Sun Tzu vs. USNA

The United States Naval Academy draws many parallels from Sun Tzu’s Sunzi in terms of military strategy and ideals concerning approaching war. Knowledge to Sun Tzu is integral to the continued victory and domination of an empire, as seen when he states in chapter three of Sunzi: “Knowing the other and knowing oneself, in one hundred battles no danger.” To the Navy as a whole, knowledge is of the utmost importance. Knowledge of the enemy and the understanding of how different aspects including cyber operations, air and weapon capability, and the exploitation of enemy strengths all allow the United States to better combat others. The Navy has a whole community, the Information Warfare Community, dedicated to using intelligence as a powerful weapon against enemies. At the Naval Academy, knowledge is pursued and the grasp of such is sought after. The Naval Academy requires the completion of both core stem classes as well as history and English courses to ensure its output of officers are of the most informed junior officers in the fleet. What separates Naval Academy graduates from officers graduating out of OCS and off of ROTC scholarships, is that their understanding of the Navy in all its aspects is generally higher due to military professional knowledge tests, mandatory classes like seamanship, and exposure to military instructors as well as just living in a military institution.

Alongside of knowledge, Sun Tzu preaches the values and ideals that military officers should uphold. “When military officers are sinking, they do not fear. Where they cannot leave, they stand firm. When they enter deep, they hold tightly. Where they cannot leave they fight.” (pp. 1-9, Tzu). At the Naval Academy, students are required to take leadership and ethics courses. Similar to military knowledge and knowledge and core classes, righteous values and morals are discussed in depth with military faculty, and events pertaining to good leadership like Forrestal lectures all require attendance, ensuring that midshipmen evaluate their own moral downfalls and strengths so that they may, in this new knowledge, better themselves so that they “stand firm” and “hold tightly” to the values they are entrusted to uphold.

Of the items discussed by Sun Tzu, these are two of the most useful and applicable to life in general. Both knowledge and virtuous principles are effective militarily in maintaining freedom and promoting democracy. Sun Tzu in Sunzi writes of several concepts that still relate and are seen built into the Naval Academy experience today. His writing is very effective in this was because of its universality, and the fact that ideas that it preaches are still recognized and taught to people today. The Naval Academy in a very noticeable way, is built around these principles of steadfastness and the importance of knowledge.

–Molly Gillcrist

Word Count: 415

Art of War or Battlefield Autocrat?

In the popular sci-fi novel Ender’s Game a small group of teenage strategic masterminds command massive swarms of mindless ships and crews in order to defeat their enemy in space. Although interesting, having command over a mindless force seems to be an idea limited to science fiction and video game simulations. However, Sun Tzu’s Art of War goes into detail about warfare of that exact nature. In his works, he outlines how an army should function, and how warfare should be conducted in Ancient China. Laozi, one of Sunzi’s contemporaries echoed his views that “one who is adept at defeating the enemy does not engage him”(Laozi 68). It is extremely costly in economic and human terms, and the ideal means of victory is to subdue the enemy without engaging them at all. But when two forces do engage in battle, the sole actor responsible for the performance of the army is the commander. The troops are to move as a mindless horde and directly follow the orders of the commander which are to be constantly shaped to the tide of battle.

Although these strategies were very successful in Ancient China, they are nearly polar opposite of what we are taught here at the United States Naval Academy. Here we are taught that as leaders, the most important thing is to know and care for the people you are leading. Treating those below you as mindless robots goes directly against the relationship-based leadership we have been preached since I-Day. The biggest advantage of our fighting force lies in our diversity and the wide range of different skills and life experiences sailors and marines bring to the table. Although orders have to be followed in most situations, a questioning attitude is encouraged at many times.

In pure theory, Sun Tzu’s philosophy in Art of War is extremely effective. If the commander is a strategic genius, then they will have full control of the battle, and like a chess grandmaster, will be unstoppable. However, for the culture of a military and its role in society, it is vital that warriors are treated with respect and dignity as real people. When the high up leadership fails, it is vital that warriors can think for themselves with a hierarchy of lower level leadership in order to take the tide of battle into their own hands. In modern warfare, and even ancient warfare, it is vital that forces are not dependent upon the decisions of a single leader, therefore USNA teaches us a much more viable style of leadership to be used as future officers in the Navy and Marine Corps.

Word Count: 436

-Ben Stanish

USNA and Sun Tzu: The Common Parallel

The Common Parallel

Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is one of the most read and studied military doctrines that has withstood the test of time. Sun Tzu’s overarching philosophy is the idea that preparation means the most when it comes to developing the military, and, when the time comes for war, one should only enter battles in which they can win, with certain factors paving the path for victory. Paralleling Sun Tzu, the Naval Academy, subconsciously, teaches similar techniques that are intended to prepare one for future endeavors. With centuries of trial and error, this has proven to be the most effective way to run the Academy and the best way to prepare midshipmen for the real world.

Sun Tzu continuously stresses how important it is for one to be prepared; essentially, the one who is most prepared will come out on top. Although Sun Tzu is speaking about actual battle, this idea of always being ready is something that is taught through one’s time at the Academy. From the minute we get here, we are expected to pay attention to the little things and, in a sense, pursue perfection in all aspects. As a result of this, when one graduates, they will be diligent in all efforts and not allow for any mishaps. According to Sun Tzu, “Defeat belongs to the side that scores least in the temple calculations before battle” (Sun Tzu 4) – if one does not prepare, then one cannot expect to come out victorious. By the Academy preaching this, it will help drill this ideal into our minds so that, when the time comes, we are capable leaders. This is extremely effective as it begins to shape one’s way of thinking, making pursuing excellence a habit rather than a task.

The next major point covered is the idea of only entering battles that one has the capability of winning. At first, I viewed this as reasonable and something that the Academy does not teach us. In fact, the Academy often prides itself in pushing people’s boundaries and making them be uncomfortable, which contradicts what Sun Tzu was referring to. But, after second thought, I arrived at the conclusion that the Academy does follow this ideal just in a different manner. By making midshipmen uncomfortable and forcing them to expand their horizons, it is, inadvertently, making one ready to always have the capability to succeed. There are few scenarios where one can always be certain in their ability to win but, with the right tools, there are few scenarios where one cannot be confident enough in their ability to win. Essentially, the Academy is making one prepared for the adversity that will be faced in the fleet, and by pushing our limits, our minds will be sharp enough to overcome these obstacles and succeed. It becomes a mindset that one develops after countless failures but still being able to make it through. In relation to Sun Tzu, “The skillful Warrior avoids the keen spirit attacks the dull and the homesick; this is Mastery of Spirit” (11), he claims that one’s mindset should be prepared for the dark times and know how to deal with these situations. This will provide one with the edge to be confident in any conquests in life, especially in battle.

Despite the many flaws that one may view the Academy to have, especially as a midshipmen, the Academy does a fantastic job in instilling Sun Tzu’s ideals to prepare us for when our time comes after graduation.

Pablo Loza

Word Count: 549

Sun-Tzu, The Art of War. Trans. John Minford. London: Penguin, 2009.

Roman Ethnocentrism

Back during the times of the Roman empire when the Roman polytheistic religion was at its height, Christianity was regarded as a suspicious and immoral religion. It was seen as a potential end to the Roman empire and they did whatever they did to get rid of it. Although there may be some qualms about freedom of religion, during that time, the Romans were justified in their actions in attempting to stamp out Christianity as a result of the existence of ethnocentrism.

Ethnocentrism is the viewpoint of looking at the world from one’s own culture. This often results in other cultures and religions being seen as “primitive” and strange. This also develops a superiority complex of sorts as people believe that their method of life is the supreme way to live life. Their Gods and their traditions are more right than other people’s Gods and traditions. Especially in the Roman empire, where the size of the empire allowed for great diversity and a common religion was one of the few things allowing for a sense of unity to be established, a new, radical religion could be seen as a disruption.

Furthermore, the Romans did not even know what the Christians did due to not communicating with them. As the Christian religion was so strange and completely different when compared to the Roman polytheistic religion, their traditions seemed alien. It was treated as a disease, as shown in Pliny’s letters to Emperor Trajan where he refers to Christianity as being able to seem “possible to check and cure it” (Pliny 10.96). In these letters to Emperor Trajan, Pliny continuously expresses his confusion regarding the Christian religion with himself not knowing “what offenses it is the practice to punish or investigate and to what extent” (Pliny 10.96). The Romans clearly had no idea what Christianity did or what it was and had little interest in finding out as due to their ethnocentrism, saw no reason to.

The Romans saw their own polytheistic religion as the superior one, and consequently inferred that the Christian religion was a threat to the empire. The concept of freedom of religion was not yet present in the empire. The Romans would not simply just allow a new religion to come sweeping in to displace all the traditions and customs that had been in place for centuries. It would completely disrupt everything and even allow for future large scale changes that could lead to the collapse of the empire. The Romans had a justified fear and a want to take the problem out before it became a big issue. Their ethnocentrism made them wary of Christianity and their strange, alien customs and a need to remove it was seen as mandatory in order to continue the Roman empire.

-Eugene Om

Word Count- 434

Blog #4: Sun Tzu and USNA

In The Art of War, Sun Tzu’s advises military leaders to win wars by fighting smart. Like our military, he emphasizes a core set of values, efficient fighting, and victory by any means. His idea teaching align with those of the Naval Academy, especially his emphasis on winning wars with as little cost as possible.

Sun Tzu is in favor of winning through planning, strategy, and flexibility as opposed to brute force. He provides Five Fundamentals to consider in planning: “The Way, / Heaven, / Earth, / Command, / [and] Discipline.” (Sun Tzu 3). In defining these principles, he stresses unity among troops, balance, and clarity. According to his teachings, if you know yourself and your enemy well enough to assess these qualities, you can determine who will be victorious. Once you have this knowledge, he explains how you can develop a plan, then leverage any advantages you have. Particularly, Sun Tzu favors the deception, saying “The Way of War is / A Way of Deception.” (Sun Tzu 6). In battle, knowing enough and planning in advance to be able to deceive your enemy is the best way to secure victory. Strategy is so important in Sun Tzu’s methods that he says that “Ultimate excellence lies / Not in winning / Every battle / But in defeating the enemy / Without ever fighting / This is the highest form of warfare / Is to attack / Strategy itself.” (Sun Tzu 14). If you deceive then surprise the enemy, you can attack him while he is weak and off-guard, ensuring the most favorable odds for your troops. Once engaged in battle, Sun Tzu emphasizes being capable of fighting and disciplined to make rational decisions in order to adapt to change; to “master / The stratagem of / The crooked / And the straight.” (Sun Tzu 43). In being the smartest, a commander can set his troops up to be the strongest in battle, in order to ensure victory.

The Naval Academy teaches similar values to Sun Tzu. Midshipmen are required to take a variety of classes, be professionally competent and be well educated in order to be able to think critically in order to develop strategies. We have to take “professional knowledge” tests on information on our military’s capabilities as well as those of our enemies to ensure that we fully understand the situation. As well, we are taught to value Honor, Courage, and Commitment, so that we all have clear, common core values in order to be united. In this, it can be seen that almost all of the things we are taught can be connected to one of Sun Tzu’s teachings.

While the Naval Academy and Sun Tzu are separated by thousands of years, their teachings are remarkable similar. While they may be similar because the Naval Academy may have been influence to Sun Tzu, it is a testament to the wisdom of Sun Tzu’s teachings that they are still applicable in a world that has changed significantly.

-Hanna Prince

Word count: 431

Sun-Tzu, The Art of War. Trans. John Minford. London: Penguin, 2009.

“Art of War” and USNA

Art of War is Sun Tzu’s creative text on military strategy and leadership. He divides his writings into three main over-arching philosophies. The first idea being the proper entry into war. Tzu outlines the danger of war but also mentions the beauty of what can come of it: wisdom, integrity, discipline, and courage. He presents questions and statements that hint to the importance of not only having a strong army, but also having proper training, having the ability to fight, and having clear punishments or rewards. Tzu’s first chapter can be summed into one simple statement: only enter into war when you know you can win.

Tzu’s second portion discusses the importance of strategy in war, “ultimate excellence lies in not winning every battle, but defeating the enemy without ever fighting. The highest form of warfare is to attack strategy itself” (Tzu 15). Ultimately, this section makes the argument that strategy and advantage over the enemy is the most important part of war. At USNA, this applies heavily. Time and time again midshipmen are expected to keep up to date in world dilemmas, technology, and foreign affairs in order to educate themselves about possible military threats. More specifically, USNA requires Cyber Security classes simply because of the advantage cyber warfare can give over the enemy. Ultimately, these examples play heavily into developing strategy and winning over the enemy.

Tzu’s last section focuses on the importance of leadership and application in war, thus applying closely to the lessons taught at USNA. In these passages, the focus is leadership of your men, or in other words, suggestions about how to be a proper leader. “He confronts chaos with discipline; he treats tumult with calm. This is mastery of mind’ (Tzu 45). This is just one of many quotes that closely describes the lessons leadership taught at USNA. Specifically, it is well known that midshipmen receive much training on the mastery of leadership styles that all must include proper management of emotions and responses such as discipline. This is the moral development of midshipmen.

Tzu describes the mastery of strength by proper management of closeness, ease, and resources. This is closely related to the physical mission of USNA. A leader must be able to meet exhaustion of sailors and marines with ease, thus they are required to be in top physical condition. Moreover, a leader is expected to use any type of resource last in order to ensure that leader maintains enough of that resource for his or her men and women, closely relating to Tzu’s description of meeting “hunger with plenty.”

Word Count: 429

-Brandon Gore

Sun-Tzu, The Art of War. Trans. John Minford. London: Penguin, 2009.

The similarities of Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” and USNA

The title of the Poem, “Sun Tzu’s Art of War”, gives insight into Sun Tzu’s viewpoint of how war should be approached with caution, believing that war is a delicacy. War is a term that is generally is associated, with havoc and chaos, however, Sun Tzu describes it as an “art” referring to a systematic approach to fighting. He realizes the importance of war, concluded that if the approach of war was handled properly than many benefits can be reaped. Sun Tzu, comparing war to art, demonstrates his conclusion that fighting should be approached in a systematic way, attention to detail. This belief is supported by his approach to war, relying heavily on preparation and using one’s intellectual abilities to maximize the capabilities of the force to get a favorable outcome. This assumption is supported by fighting “smarter and not harder”. The results of war can change tremendously in response to the actions both during the war and in the preparation of war. He states, “Victory belongs to the side / That scores most/ In the temple calculations/ Before Battle” (Art of War), which emphasizes not only the use of tactics and organization while the middle of fighting, but is about the preparation before the battle that signifies the results.

The first lesson that Midshipmen learn when indoctrinated into the Navy is “attention to detail”. The foundation of plebe summer is to develop the discipline to put equal effort and care in every aspect. This is shown in Sun Tzu’s approach to fighting as he believed that every aspect of war was equally important and could impact the final result. He employs that the formula of war is simple if the necessary steps are taken in every aspect of the battle. Sun Tzu says, “Follow the advantage,/master the opportunity:/this is the dynamic” (Art of War), emphasizing that actions should be done to maximize advantages. This promotes the idea that every action has a purpose and as a result should be done with that intent. This can be compared to the jobs plebes are required to do, such as squaring corners and chopping. Although as tedious as they may be, they serve as a distinctive purpose.

Sun Tzu’s mindset on war is similar to the values of Midshipmen as they learn and prepare to become officers who are in charge of leading others in war. Throughout both our time at the Academy, we experience that the outcome of situations is highly dependent on ones thought, actions, character. Because of the importance of being not only competent technical areas such as Engineering courses, but we are required to take many courses throughout our time at the Academy including Leadership and Ethics and Moral Reasoning which serve to expand for the Fleet when we are put in real life situations. Each class hones in on a different skill or region of development in order to prepare to become the best officer in the Navy. I think in many ways the two philosophies, that of Sun Tzu, and the Naval Academy, are very similar and are effective in their ability to focus on the real purpose of something in order to reap the absolute benefits.

-Caroline Foley

Word Count: 500

Sun-Tzu, The Art of War. Trans. John Minford. London: Penguin, 2009.

The Academy and Sun Tzu

Master Sun Tzu’s Art of War really emphasizes the importance of deception and being smart while in battle. He also emphasizes being strong in all aspects. For example, feigning ability when you are able and when you are deploying troops, act like you are not. According to Sun Tzu, to lead your people well, you must have this mental ability and be able to see the big picture. You cannot get caught up in the little details of war, this will potentially cloud judgement and lead to defeat. This relates to midshipmen and the techniques used at the Naval Academy because all midshipmen are required to take a variety of classes, be athletes of some sort, as well as participate in a good amount military training. This combination of learning throughout our four years here at the Academy force us to adapt and become well-rounded individuals ready for the Fleet and ready to lead our people.

For the academic part of our development, we are required to take classes in math, engineering, humanities, as well as military focused courses such as leadership and ethics. This ensures that we are able to think critically in the Fleet. It also ensures that every officer has a base foundation of math and technical skills.

For the sports, intramurals/varsity sports as well as the PRT (physical readiness test), force midshipmen to work out and keep their body in good shape to be ready to commission. As for the military part of our development, midshipmen go to parades, formations, and mandatory events that sometimes eat up whole evenings. This is to teach time management and efficiency, which are both valuable skills to have as an officer.

Sun Tzu states in Art of War that you should always “know the enemy, know yourself, and victory is never in doubt”. This relates to USNA because you must know yourself if you want to succeed here. You have to know your abilities and what your true motivation is to be able to grind it out every week. If you are able to commit your mind and know yourself as Sun Tzu says, victory (graduation) is virtually guaranteed. Sun Tzu also states “be ready for the unexpected”. This hold true at the academy as well because there are a lot of things thrown at you that could potentially put you in mental distraught and make you lose track of yourself. If you prepare yourself ahead of time and brace for things to go wrong and realize that it’s going to happen, the whole process becomes easier to handle and you will be back on your feet quicker.

Sun Tzu’s Art of War and the philosophy embedded in it relates to the academy in many different ways, from being well-rounded in all aspects to knowing your own abilities as well as preparing for the worst. These values will prepare us to commission into the US Navy or Marine Corps as capable officers in the future if we hold true to them and learn from them.

-Peter Lohrbach

Word count: 505

Chinese vs. American Military Strategy

Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” has a deep focus on the importance of logistics in war, placing a greater value on planning and thinking as opposed to reacting, and it outlines the many ways in which an army can be successful in war. It explores the roles of “making of plans”, the “strategic offensive”, and “the fray” in warfare, among others, and explains how each of these aspects contribute to war strategy. Some aspects of these strategies overlap with the tactics taught here at USNA that we then go on to use in the Navy and US military in general, however some clash in fundamental ways.

Tzu’s chapter on the “Making of Plans”, although maybe not intended to, provides a general summary of his military strategy. In this chapter, he emphasizes the importance of “The Way, Heaven, Earth, Command, [and] Discipline”(Tzu 4), the “Five Fundamentals”, in victory in warfare. It is in these fundamentals that we simultaneously see the key similarities and differences in Tzu’s tactics and the tactics taught at USNA. “The Way” emphasizes man’s dedication to their leaders; while dedication to leadership is a key aspect of our military strategy, we aren’t taught that our people should be “of one mind” with us. Instead, diversity is encouraged, and while we want close followers, we don’t want robots following us just because we are occupational leaders. “Heaven” emphasizes balance, which isn’t a tactic that we’re taught here at all. As an officer, your primary task is to lead your people, and you’re dedicated to that aspect of the job 100% of the time. “Earth” talks about analyzing your surroundings and gauging your environment, something heavily emphasized at USNA, since paying attention to detail is key to any military operation. “Command” outlines the key traits of a leader, describing a leader as wise, courageous, of integrity, compassionate, and severe. Except for “severe”, all of these are emphasized here at USNA. USNA values different leadership styles, and being severe is not always the best way to approach leadership, however these other listed traits are core traits of an officer, as emphasized by USNA. Finally, “Discipline” emphasizes organization in the military. This fundamental overlaps the most with USNA-taught tactics. Discipline here starts at I-Day and has no rest, and it is injected into every part of our life because of how big of a role it plays in the US military. All of these fundamentals speak to the importance of preparation in warfare, since all of them are things that must be practiced and planned prior to battle.

I think that the American military strategy that is taught here at USNA is more effective. In China’s history, it has gone through a series of periods of unrest both between and during the reign of different dynasties. China’s past is, therefore, unstable, largely as a result of many of its military policies that hurdled them into conflicts or clashes of varying degrees. America, on the other hand, while involved in varying armed conflicts, has actually grown stronger because of our military. In the case of China, I think their military actually destabilized the country at some points, but in the US the military actually provides stability. I think this can be attributed to America’s emphasis not on balance but on choice. Command is pretty subjective in the US military and there is no one right way to be a good leader, but Tzu’s strategy very clearly outlines the “rights and wrongs” to command. Overall, therefore, while there is significant overlap between Tzu’s ideas and the tactics taught here at USNA, in general, USNA-taught tactics are more effective because of the results they yield in the American military

–Katie Mackle

Word count: 600

Sources:

Sun Tzu, “Art of War”

“Christians Are Scary” -Roman Elites

The Romans were justified in their fear of the early Christians, as the Christian faith usurps an integral part of Roman society: its social stratification. The Romans adhered to a hierarchical social system in which varying levels of power were associated and legally denoted to individuals of higher standing within their community. Christianity, via the very nature of the religion, tends to contrast with the Roman ideas of weighted importance of singular individuals.

The tale of Christ, as presented in the Bible, accounts for Jesus’s affinity for the poor and those of lower social standing. The first people to be granted to the knowledge of his birth were lowly shepherds outside Bethlehem walls. The first people to hear of his resurrection were a group of women. The people he surrounded himself with were a collective of tax collectors, zealots, thiefs, and fishermen, professions of which did not lend themselves to be recognized as people of power, influence, nor respect. Jesus’s recognition of these types of people in the Christian faith as not only individuals who may practice Christianity, but critical to the success of the religion, inspires a movement of equality with regards to people of all social standings. However, this directly contrasted the rigid social structure of the ancient Romans. Those who were in power, namely the patricians, used the plebeians as a workforce and convinced many plebeians to follow them as patrons in return for protection. If a religion that boasts social equity were to become widespread, then the very power the patricians had created would be stripped away by a deity.

Furthermore, the Christians’ inflexibility contrasted the syncretic nature of the Roman religion. The mystery cults of the Roman era were often enveloped into the mythology of the Roman religion because the polytheism of Roman mythology allowed for it. However, it was important to note that this interaction between the cults and the Roman religion was swayed in the favor of the Romans, as the mystery cults’ faith would become a part of the Roman mythology and thus adhere to the homogeneity of Roman culture. Religion is a means of maintaining order as it controls the thought and moral basis of those engaged with the religion, and therefore using the symmetric nature of the Roman mythology as a means connect with other faiths, allows the Romans to influence the morals of those of different faiths. Pliny remarks that “For I had no doubt that, whatever the nature of their creed, stubbornness and inflexible obstinacy surely deserve to be punished” in regards to the Christians he has met (Pliny, 10.96-97). The Christian inability to be flexible is cause for alarm for the Romans because it creates a situation in which conflicting morals are present within a society. Successful nations or empires are successful because there is a common goal or ideology that is adhered to by the populous. The counterculture of Christianity within Rome does not adhere to the common goal of Rome, and thus may be deemed dangerous by the elite.

The counterculture’s dangerous nature further expands when the symbols of Christianity are viewed. The death of a god on a cross did not align with the Roman connotation of crosses with the poor or criminals. The assertion that Christ was God and King undermined the power of Caesar. The equity of all people undermined Roman social hierarchies. Christianity was a threat because it was a religion for the poor.

-Jackson Garber

Words: 574

Pliny, Letters 10.96-97