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Reserve

Why It Matters

Commitment is irreversible. Once forces are engaged, they're not available for other purposes. Reserve maintains flexibility to respond to emerging situation.

The Key Move

Ask: what fraction of capability should I commit initially vs hold back? The answer depends on uncertainty (more uncertainty = larger reserve) and opportunity for exploitation (need reserve to exploit success).

Classic Application

Napoleon's reserve. Held back the Imperial Guard until the decisive moment, then committed overwhelming force at the critical point. Reserve enables concentration at the moment of decision.

Surprising Application

Time and energy management. Don't schedule 100% of time. Reserve slack enables response to unexpected opportunities or problems. Fully committed capacity can't adapt.

Failure Modes

  • No reserve (fully committed, can't adapt)
  • Reserve too large (main effort underpowered)
  • Committing reserve too early (no longer available for actual crisis)
  • Committing reserve too late (opportunity passes)

Go Deeper

Clausewitz on reserve. Campaign analyses of reserve employment.