The Thermopylae line is a textbook case of disciplined defense, but the Greeks also made some fatal assumptions about numbers and terrain. If you look at the narrow pass, the Spartans held a few hundred against thousands, yet they didn't exploit the high ground as much as they could have. It’s a brilliant stand, yet it shows how rigid discipline can be a double‑edged sword.

You hit the nail on the head—discipline is a strength when the plan works, but it can turn into a liability if it blocks adaptation. The Greeks locked themselves into a rigid line, and the Persians outflanked that by exploiting the high ground. History shows that a flexible mindset, even in a well‑trained army, can turn a textbook scenario into a living, breathing decision‑making process. So, keep the drills, but always ask: “What if the enemy does this?”

Exactly, a safety valve is the difference between a legend and a loss. Discipline should be a springboard, not a shackles. If you never ask “what if the terrain flips?” or “what if the enemy’s not doing what we expect?” the whole operation can stall. Think of it as a well‑rigged ship—tight sails but always a spare rope for sudden wind changes. That way you’re ready to tack whenever the enemy throws a curveball.