K. This is the 1st working draft of vol. VI. It still ... - From Marx to Mao

BASIC TACTICS
important to inspire those within our army. The methods for this
work are diverse and are determined primarily by what is adapted to
the circumstances. For example:
(a) On the attack:
(i) When we suffer a surprise attack by the enemy while
advancing to attack, we should give an explanation such as
the following “Comrades! Airplanes cannot decide a battle.
We must seize this opportunity, advance rapidly, and quickly
come to grips with the enemy on the ground. Charge the enemy
with your bayonets!”
FROM MARX
TO MAO
(ii) When firing begins, we should encourage the soldiers
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in the following terms: “Comrades! Don’t shoot at random,
shoot only when you have taken careful aim. We must try to
kill an enemy with every bullet.”
(iii) When we are near the enemy and are about to charge,
the method for inspiring the soldiers is as follows:
“Comrades! The time to dispose of the enemy has
come. We shall pay no attention to sacrifice, we shall
summon up our courage, defeat the enemy and annihilate
him. Let our victory inspire the whole army! Forward
quickly! Charge!”
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(iv) When the first charge is repelled and we charge a
second time, we should encourage the soldiers as follows:
“Comrades! We are an invincible iron army, we are a mighty
unit victorious in every battle, we are absolutely resolved to
destroy this DISTRIBUTION
enemy and preserve our glorious reputation.”
(v) When officers are wounded or killed in battle, we
should exhort the troops as follows: “Comrades! Our officers
(So-and-so) and (So-and-so) have already sacrificed themselves
gloriously. Let us tread in their bloody footsteps, complete
their task, and annihilate the enemy before us. Let us
go and avenge them!”
(vi) If the enemy shows signs of wavering, we should exhort
the soldiers as follows: “Comrades! The enemy is wavering.
Charge quickly and capture his commander in chief
alive!”
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