3. An Emphasis on Drill
Maurice’s first step was to reorganize the Dutch army. He then led it in what came to be known as the Ten Glory Years in capturing vital fortresses and towns from the Spanish. His victories rounded out his country’s borders, and made it more defensible. That solidified the Dutch cause, and established Maurice as his era’s greatest general. Many generals who rose to prominence a generation later during the Thirty Years War and the English Civil War, learned their trade while serving under Maurice. At the heart of his reforms was an emphasis on drill, streamlined logistics, and simplified battlefield tactics. Maurice was an avid student of Roman and Byzantine military history. He read about the role of rigorous training in the success of Rome’s legions, and drew lessons from classical authors such as Vegetius, Aelian, Frontinus, and Emperor Leo VI of Byzantium.
