I do not err, are only once spoken of as a
'Treffen' (Line). This Reserve, however, was under a special
Commander, and was quite independent of the two 'Treffen'
proper above referred to. Now, no one would venture to
suggest that Frederick's Infantry fought habitually in three
Lines ('Drei Treffen'), although a Reserve was frequently
held back in third Line, exactly as with the Cavalry. The
truth really is that the modern idea of the 'Drei Treffen
Taktik' has actually nothing in common with the methods of
employment of Frederick's days at all.]

The term 'Treffen' (Lines), in the true spirit of Frederick the
Great's day, defines the relation between a leading Line and one or
more following Lines, which succeed one another in due sequence. The
tactical evolution of the last few years has, however, led to this
result--that this definition is no longer in harmony with the modern
conception attaching to the word 'Treffen.' According to the existing
regulations and practice, the second or third Line, or both together,
may just as