| 16. Now in order to
kill the enemy, our men must be roused to anger; that there may be
advantage from defeating the enemy, they must have their rewards. |
Anger has a
biochemical effect on the body and the brain. Fear is forgotten.
Adrenaline courses through the muscles. The natural state for
fighting is aroused.
A simmering anger also is effective in motivating troops over the
longer term. In this way the atrocities of the enemy may be held up
and amplified
such that they create a longer-term hatred that drive the army on
and on until victory is gained.
The desire for
justice
is a result of a feeling of
betrayal or that sacred
values have
been transgressed. When victory is the means of restoration, then
soldiers will single-mindedly seek the defeat of their bitter
enemies. |
| 17. Therefore in
chariot fighting, when ten or more chariots have been taken, those
should be rewarded who took the first. Our own flags should be
substituted for those of the enemy, and the chariots mingled and
used in conjunction with ours. The captured soldiers should be
kindly treated and kept. |
Position the spoils
of war as just reward for defeating the cursed enemy.
Celebrate the victors and the brave. Make taking of the spoils of
war a glorious thing.
Yet also beware of the damaging effects of
extrinsic motivation. When the spoils of war become the main
motivation, soldiers lose focus.
Ensure your troops do not become as animals, for example by
sustaining humanity in the treatment of prisoners. When the enemy's possessions
have been taken, the person may be forgiven.
Soldier who are captured and abused will hate you forever, as
will their friends and family. Treat them well and they will take
your part more easily. Doing this also encourages your enemy to
likewise. |
