“A wise general knows that men can replaced, weapons can be replenished. But lost time cannot be regained.” (Gemmell, 1995, p.115). Reference Gemmell, D. (1995) Ironhand’s Daughter: Book One of the Hawk Queen. London: Orbit.
Men, Weapons & Time…
Pride is…
‘Such are the thoughts of the young. Pride is everything, status must be fought for. It is all empty and meaningless. It is ephemeral. Like the leaf on the oak tree. “Look at me, I am the greenest leaf, the biggest leaf, the finest leaf. None of the other leaves has my majesty.” Yet autumn… Read More
Incompetence…
“An avidly accumulated amount of incompetence.” Unfortunately, I cannot remember where I read this quote but I can visualise a few people who are the embodiment of its meaning.
The Russian Military, Cucumbers & Shaving Brushes!
Despite being Russian terms, all current and ex-soldiers will be able to appreciate the following: Ogourets: a soldier in their first six months of service (literally, a cucumber – referring to the colour green, which signifies inexperience). Pomazok: a soldier who has served more than one year and is therefore released from certain menial tasks… Read More
Military Legacy & Humility
When it’s all over, what are we left with? Aidos (Ancient Greek): the understanding of the need for humility at the point of victory. Gleichgultigkeit (German): the feeling of dreadful moral insensibility and detachment which is a peculiar legacy of wars. Reference de Boinod, A.T. (2007) Toujours Tingo. London: Penguin Books Ltd. pp.288.
War Trophies…
There are no limits to cruelty, savagery and treachery: Liput (Manobo, Philippines): to throw someone off guard. Usauara (Yamana, Chile): to shout, as a group of men, when ready to make an assault on someone they intend to kill. Ahaneoha’ov (Cheyenne, USA): to kill someone by stepping on him. Tsantsa (Jivaro, Ecuador): a human head… Read More
Battlefield Yellow-bellies…
On the battlefield, some individuals shy away: Ngivhe (Venda, South Africa): to hit with the butt-end of a spear (a blow given as a warning to escape). Rafizat (Persian): a body of soldiers who deserted their commander and retreated. Imboscari (Italian): to lie in ambush, to evade military service, to avoid working, or to retreat… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 