"Boldness is a source of combat power in much the same way that surprise is. Boldness is the characteristic of unhesitatingly exploiting the natural uncertainty of war to pursue major results rather than marginal ones. According to Clausewitz, boldness “must be granted a certain power over and above successful calculations involving space, time, and magnitude of forces, for wherever it is superior, it will take advantage of its opponent’s weakness. In other words, it is a genuinely creative force.” Boldness is superior to timidity in every instance although boldness does not always equate to immediate aggressive action. A nervy, calculating patience that allows the enemy to commit themselves irrevocably before we strike them can also be a form of boldness. Boldness is based on strong situation awareness: We weigh the situation, then act. In other words, boldness must be tempered with judgment lest it border on recklessness.
There is a close connection between surprise and boldness. The willingness to accept risks often necessary to achieve surprise reflects boldness. Likewise, boldness contributes to achieving surprise. After we weigh the situation, to take half measures diminishes the effects of surprise."
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues,
but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Boldness is not just rushing headlong into any endeavor one supposes is advantageous. It is the patience to wait for the pristine moment to produce itself. It is allowing the enemy to advance in order to wait until they've opened themselves up. It is holding your ground because you have the ability to control your impulses.
2 Corinthians 3:12
Since we have such a hope, we are very bold
Boldness is not merely attacking what's in front of you, but loving what's behind you.
"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” No hero marches into battle merely to destroy for the sake of destroying. He marches into battle for the sake of conserving. He marches not because he is trying to break free from something, but because he is bound to something. Love is not blind; that is the last thing that love it. Love is bound.” - G.K. Chesterton
Boldness is not unchecked animalian impulsivity. That is NOT boldness or courage because it isn't choosing anything. It's reacting to passions without appealing to principles. Boldness of the variety the MCDP is equipping its marines to employ is that of calculated, directed courage that waits and then acts when the right time arrives.
In other words, boldness can endure the difficulty of waiting and can conjure great strength and energy when the time comes to pounce.
Acts 4:29-31
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
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