by Andrew Marshall

War Philosophy: Science, Art or Trade

“War is a science for those who are outstanding; an art for mediocrities; a trade for ignoramuses.” Frederick II, aka Frederick the Great (1712 to 1786) The King of Prussia from 1740 until 1786, he is renowned for his reorganisation of the Prussian Army and military victories.

by Andrew Marshall

Doing Things Better: Last War versus Next War

“Organizations created to fight the last war better are not going to win the next.” Lieutenant General James Maurice Gavin (1907-1990), …”a top Army administrator, a diplomat and a leading management consultant…” (Fowler, 1990) Sometimes presented as “Generals always fight the last war.” Of course, this does not take account of the fact that sometimes… Read More

by Andrew Marshall

Failure in War: A Matter of Timing

“The history of failure in war can almost be summed up in two words: too late.” Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) An American five-star general (aka General of the Army) and Field Marshal of the Philippine Army. He was Chief of Staff of the US Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific… Read More

by Andrew Marshall

Easy Cure vs Difficult Recognition…

“And what they say about a disease applies here. What is at first easy to cure but difficult to recognize is later, left unrecognized and untreated, easy to recognize but difficult to cure.” Attributed to Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince (In this context we are talking about military operations, either at the strategic or tactical level)