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

Military Strategy & Tactics Minus Brains…

“Both sides, indeed, successively provided an object lesson in the cost and futility of the “direct approach” – the offensive spirit unguided by subtlety of mind.” ” (Rommel, 1953, p.307). 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… Read More

Military Commanders: Building a Legend or Sitting in HQ?

“There are always moments when the commander’s place is not back with his staff but up with the troops. It is sheer nonsense to say that maintenance of the men’s morale is the job of the battalion commander alone. The higher the rank, the greater the effect of the example. The men tend to feel no kind of… Read More

Military Leadership: Give Up or Keep Going?

“Once again it had been shown that, however desperate the situation, there is always something that can be done by a resolute commander who is not just prepared to throw in his hand.” (Rommel, 1953, p.220). Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel (the Desert Fox), World War I junior officer and World War II General, considered a brilliant… Read More

Military Gamble vs Military Wisdom

“Prejudice against innovation is a typical characteristic of an Officer Corps which has grown up in a well-tried and proven system. Thus it was that the Prussian Army was defeated by Napoleon. This attitude was also evident during this war, in German as well as British officer circles, where, with their minds fixed on complicated… Read More

Is the Enemy Playing Along with Your Plan?

“‘That will depend on the enemy, sir. They might want to get stuck in all the same, despite our plans. That’s one thing in life the army teaches you early on: the other side doesn’t always play along with the plan.’.” (Scarrow, 2015, p.279). Reference Scarrow, S. (2015) Britannia. London: Headline Publishing Group.

Military Operations: Pursuing Utopia!

“Normally, there is no ideal solution to military problems; every course has its advantages and disadvantages. One must select that which seems best from the most varied aspects and then pursue it resolutely and accept the consequences. Any compromise is bad.” (Rommel, 1953, p.201). Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel (the Desert Fox), World War I junior officer… Read More