For the moment, I am relying on the authority of Cahir aep Ceallach, the only soldier in our company - and Cahir confirmed that winning battles by means of a rapid escape from the battlefield is permissible from the point of view of most military doctrines.
This quote highlights a strategic perspective that challenges traditional notions of victory through direct confrontation. It underscores the importance of flexibility and adaptability in warfare, suggesting that sometimes, the best course of action is to prioritize survival and tactical repositioning over stubborn resistance. Such an approach can be likened to modern guerrilla tactics, where avoiding unnecessary losses and conserving strength for future engagements often outweigh the importance of holding a position at all costs. It invites reflection on the nature of leadership and decision-making during chaos—trusting experts and contextual judgment over rigid doctrines. The emphasis on rapid escape does not undermine the importance of resilience; instead, it recognizes that strategic withdrawal can be a calculated move toward eventual victory, enabling a force to regain strength, gather intelligence, and counterattack when the circumstances are more favorable. The quote also subtly explores the ethics of warfare—questioning what constitutes a valid victory and whether sometimes, retreat is a sign of strategic wisdom rather than defeat. This perspective resonates deeply within the broader theme of adaptive leadership, emphasizing that understanding the nuances of each situation can lead to more sustainable results, even if they diverge from conventional triumphs. Overall, it prompts us to consider the complexity of warfare and leadership, highlighting that success is often not defined solely by battle wins but by the ability to navigate challenges intelligently and ethically.
