THE CRUCIAL QUESTION Reciprocal relations of land and sea power--The governing points of view in respect of war preparations--Carrying out of universal military service--The value of intellectual superiority--Masses, weapons, and transport in modern war--Tactical efficiency and the quality of the troops--The advantage of the offensive--Points to be kept in view in war preparations--Refutation of the prevailing restricted notions on this head--The _Ersatzreserve_--New formations--Employment of the troops of the line and the new formations--Strengthening of the standing army--The importance of personality.