• From Falls’ comments we note (with slight alteration) the following words and phrases: “panic … moral … absenteeism … sensational drops in production … dive bombers’ success were for the most part moral ... to troops unused to them … they proved extremely unsettling.” A quick glance shows that all these words and phrases are directly related to one another.

• Going even further we can say: Falls’ comments on pages 124, 161, and 165 suggest that moral effects are related to the menace posed by the Zeppelins and dive bombers, and the uncertainty associated with not knowing what to expect or how to deal with this menace. Put simply: Moral effects are related to menace and uncertainty.

• For a first cut this suggests that moral strength represents mental capacity to overcome menace and uncertainty.

• On the other hand, this first cut seems to leave out something that humans either need or must overcome for collective moral strength. Fortunately we have some clues:

– First: Remember that guerrilla commanders (see Modern Guerrilla Campaign) stress use of propaganda, civil disorders, selected terrorism, etc., as basis to generate mistrust and discord.

– Second: Balck emphasizes the importance of trust—not mistrust—for cohesion.

• Now, recognizing that both Balck and guerrilla commanders work in a hostile environment (of menace and uncertainty) that naturally breeds mistrust, it is clear that moral effects must include this factor.

• This suggest moral strength represents mental capacity to overcome menace, uncertainty, and mistrust.