Surprise, speed, knowledge of the terrain, and intelligence are not enough to ensure success for the urban guerrilla. He must also demonstrate his leadership under all conditions, and a capacity for decisive action, without which all other advantages are pointless.

Any action, no matter how well planned, is impossible to carry out if the urban guerrilla is indecisive, uncertain, and wavering. Even an action successfully begun, can end in defeat in the absence of firm command and decisive action. An action devoid of firm leadership and decisive action is one characterized by vacillation and confusion. This allows the enemy to take the initiative and destroy us.

Determined men are the secret to success in any operation, no matter how simple or complicated, how easy or difficult. Strictly speaking, there are no easy operations. All operations must be carried out with the same care as if they were the most difficult. Each must begin with the selection of the urban guerrilla himself who must be able to meet the test of leadership and the capacity for decisive action.

It is possible by training and preparation of a mission to determine the success or failure of that mission. Those who fall behind, who fail to make designated contacts, who are easily confused, forgetful, fail to do their tasks, or are indecisive, are dangerous. It is better that they not be included in the mission.

Decisive action enables the urban guerrilla to carry out a plan successfully, with dedication, audacity, and with absolute determination. Any mission can fail if but one person vacillates.