The decision to finally mobilize for war should be weighed with the strictest consideration. It must only be undertaken as a last resort, when the avenues of diplomacy and subterfuge have been exhausted. War brings destabilization to the economy and the rapid consumption of manpower. It has the potential to destroy future generations or leave you in a more perilous position compared to start of the prosecution. Only when the repercussions of inaction outweighs the cost of war should it be chosen as your practical.
When deliberating, it is the commander's responsibility to choose campaign objectives. Proper and reasonable achievements must be outlined, lest you overstretch the forces at your disposal. Your goal may be to annex resources or remove rivals from contested territory. Perhaps it is the utter annihilation of an enemy altogether. Let the assets you possess dictate the scope of your ambition. If said objective is achievable, be sure to have practical means of defending it from reprisal. If you cannot maintain supply lines or the upkeep of said forces, reevaluate your strategy.
The commander must also take popular opinion into account. Your army is a reflection of the faction's principles and their approval will be determined by how you perform this undertaking. If the populace values aggression, strike first, fast and relentlessly. If they dislike violence as a morale imperative, let your enemy make the first attack. Alternatively, engineer a scenario where the enemy is seen as the primary aggressor. Going against societal demands will damage the army's morale and exacerbate the chances of defeat.
War must be swift. It must be concluded in the shortest timeframe possible with the maximum conservation of manpower. The longer war drags on, the faster discipline diminishes. Public opinion will inevitably turn on you if they perceive tardiness or the squandering of resources. A thousand victories are inferior to one decisive deathblow.
Remember, we are the Republic's guardians not its war hounds. It is our duty to shepherd it and keep it unshackled from vicious weaknesses. Of course battle will come and we must be strong enough to keep the realm secure. But do not covet war's inevitability for it is never destined to last for eternity. If you spend your entire career with blade in hand, you will have fundamentally failed in your vocation.
Revan, Observations: remark 12, section 9
Authors Notes:
Happy New Year everyone! Just wanted to post another section from Revan's notes. As you can probably tell, these will crop from time to time to supplement the greater narrative. I'm working on the next chapter but it'll probably take awhile to flesh out properly. Thanks again for continuous reader feedback!
TichePotato chapter 22 . Nov 25, 2019
Don't worry, the horror will never quite leave this story ;)
SaintofTheKnife chapter 22 . Nov 25, 2019
Thanks for all the support! I'm really flattered that this is one of you favourite series!
r4PT0rian chapter 22 . Nov 26, 2019
Glad you like Noctua's return. She's definitely going to drive the next major arc of this story!