“Any general who needs to rely on his opponent being an idiot is in sore trouble.” (Gemmell, 2014, p.214). Reference Gemmell, D. (2014) The Hawk Eternal. London: Orbit.
Generals & Idiot Opponents…
Who’s the Biggest Blunderer?
“Still, war is, in the last resort, a contest of blunders…“ (Pakenham, 2004, p.169). Reference Pakenham, T. (2004) The Boer War. London: Abacus.
Linking Welfare, Training & Casualties
“The best form of welfare for the troops is first class training, for this saves unnecessary casualties.” 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.
Qualities of an Ideal Staff Officer…
“An ideal General Staff Corps officer might be described as possessing the following qualities: sincerity of conviction, cleverness, modesty, self-effacement in favour of the common cause, and strong personal convictions combined with the ability tactfully to present these convictions to his commanding general. If his opinions were not accepted he must be sufficiently master of… Read More
Achievements & Reality vs Display & Appearance
“‘It was Schlieffen who coined the apothegm: ‘Great achievements, small display: more reality than appearance,’ and this was a recognition of the qualities of Moltke and his school.” (Guderian, 1990, 454). Apothegm: a concise saying or maxim; an aphorism. Heinz Guderian, a World War I junior officer and World War II General. Creator, trainer and leader of… Read More
Military Experience vs Military Theory…
“…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
Synergy: Strategy & Tactics…
“The best strategic plan is useless if it cannot be executed tactically.” (Rommel, 1953, p.389). 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) & Findlay, P.… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 