Despite warnings from Joffre against divergence, the army was required to advance towards the Vosges passes to the south-east, eastwards towards Donon and north-east towards Sarrebourg.
Trods advarsler fra Joffre mod at sprede styrkerne, måtte hæren rykke mod passene i Vogeserne i sydøst, østpå mod Donon og nordøst mod Sarrebourg.