The excerpt warns against treating the methods of one war as permanent principles because each conflict presents a different mix of geography and technology. Armies must work around rivers, mountains, mud, and floods, while fleets contend with coasts, rocks, gales, fog, and heavy seas. Aircraft can move vertically but still face weather, icing, and limited fuel. These constraints make the physical medium part of doctrine rather than a minor technical detail. Submarines also maneuver in three dimensions, which weakens the claim that this feature belongs uniquely to air warfare.
Chapter · 9:06-11:58
Air-power theory, changing methods, and three-dimensional war
A Norwegian air-power study separates general principles from methods that change between wars, then compares the physical limits on armies, navies, aircraft, and submarines.