Russian President Vladimir Putin told military leaders Wednesday that they must
make urgent improvements in the armed forces to “thwart attempts by the West to
tip the strategic balance of power.”
In ancient times watchman would mount the city walls in times of stress to survey the scene outside the fortifications. He was situated on a spot from which he could monitor the approaches to the town. If a threat appeared, he would sound a warning and the town would shut its gates and prepare for battle.