by Andrew Marshall

Linking Capability & Vision…

“In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king!” I understand the quote is attributed to Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus, or Erasmus of Rotterdam, a 16th-century Dutch Renaissance humanist. He was also a social critic, Catholic priest, teacher and theologian. The quote is an idiom. The basic idea is, if surrounded by people less… Read More

by Andrew Marshall

Strategy: Both Objective & Impartial

“The laws of strategy are objective and apply impartially to both hostile sides.” (Sokolovsky, 1963, p.9). Vasily Danilovich Sokolovsky (21 July 1897 to 10 May 1968) A prominent Marshal of the Soviet Union (aka Field Marshal, OF-10) and known as an excellent planner and exceptional military leader. Reference Sokolovsky, V.D. (1963) Military Strategy: Soviet Doctrine and… Read More

by Andrew Marshall

Linking Confidence, Mastery & Profession..

“Officers can never act with confidence until they are masters of their profession.” Major General Henry Knox (25 July 1750 to 25 October 1806) Continental Army, and later US Army, officer who also served as the first US Secretary of War from 1789 to 1794.

by Andrew Marshall

Love & Plans…

“Never fall in love with a plan!” Lieutenant  Colonel  Phil Tracy (US Marine Corps during Operation United Shield) Operation United Shield was the codename of a military operation, conducted 09 January 1995 to 03 March 1995, bringing a conclusion to the United Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II). Commanded by the United States, two… Read More

by Andrew Marshall

Defeat versus Success…

“Defeat cries aloud for explanation; whereas success, like charity, covers a multitude of sins.” (Mahan, 1911) Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan (27 September 1840 to 01 December 1914) US Naval Officer and Historian. Reference Mahan, A.T. (1911) Naval Strategy Compared and Contrasted with the Principles and Practice of Military Operations on Land: Lectures Delivered at… Read More