The impetus of existing plans is always stronger than the impulse to change. The Kaiser could not change Moltke's plan nor could Kitchener alter Henry Wilson's nor Lanrezac alter Joffre's.
The quote from Barbara W. Tuchman’s "The Guns of August" emphasizes the powerful inertia of established strategies in military planning. Leaders often find themselves bound by existing plans that have been developed and set in motion, making it challenging to initiate changes even when circumstances evolve. Historical figures such as the Kaiser and Kitchener faced significant hurdles when attempting to modify the tactical frameworks created by their military planners, illustrating a common theme in leadership and strategy.
This tendency to adhere to pre-existing plans reveals the complexities of command and decision-making in wartime. It suggests that once a plan gains traction, the desire and ability to pivot to a new strategy may be diminished. As a result, despite changes in the landscape of conflict, commanders can feel compelled to follow established protocols, which may not always serve their best interests or adapt to new realities on the battlefield.
