Final answer:
Seizing the initiative affects the enemy by forcing them to react instead of act, generating disorder, and allowing the initiator to dictate the flow of the battle and exploit vulnerabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
“Seizing the initiative” in military strategy involves taking proactive actions to unsettle the enemy and dictate the flow of the battle. By imposing will upon the enemy, as stated in the reference, a combatant can force the enemy to react rather than to act, limiting their strategic options and creating opportunities for exploitation. When the initiative is seized, it can cause the enemy to fall into disorder, as unity is disrupted, making them more vulnerable to further attacks.
Through strategies like using deception, occupying key terrain, and ensuring superior mobility, a commander can gain an upper hand, make the enemy react in a predictable manner, and manipulate the situation to their advantage. The aim is to capture something valuable to the enemy to make them amenable to one’s will, putting the initiator in a position of power, where they can dictate terms or force the enemy into unfavorable positions. This approach is central to successful military campaigns and can lead to victory if executed correctly.