Final answer:
Statements about the forward march being a military strategy used in ancient warfare, involving troops moving in a planned formation toward the enemy, and aiming to overwhelm opponents are likely true. Option B is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of a "forward march" in the context of military strategy seems to refer to a standard advancement tactic employed by armies. Based on the general principles outlined by Sun Tzu and historical accounts of military operations, we can infer certain truths about the forward march:
It may involve troops moving toward the enemy in a planned formation, which could be interpreted as linear or otherwise strategic based on the circumstances.
The goal of such a march would likely be to exert pressure on the opponent, potentially to overwhelm them or exploit weaknesses in their defenses.
The forward march could be seen as a basic and direct tactic that may not always reflect the nuance of ancient or modern warfare, where factors such as terrain, deception, and the element of surprise play critical roles.
While military tactics evolved significantly with changes in technology and army composition, such as the advent of gunpowder reducing the role of cavalry, the basic idea of a forward movement towards an enemy force remains a central concept in warfare.
It is less likely that the forward march was a strategy primarily employed in naval warfare, as naval engagements often involve distinct tactics and maneuvers specific to the challenges of aquatic environments.
Given the available information, it seems reasonable to assume that statements (a), (b), and (c) about the forward march may hold some truth, while statement (d) may be less accurate.