Summary/Abstract
The subject of terrain is covered exclusively in one of the thirteen chapters in Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. In fact, terrain is addressed throughout The Art of War, so critical is positioning to tactical advantage and strategy. For example, the fourth chapter on “Tactical Dispositions” addresses positioning prior to Sun Tzu’s more formal “Classification of Terrain” in Chapter Ten. Whereas “Tactical Dispositions” covers defensive options, and relative positions vis-a-vis the enemy, “Terrain” demonstrates how variations in terrain impact strategy and outcome. Therefore, “Terrain” offers an unparalleled level of detail on the subject of geography that is of tremendous use to military strategists. Sun Tzu extends his discussion on the importance of terrain in Chapter Eleven of The Art of War, showing how terrain impacts the nine main possibilities for battleground formation and how to address challenges and crises by using skilful means.
Introduction: Why Terrain?
Even in an era of cyber, aviation, and space tactics in military activity, terrain remains important for all strategy and warfare. In fact, the principles embedded in Sun Tzu’s chapter on “Terrain” in The War of War can be easily extended to non-geographic zones, including the virtual or cyber terrain and the three-dimensional terrains of aerospace. Terrain governs human movement, and the movement of objects on the battlefield. The laws of physics impact the efficacy of terrain and its impact on battle action and outcomes, while overarching and intervening variables like weather and time may compound the complexities of each situation. A thorough understanding of the art of terrain, including the six types of ground and their relative strengths and weaknesses, promotes victory in military campaigns.
The Six Kinds of Terrain
Sun Tzu identifies six types of terrain relevant to military strategists. Those six types of terrain include accessible ground, entangling ground, temporizing ground, narrow passes, precipitous heights, and positions at a great distance from the enemy (Sun Tzu, n.d.). Each of these terrain types presents challenges or opportunities, and must be mastered and recognized for effective strategy and ideal outcomes. For example, accessible ground may seem advantageous but the enemy will also find it is easy to navigate and to seize. When working with accessible...
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