In 1901, Foch returned for a time to active service, being given
command of the 29th Regiment at Laon. After the classroom routine, the
change was indeed welcome. A few months later we find him stationed
again in his beloved Brittany, with the rank of Colonel. But promotion
had come slowly. During these years he prepared his class lectures for
book publication, forming two volumes, the first being his
since-celebrated "Principles of War," and the second "The Conduct of
War." In these books he proved himself a master of terse, epigrammatic
statement. There did not seem to be a superfluous word in them. They
were favorably received by military critics everywhere, and still
further established his reputation.
But it was not until 1907, when Foch was fifty-six, that he at last
received the rank of Brigadier General, with an assignment to the
General Staff at Paris. With this belated appointment it seemed that
the tale of his military career was told. Fate had more than one
surprise in store, even then, however.
The position as head or Director General of the Ecole de Guerre was
vacant. A keen rivalry arose among several Generals for the
appointment, but Foch did not present his name. He belonged to the
wrong party, the Clerical, or Church Party, and the Anti-Clericals were
then in power.
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