“…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
“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
Research Paper Title Tactical Adaptation in Combined Arms Warfare. Abstract What is the true nature of tactical adaptation in combined arms warfare, and what is its relationship with operational performance? This analysis tests the hypothesis that wartime tactical adaptation delivers advantages that decisively cause operational victory or prevent operational defeat, and does not simply limit the costs of… Read More
“Perhaps he had exceeded the measure of confidence that was innate to his nature. That was what ultimately separated the lesser officers from the best, Cato had come to learn. Confidence was the source of competence. Arrogance might also help a man, but it was a brittle quality and founded on delusion rather than good… Read More
“Never knock luck , Prefect. In my experience it is the most important quality in a successful soldier. The gods favour some of us with good fortune. Skill and brains come a distant second.” (Scarrow, 2014, p.140). Scarrow, S. (2014) Brothers in Blood. New York, NY: The Overlook Press.
“He had most definitely paid his dues. But his experience had taught him that life seldom bestows its rewards in proportion to the efforts men have taken to earn them. It had also taught him never to underestimate his enemy.” (Scarrow, 2014, p.37). Scarrow, S. (2014) Brothers in Blood. New York, NY: The Overlook Press.
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 