We all have preconceived impressions about warfare, and generally it is correct – if a state or government is very well funded it could afford to spend the most money on advanced weapons and pay for a standing regular military. Along with reasonable administration it should have staying power and then comes the exception. In a book called Mongols, Huns and Vikings by Hugh Kennedy published by Cassell & Co, London, UK, 2002, Mr. Kennedy says the Nomads were the exception and to answer the question why were they the exception, he reviews the groups.

Genghis Khan and the Mongols is a terrific story which has been retold many times from the barren steppe lands north of China arose Genghis Khan who united his people and spread his empire across the Asia and Europe. Similar to the Huns hundreds of years before, the Mongols used horses – the horses were used to travelling long distances or had the great advantage of mobility. The Mongols also had something known as the nerge.  A huge ring of hunters gradually close in on the game, driving it closer together. Anyone who allowed an animal to escape was punished. As the ring contracted so the press of the animals would become more intense. Finally the khan gave the order and the killing would start. The nerge gave skills of teamwork, communication, co-ordination and obedience which are very useful skills in war.

In the order of military service, all adult males were in the service. The basic unit was a thousand people and Genghis Khan’s people were given leadership if they showed they were competent. If not, others in the group who showed promise would be given leadership. In many other countries, leadership was given based on your family name. In this set up, the group gave their best and were committed to the army and its conquests.

In theory, the Great Wall of China was designed to keep the Mongols out as well as a infrastructure program for the ruling Emperor. The Mongols took a couple of tries but they did conquer China.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, teamwork and communication are hallmarks of very good companies. Teamwork means people are working for the right cause and not stabbing each other in the back for their own rewards or chance at the big prize; Communication means people know what others will likely do or what they will not do. In the nerge, these elements could easily be identified, it takes a keener eye in the world of press releases all saying what they should say.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions