“Whether people agree with you or not, is not as important as whether they believe you.” Unknown In a military context, it is important that personnel trust their commander is going to do/or is doing the right thing.
“War is a science for those who are outstanding; an art for mediocrities; a trade for ignoramuses.” Frederick II, aka Frederick the Great (1712 to 1786) The King of Prussia from 1740 until 1786, he is renowned for his reorganisation of the Prussian Army and military victories.
“Organizations created to fight the last war better are not going to win the next.” Lieutenant General James Maurice Gavin (1907-1990), …”a top Army administrator, a diplomat and a leading management consultant…” (Fowler, 1990) Sometimes presented as “Generals always fight the last war.” Of course, this does not take account of the fact that sometimes… Read More
“The history of failure in war can almost be summed up in two words: too late.” Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) An American five-star general (aka General of the Army) and Field Marshal of the Philippine Army. He was Chief of Staff of the US Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific… Read More
“And what they say about a disease applies here. What is at first easy to cure but difficult to recognize is later, left unrecognized and untreated, easy to recognize but difficult to cure.” Attributed to Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince (In this context we are talking about military operations, either at the strategic or tactical level)
“Errors of judgement there must be in war, and few would cavil at them, especially those due to the fog of war. But it is different when the fog is self-created by confused thought and limited study.” Captain Sir Basil Liddell Hart (1895 to 1970) Commonly known throughout most of his career as Captain B.… Read More
“A good general not only sees the way to victory; he also knows when victory is not possible.” Polybius (200 B.C. to 118 B.C.; Greek historian of the Hellenistic period noted for his work, The Histories, which covered the period of 264–146 BC in detail) The Rise of the Roman Empire, circa 125 BC
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 