“They did not base their plans on the real possibilities of the situation, but allowed the wish to father the thought.” (Rommel, 1953, p.409). A contemporary version: “To call it a fad would be unfair; at the moment it’s a fashionable policy in search of persuasive evidence that it really works.” (Hawkes, 2013, p.25). Field-Marshal Erwin… Read More
“…weit vom Schuss gibt alte Krieger – far from the battle makes old soldiers.” (Rommel, 1953, p.327). Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel (the Desert Fox), World War I junior officer and World War II General, considered a brilliant military commander; adored by his troops and feared by his enemies. Reference Rommel, E., Liddel Hart, B.H. (ed) &… Read More
“…commanders whose battles have so far all been fought in theory tend as a rule to react directly rather than indirectly to the enemy’s moves. Beginners generally lack the nerve to take decisions based on military expediency alone, without regard for what is weighing most heavily on their minds.” (Rommel, 1953, p.401). Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel (the… Read More
“Tactical successes must be ruthlessly exploited. A routed enemy who, on the day of his flight, can be rounded up without much effort, may reappear on the morrow restored to his full fighting power.” (Rommel, 1953, p.398). Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel (the Desert Fox), World War I junior officer and World War II General, considered a… Read More
“To accept a British attack in the Marmarica was unthinkable, painful though it was to us all to have to give up territory so hardly won. But courage which goes against military expediency is stupidity, or, if it is insisted upon by a commander, irresponsibility.” (Rommel, 1953, p.347). Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel (the Desert Fox), World… Read More
“Armed with a pitch-fork, the finest fighting man can do little against an opponent with a tommy-gun in his hands.” (Rommel, 1953, p.333). Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel (the Desert Fox), World War I junior officer and World War II General, considered a brilliant military commander; adored by his troops and feared by his enemies. Reference Rommel,… Read More
“If there is anyone in a key position who appears to be expending less than the energy that could properly be demanded of him, or who has no natural sense for practical problems of organisation, then that man must be be ruthlessly removed. A commander must accustom his staff to a high tempo from the… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 