We should remember that one man is much the same as another, and that he is best who is trained in the severest school.-Thucydides
"Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool and that is the test of generals. It can only be ensured by instinct, sharpened by thought practicing the stroke so often that at the crisis it is as natural as a reflex. -T.E. Lawrence (pgs. 18-19)
"...five of the Marine Corps's leadership principles that helped me in the Fleet."
"First," he counseled, "you must be technically and tactically proficient."
"Second, make sound and timely decisions."
Fanning's third piece of advice was simple: "Set he example."
"Fourth, know your men and look out for their welfare."
"Finally," Fanning exhorted us, "train your men as a team."
(pgs. 22-23)
It was about cool under pressure. It was about detachment. We had to retain our ability to think when the world was crumbling around us. (p. 23)
The key consideration in any tactical move is "to turn the map around." Look at your own situation from your enemy's perspective. What are your vulnerabilities? Where will he hit you, and what can you do to defeat him? (p. 37)
Decerno, Communico, Exsequor - "Decide, Communicate, Execute."
a Marine's most deadly weapon - his mind. Novack had taught us about the combat mindset, both the tactical need to be a predator and the moral imperative to know where to draw the line. (p. 49)
Violence of action doesn't start with weapons and tactics. It starts in your head. (p. 50)
Hardness was the ability to face an overwhelming situation with aplomb, smile calmly at it, and then triumph through sheer professional pride. (p. 145)
"Improvise, adapt, and overcome" was a Marine Corps mantra for good reason. (p. 147)
I was taught the OODA loop, a four-stage decision-making process described by Air Force fighter pilot Colonel John Boyd: observe, orient, decide, act. That's all we did in the Humvee contact drills - observed the enemy threat, oriented on it, decided what to do, and did it. (p. 181)
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