Mao Tse-tung on Guerrilla Warfare
his nets through the lead ropes, so the guerrilla leader maintains contact with and control over his units. As the fisherman must change his position, so must the guerrilla commander. Dispersion, concentration, constant change of position—it is in these ways that guerrillas employ their strength.
In general, guerrilla units disperse to operate:
- When the enemy is in overextended defense, and sufficient force cannot be concentrated against him, guerrillas must disperse, harass him, and demoralize him.
- When encircled by the enemy, guerrillas disperse to withdraw.
- When the nature of the ground limits action, guerrillas disperse.
- When the availability of supplies limits action, they disperse.
- Guerrillas disperse in order to promote mass movements over a wide area.
Regardless of the circumstances that prevail at the time of dispersal, caution must be exercised in certain matters:
- A relatively large group should be retained as a central force. The remainder of the troops should not be divided into groups of absolutely equal size. In this way, the leader is in a position to deal with any circumstances that may arise.
- Each dispersed unit should have clear and definite responsibilities. Orders should specify a place to which to
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