This is an old tale or anecdote from ancient times, which could have happened anywhere at any time:
Once upon a time, there was a war between several duchies, cities, kingdoms and countries.
At the borders between the Duchy of Kleptostania and the County of Elphyngaard, though not directly involved in the fights, the troops of both countries assigned to guard their side against am eventual invasion by the enemy were expecting the worst at any moment.
Every day, the commander in chief of Elphyngaard checked the lines of his soldiers and made sure that the troops and their organisation were functioning optimally, and that everything was in perfect condition, ready to fight off any attack from outside.
But one morning, he noticed that one of the newly engaged recruits, a young, solid backwoodman from an isolated mountain village, stood about 50 meters behind the regular line.
Very surprised, he ordered the soldier to take his regular place in the line. The young man saluted and followed the instructions.
The next morning, the commander, on his inspection tour, observed again the same soldier, standing this time about 100 meters behind the line.
Very surprised, he asked the soldier why he would not stand in the line like his fellow troopers.
The young fellow saluted and said:
"Commander, Sir, may I respectfully report that in case of an attack, I need a 100 meters run-way to reach my full attacking speed".
(N.B.: ... the "attacking" direction was not defined and the authors are unknown ...)