“General Ewell was so impressed by the conspicuous gallantry of a certain Federal cavalry officer in rallying his troops on the field of battle that he ordered his soldiers not to shoot at the man. [General ‘Stonewall’] Jackson later reprimanded Ewell for this quixotic action, remarking shrewdly, ‘Shoot the brave officers and the cowards will… Read More
How to Sack a Divisional Commander: Tewksbury, 4 May 1471; “Lord Winlock not having advanced to the support of the first line, but remaining stationary, contrary to the expectationsof Somerset, the latter, in a rage, rode up to him, reviled him, and beat his brains out with an axe.” Max Hastings (1985) from The Oxford… Read More
“The object of war is to bring about the complete submission of the enemy as soon as possible by means of regulated violence.” (US Army, 1914, p.14). General Order (G.O.) 100, 1863, article 20. “Public war is a state of armed hostility between sovereign nations or governments. It is a law and requisite of civilized… Read More
“Nuts!” General Tony McAuliffe (1898 to 1975) Anthony C. McAuliffe was a US Army general who commanded the force defending Bastogne, Belgium, in the Battle of the Bulge (December 1944) during World War II. At the time of the Normandy invasion (June 1944), he was artillery commander of the 101st Airborne Division. He was in… Read More
“Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.” Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 to 1821) Also known as Napoleon I, the Corsican or the Little Corporal, he was a French general, first consul of France (1799-1804), and emperor of the French (1804-1814/15), one of the most celebrated personages in the history of the West. He… Read More
“I would rather have a general who was lucky than one who was good.” Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 to 1821) Also known as Napoleon I, the Corsican or the Little Corporal, he was a French general, first consul of France (1799-1804), and emperor of the French (1804-1814/15), one of the most celebrated personages in the history… Read More
“Amateurs talk about tactics. Professionals talk about logistics.” Attributed to Aleks Hindin
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 