Final answer:
The key elements of command include The Moral Law, Heaven, Earth, The Commander, and Method and Discipline. These factors are crucial for effective command in military strategy and leadership, integrating moral authority, environmental and geographical awareness, personal virtues, and organizational skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key elements of command, as derived from the art of war and leadership principles, incorporate a set of fundamental factors that are essential for effective governance and military strategy. The identified elements include:
- The Moral Law: Establishing harmony between the ruler and the people so they will follow commands unquestioningly.
- Heaven: Understanding environmental factors such as day and night, weather conditions, and seasons.
- Earth: Recognizing geographical aspects like distances, terrain, and strategic positions.
- The Commander: Embodying virtues such as wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness.
- Method and Discipline: Organizing and maintaining the military structure, ranks, logistics, and budget.
These elements should be familiar to every general as they are foundational to success in any military or leadership endeavor. Command thus involves the integration of moral authority, environmental awareness, geographical knowledge, personal virtues, and organizational skills.