Ancient military strategists perfected it first. Create explosions on multiple fronts. Send scouts to probe defenses. Launch diversionary attacks. While defenders rush to fortify obvious breach points, the real assault strikes elsewhere, often with devastating precision.
Modern warfare hasn’t changed this playbook. During Desert Storm, coalition forces bombarded Iraqi positions for weeks. The Iraqis fortified their southern border, expecting the main thrust there. Instead, the decisive attack came from the west, through the desert they thought impassable.
Politics borrowed this tactic. Multiple controversies erupt simultaneously. Media cycles churn. Public attention splits. Social media amplifies each new crisis. Meanwhile, significant legislation passes quietly, fundamental policies shift without fanfare, or crucial appointments go unnoticed.
The defense requires discipline. Experienced commanders don’t react to every explosion. They watch patterns. They preserve resources. They maintain strategic reserves. Most importantly, they keep their focus on critical objectives despite the chaos.
Success doesn’t come from responding to every threat. It comes from recognizing which ones matter.
Your mission remains unchanged regardless of the noise. Keep your team focused on what moves the needle. Let others chase the phantoms.
