Cao’s fear of casualties shapes his military decisions.

Evidence

Cao knew that once the guerrillas were trapped, they might well attack straight into the reserve or turn and try to burst through whichever side of the box was nearest to them in their desperation to escape. … Cao would also take casualties. If he took casualties he would get into trouble with Diem. — Neil Sheehan, A Bright Shining Lie, 345

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Neil Sheehan, A Bright Shining Lie, 345
• XREF: connects to: Fighting is dangerous enough to favor assessment before battle; Hyperprotecting soldiers shifts the burden of risk onto civilians — Grégoire Chamayou, A Theory of the Drone, 300

Broader Connections

• Fighting is dangerous enough to favor assessment before battle #expands (0.50)
• Hyperprotecting soldiers shifts the burden of risk onto civilians #expands (0.40) — Grégoire Chamayou, A Theory of the Drone, 300