Further, the forms prescribed by the Regulations render it more difficult to make use of such assistance as the nature of the ground may offer us. Plainly, it is very much more to our advantage in the conduct of offensive operations to bring up those units which one has at one's disposal--with the sole exception of a Reserve, which is not to be kept too weak, at deploying intervals on the same alignment--in formations which adapt themselves well to the ground, and insure rapid deployment to the front, with the necessary depth in the supports following. For this purpose I recommend primarily the 'double column' either in Brigades or in Regiments. This arrangement of the troops satisfies all practical conditions, and insures, above all, the possibility of bringing all forces simultaneously into action, and of carrying out offensive flanking operations; further, it makes it easier for the Commander to take advantage of such support as the ground affords, and to mass his chief strength on one wing; and, finally, it gives us the shortest line of attack upon the enemy, and makes it easier to avoid the use of inner lines. It unites thus all the advantages of the regulation 'Line' ('Treffen') formation, and avoids its many serious disadvantages; hence it should be employed fundamentally wherever possible. Turning now to the employment of Cavalry on the battle-field, the first condition which has to be satisfied is to assign to the 'Masses' their proper place in the line of battle. They must not only be at hand when wanted, but also at the spot which promises the most favourable tactical chances and the greatest prospect of decisive results. Further, they must be able to recognise the right moment to take part in the combat. With reference to the first point, I should, above all, like to call attention to the writings of General von Schlichting.[10] [Footnote 10: 'Tactical and Strategical Principles of the Present Day,' part i., chap, vii., B.] Theoretically, the Cavalry 'Mass' is best united on that wing of the battle front which is not supported, but destined for further manoeuvres, hence on which the Arm will enjoy freedom of movement as far as the ground allows. Naturally, it will not always be possible to assign them such a place, but their position will result generally from the course of the previous manoeuvring.