"An Army is a collection of armed men obliged to obey one man. Every change in the rules which impairs the principle weakens the army"

William Tecumseh Sherman's words underscore the essence of military cohesion and the indispensable role of unified command. An army functions not simply as a group of armed individuals, but as an organism whose effectiveness depends upon organization, discipline, and most critically, a single line of authority. Each soldier’s individual agency is temporarily subordinated to the collective will embodied by one leader, ensuring rapid response to threats and coherence of action amidst the chaos of battle.

The central idea is that the army’s strength rests upon its principle of absolute obedience to leadership. Discipline and hierarchy transform disparate men into a unified force, permitting swift and decisive action. By requiring soldiers to obey a single command structure, armies minimize confusion, hesitation, and conflicting initiatives, factors that can ruin military endeavors. This organizational clarity distinguishes a professional military force from a mere mob of armed men, endowing an army with both physical power and moral force.

Any revision of the rules or customs that undermines the authority of the commander inherently threatens the integrity of the entire force. Allowing multiple sources of authority, encouraging debate or indecision in moments of crisis, or blurring chains of command all dilute the very essence of military discipline. When soldiers begin to question orders, hesitate in their obedience, or look to multiple leaders for direction, the principle binding the army erodes, making it vulnerable to breakdown, demoralization, and defeat.

Sherman’s assertion reflects hard-won lessons from history: armies collapse when unity of command falters, regardless of their numbers or weaponry. The obedience of the many to the judgment of the one, while often a heavy burden for soldiers and their leader, is non-negotiable for military effectiveness. Only by preserving this principle can an army maintain its strength, its discipline, and its capacity to act as an instrument of collective will.