We find upon investigation that we have permitted certain practical talents to lie unused in our minds. We have not acquired the habit of observing anything outside of our desire, of listening to anything outside of our interest, and of explaining anything outside of simplicity. Strict observation, attention, and exposition are the ordinary tools of a military man. Let him develop them to the highest degree and he has done no more than is expected of him. Here, between the study of the field message, which informs commanders, and the field order, which directs troops, it is especially fitting for us to reckon with mental improvement. For it is in this interval between the information’s coming to, and the decision’s going from, a leader that the fateful question arises, “What is my plan?” His thoughts, before they arrive at a decision, must take in and classify in a certain definite order all obtainable and pertinent facts. He must assemble all his data before he can take the slightest risk as to how his troops are to act. Lives are at stake in the passing minutes; victory is awaiting the decision. In all this stress and excitement the commander must observe and listen as if he were stalking a deer in a thicket. And when his mind is made up he must formulate his decision as if he were sitting before his own peaceful hearth writing a letter. But he must do both in one per cent of the time allowed for stalking deer or writing letters. To acquire this ability, he must have regarded beforehand the development of these three talents as a necessity. If he has caused himself to be a faithful observer, so that he is capable of taking in many details at once, if he has compelled himself to be a keen listener so that he can absorb every word instantly, if he has made himself into a skilful instructor so that he can express rapidly his exact wishes and knowledge, he will be able, when the crisis comes, to give his entire attention to his plan. Otherwise he will be hampered. If he has not observed, if he has not listened, he will be able neither to decide nor to state his will forcibly. The following hints may show us our deficiencies: 1. In regard to the scope and habit of observation,— (a) Look out of the window, count off to yourself five seconds, turn about and see how much of the view or of its salient features you can describe. (b) After you have taken your next long walk through the woods or open country, go over in your mind your journey. Pick out points along the course and see whether you know in regard to each: (1) the appearance and number of trees within your view, (2) the rise and fall of the ground within your view, (3) or the direction you next took. (c) What is the exact color of the hair or eyes, or the shape of the hands of your closest associates?