Tactical Disposition and Energy

The chapter entitled "Tactical Disposition" deals loosely with the elements of modern offensive and defensive operations. Sun Tzu talks about the importance of gaining key terrain and being able to properly prepare for combat operations (offensive or defensive). He says: "The one who excels at warfare first establishes himself in a position where he cannot be defeated while not losing an opportunity to defeat the enemy."

Chapter 5, "Energy," talks about the requirements for successful soldiers on the battlefield. Sun Tzu states that one "engages with the orthodox and gains victory with the unorthodox." A soldier, especially an officer, must be able to think outside the box and use available resources to his advantage. Doing cookie-cutter STX lanes is great for developing basic tactical knowledge, but an efficient leader must also be able to respond well to variables and unexpected events. This also ties in with another point Sun Tzu makes. He says: "Intermixed and turbulent, the fighting appears chaotic, but they cannot be made disordered." This means that an effective soldier must remain calm in the chaos of combat and they will be able to make good decisions. He sums up this chapter by saying: "The one who excels at warfare seeks victory through the strategic configuration of power, not from reliance on men."