tials are the proper
foundation for any system of self-improvement in the exercise of
mental power. There is no easy road to the goal of military effort.

Part I, hereafter, discusses professional judgment in its basic
relation to the successful conduct of war. This treatment examines the
responsibilities of the armed forces, discusses the role of the
commander, indicates the natural mental processes employed in the
solution of military problems, formulates and explains the Fundamental
Military Principle, and concludes with an outline of the procedure for
its further application in Parts II and III.

Part II is concerned with the solution of the problems encountered
during the planning stage.

Part III discusses the execution of the plan,--the directives and the
supervision of the action,--but the treatment as to details is chiefly
from the standpoint of the mental effort. During hostilities the vital
issues which hinge on alert supervision create an accentuated demand
for the intelligent exercise of professional judgment. Its possession
to a highly developed degree and its exercise on a foundation of
knowledge and experience, are prerequisite to attainment of the
highest standards in the conduct of war.

The following pages are intended, therefore, to provide a fundamental
basis upon which the commander, by thoughtful study and reflection,
may develop his professional judgment to the end that its exercise
result in sound military decision, essential alike to wise planning
and to consistently effective action.

PART I

PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT IN ITS RELATION TO
THE SUCCESSFUL CONDUCT OF WAR

CHAPTER I

COMMAND AND ITS PROBLEMS

The Foreword, preceding, has explained the scientific
approach to the solution of military problems. It has been
brought to notice that the science of war can be utilized to
further sound military decision and, so, to improve the
practice of war, i.e., the art of war, whether under assumed
or actual conditions. The Foreword has also stressed the
importance of education for the development of judgment in
the application of mental power to the solution of military
problems.

Chapter I, which now follows, deals with the armed forces in
their relation to national policy, and discusses,
specifically, the role of the commander with respect to the
use of mental power as a recognized component of fighting
strength. Emphasis