The possibilities of utilizing or of changing the characteristics of a theater of operations, to assist, hamper, or deny movement, are governed by considerations previously discussed (see the Principle of the Proper Physical Conditions to be established in the Field of Action--page 34). In planning the creation or maintenance of a favorable military situation from the standpoint of relative position, there may, therefore, profitably be included an examination into: (a) The relation which may exist between the geographical location of the subdivisions of one's own forces and (1) Those of the enemy, (2) Geographical areas under one's own control, and positions within those areas, (3) Geographical areas not under one's own control, and positions within those areas, (4) Areas coveted or in dispute, (5) Fixed actual and potential repair and operating bases and sources of supply and replenishment, own and enemy, controlled or otherwise. (b) The relation existing among the geographical locations listed immediately above, including the effect of possible changes in control. (c) The bearing of the sun and moon, and the direction of the wind and sea. (d) The length and vulnerability of possible lines of communication. (e) The time and distance, and resulting relative speeds, involved in movements necessary to change or to maintain an existing relation. (f) The measures incident to adequate freedom of action. A more detailed analysis of the factors influencing relative position is made in Section I-B of the Estimate Form (Chapter VI). * * * * * In connection with the factor of consequences as to costs, the requirement as to acceptability is a weighing of expected gains and of reasonably anticipated losses, a balancing of the one against the other, with due attention to the demands of future action, (see page 61). Military movement normally involves an inescapable expenditure of military resources. The characteristics of the theater, alone, will exact their due toll, even if no enemy be present. In the presence of the enemy, such expenditures may increase with great rapidity. The fundamental consideration here is whether the resultant losses are disproportionate to the gains. Avoidance of movement is frequently the correct decision, because movement, if it offers no advantages, is scarcely justifiable even if it entails no material loss. Movement, merely for the sake of moving, is not a profitable military operation. However, the conduct of military operations without major movement is a concept inherently defensive (page 75), even apathetic, whose outcome, against an energetic enemy, can rarely be other than defeat. In the execution of advantageous movement to achieve correct military objectives, the competent commander is always ready to accept the losses which are inseparable from his gains. * * * * *