Efficient and common. An army's just like any other living organism. Take out the head and the body dies.

[ He finishes drawing the perimeter of the mark and withdraws his hand. ]

That's why it needs the most protection. An arm willing to take the blow instead.

[ Is he pulling up his shirt? You'd bet. There's a pretty messy looking scar in the middle of his chest, edging a bit more toward the left. There's probably a matching one on the back, but he keeps his coat on so it's hidden. ]