Ferdinand Foch, a notable student of Clausewitz, diverged from the belief held by some German military theorists regarding fixed battle plans. Instead, he emphasized the importance of flexibility and the ability to adapt strategies in real-time according to the situation at hand. Foch believed that while regulations are useful for training, they become ineffective in true combat situations.

He argued that successful leadership requires the capacity to think critically and allow for initiative, acknowledging that unpredictable elements can influence outcomes. Foch championed the idea that a strong will and the ability to improvise are crucial for overcoming challenges on the battlefield.