Final answer:
A disadvantage of a two-man fighting position is that it can lead to exhaustion and reduced combat effectiveness, as overextended soldiers may not perform well. Additionally, communication may become unreliable under stress, undermining coordinated defense and attack efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
A disadvantage of a two-man fighting position in military tactics can be linked to the exhaustion and potential ineffectiveness of the soldiers. Drawing from the concepts in Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War,' we find that sustaining the force's momentum is crucial. In the context of point 7, overextending by making forced marches can exhaust the soldiers, leaving the men in a two-man position potentially fatigued, thus reducing their combat effectiveness.
If a fighting approach strains the soldiers excessively, as mentioned in point 8, the stronger soldiers might overexert themselves while the jaded ones fall behind, greatly diminishing the effectiveness of the unit. Considering this, continuous and prolonged engagement in a two-man position might lead to a similar outcome, where one fighter may become exhausted faster than the other, compromising their defense and coordinated attack strategies. Additionally, point 2 stresses the importance of communication, which can be less reliable in a two-man scenario under heavy stress or confusion during battle.