Introduction
In the ever-changing landscape of war, it is imperative that the troop leader is knowledgeable about different tactics of warfare to achieve success in combat.
While tactical knowledge is important, initiative and courage are required elements to define a good commander.
Situations in war are of unique and infinite variety; it is up to the troop leader to judge and act towards the most fruitful result.
Simplicity in planning and logical execution makes for great success in battle.
It is often found that victory in battle is dependent on individual actions. Therefore, it is demanded that the leader has good judgment, clear seeing and far thinking and decisive resolution. Leaders that have a great sense of responsibility, preserverence and energy are inspiring to the troops he is commanding.
The commander is a leader and teacher by heart; he should be able to inspire even the most weakened and demoralized soldiers.
The way a commander portrays himself have a definite impact on the soldiers he is leading. The commander that is courageous, cold-blooded and decisive in face of the enemy are inspiring to the troops, motivating them to fight harder.
As mentioned previously, the commander must exert his full character and personality at all times. Willingness to accept responsibility is the most defining factor of a good leader.
Independence of action is not based upon contrariness of obeying orders. Independence of action, used properly, is the basis of great success.
A soldier and troop leader never acts alone; they are always relying on each other in order to achieve their goals.
Mutual trust is paramount for a victorious operation.
Being accostumed to physical accomplishments, lack of self-preservation and courage are elements that qualify a man to master even the most difficult situations.
Battle worthiness is not only defined in quantity of men. But rather, it is defined by care and maintenance of supply and equipment.
Superior battle worth can equalize numerical inferiority. The higher the battle worthiness, the more vigorous and flexible war can be conducted.
The only way to measure battle worthiness of the troops the commander is leading is by knowing them; the leader must live with their soldiers. Getting to know their sorrows, their joys, their dangers and wants is the most reliable way to estimate battle worthiness.
A soldier is not only responsible for himself, but for his comrades. Those who can do more can instruct the inexperienced.
From this balance, real camaraderie and friendship forms, which leads to higher battle worthiness.
Discipline is paramount in combat, maintaining cohesion even in the most difficult circumstances is the key to victory.
A Moonglaive soldier must know that he is to accomplish his mission at all costs; death in combat is the most honorable way to die.
A leader must know his pride: allowing his troops to die for no territorial or tactical gain are elements of a bad leader.
Retreat, while undesirable, is sometimes the only choice in face of insurmountable odds or little tactical gain. When retreating, deception, discipline and cohesion are of the greatest importance in order to be successful.
All leaders are instructed to intervine any relaxation of discipline, panic, plundering and other damaging influences on the soldiers.
Troop strength are to be of the highest order in decisive moments. Those who unnecessarily fatigue threaten victory.
Troop Organization
As a section leader, trust, discipline and camaraderie are your biggest strengths in such a small number of troops.
As such, it is important to get to understand each of your soldier's abilities and purposes.
A section, following the Type 16XX, is composed of nine men; one leader, one assistant, three engineers, one battle priest and three riflemen. Five of them serve a specific purpose to achieve a certain goal.
Composition of a Section
1 - The leader of the section is tactically the most important soldier in the battlefield, but also the most ruthless and brave. He is to show excepcional courage with his troops by being the first soldier to charge into an enemy position, or by maintaining strict discipline in the most difficult situations.
2 - The section assistant, just like the leader, maintains equal and ample knowledge of the tactics of war. The assistant must be able to adapt quickly in all sort of situations. He comments and suggests on a section's planning, but the final word goes to the commander. In case of illness, injury or death of the leader, he is to immediately take temporary command of the section. In a rarer case, if the assistant and the leader fall in battle, the most senior soldier will take temporary command. If the soldier demonstrates extreme bravery and tactical awareness, he may be quickly promoted to a section leader.
3 - The heart of the Moonglaives does not lie only in bravery, but in firepower. More often than not, the Moonglaives enter combat without any sort of artillery support. Thus, the Moonglaive High Command added three engineers into a section. The Moonglaives commonly take part in destroying field fortifications or fortresses, for which they have been armed with explosives of varying sizes. In case of an attack, sabotage on an enemy building, the engineers are to be protected at all costs.
4 - In order to reinforce morale and the teachings of the great Selen, in each section an battle priest has been added. Those priests, educated with Selenism, give communions to soldiers before battle and maintain morale.
5 - Concerning the lack of tactical flexibility of a Moonglaive section, the High Command added three riflemen to bolster the forces. Those riflemen perform multiple tasks on the field, ranging from reconnaissance to assuming an engineer's role.