French Military Doctrine 1913: The Decrees of October 28 and December 2

The French army, having returned to its traditions, no longer admits any other law in the conduct of operations than the offensive.

Facing the threat of a new war with Imperial Germany, the French army began crafting a new military doctrine. Drawing on the skills, theories, and experience of military officers such as Louis Loyzeau de Grandmaison and Joseph Joffre, it would have to be powerful yet flexible, embracing modern technology while not leaving behind fighting spirit, and above all else, aggressive.

Available in its entirety in English for the very first time, this is the French army’s doctrine of 1913 - an attempt to forge a modern doctrine for a modern battlefield, and with which France would face the crucible of the First World War.