One of the hobbies that retired soldiers seem to have (including this author) is writing to each other to explain what is wrong with the organization they once served. Part of this is a form of melancholy, a look back upon the golden aura that existed when they were in charge. This is mostly nonsense, of course. But another, more serious aspect is that the … Continue reading The Canadian Armed Forces is ‘Adrift’
This week we’ve seen the collapse of one of the most brutal, corrupt inhumane regimes of the past half-century. Of course, I speak of the end of the Syrian dictatorship. What replaces the Idiot-Dentist-in-Chief (Assad) is anybody’s guess, but the speed of the collapse is a cautionary tale. Humans prefer stability. Not just emotionally, but also for the predictability that stability lends to every day … Continue reading Slowly, and then all at Once
I was recently listening to a podcast from a retired British Army Intelligence officer regarding the possibilities of a widening of the Ukraine War. Although I agreed with much of what he was saying, one aspect struck me a pure fear mongering and I feel it necessary to comment. The scenario was what he termed “pivot to Asia” and it involved dragging almost the entire … Continue reading Thinking the Unthinkable
The notorious Nazi Reichsmarschall famously boasted to his Luftwaffe that they were the ultimate guardians of the Reich and that the Ruhr industrial district would never be touched by Allied bombers. He boldly told Hitler that no enemy aircraft could reach the Ruhr, and that Berlin would never be bombed. If that happened, he said, his name would be Meyer. In other words, he would … Continue reading Putin’s Hermann Göring Moment
Much has been written and said about the recent Ukrainian “invasion” of Russia. Of course, it is not an invasion and contrary to what some commentators are calling it, this is not a counterattack either. It is best considered under the rubric of “countermove.” There has been endless speculation on why Ukraine has done this. Most agree that at least part of the reason was … Continue reading Ukrainian Incursion
An ancient Chinese proverb: It is foolish to waste good iron in making nails or good men in making soldiers. We in the west must be very careful not to make the mistake of projecting or mirroring when we analyze China, its economy, policies and especially, its military. The PLA is NOT a traditional national armed force. It is the military wing of the CPC. … Continue reading China and the Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA)
Journalists at multiple media outlets continue to bang the drum: the world is getting more dangerous. It is difficult to argue with the premise. Europe’s largest war since 1945, the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, continues unabated. Hamas is now being hunted by the Israel Defence Force in retaliation for one of the worst massacres of innocent civilians in modern history with thousands of non-combatants … Continue reading Depth vs Breadth
It’s been a long while since I posted and so I thought it would be a good idea to post an update. I will focus on Ukraine since the Israeli/Hamas War is still a great unknown. First. Contrary to what some may be thinking, the Ukrainian counteroffensive has not failed. Also, it has not yet culminated. Ukrainian forces are pushing through the strongest part of … Continue reading Ukraine Update
Poland has just changed the rules for the Ukrainians. By offering to send a company of Leopard II to them, they have opened the possibility of rapid manoeuvre and devastating striking force. We have long debated the force on force worthiness of the Leo II vs the T80/T90 and soon we shall see who was right. When I was a major we had similar debates … Continue reading Game Changer
I have just published a new book, which you can find on the My Books page. This book is about more than just battlefield leadership. Tactical skill and masterful maneuver is not enough. Leaders need to master the principles of command. Command skills are building blocks. Leadership is the mortar that binds them together. Years ago, NATO became enamoured of a uniquely German leadership philosophy called Auftragstaktik (translated as Mission Command). But as … Continue reading Leadership
The Enlightened Soldier 