ABSTRACT
Napoleon Bonaparte did not introduce any fundamental changes in the French army's organization and tactics until 1808. He was not, as Marmont contended, ignorant oftactics. 1 He fully understood the system inherited from the Republic, and although he often permitted subordinates to have a good deal of tactical initiative, he could, and did on occasion, issue detailed tactical directives. 2 Bonaparte's lack of innovation, therefore, does not indicate a failure to perceive the need for change but rather suggests satisfaction with the existing system.
