Erwin Rommel

It is often possible to decide the issue of a battle merely by making an unexpected shift of one's main weight.

One must not judge everyone in the world by his qualities as a soldier: otherwise we should have no civilization.

The commander must be at constant pains to keep his troops abreast of all the latest tactical experience and developments, and must insist on their practical application. He must see to it that his subordinates are trained in accordance with the latest requirements. The best form of welfare for the troops is first-class training, for this saves unnecessary casualties.

War makes extremely heavy demands on the soldier's strength and nerves. For this reason, make heavy demands on your men in peacetime exercises.

Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, but brains saves both.

Be an example to your men, in your duty and in private life. Never spare yourself, and let the troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation. Always be tactful and well-mannered and teach your subordinates to do the same. Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide.

Training errors are recorded on paper. Tactical errors are etched in stone.

A risk is a chance you take; if it fails you can recover. A gamble is a chance taken; if it fails, recovery is impossible.

The best form of welfare for the troops is first-rate training.

There is one unalterable difference between a soldier and a civilian: the civilian never does more than he is paid to do.

Mortal danger is an effective antidote for fixed ideas.

The peril of the hour moved the British to tremendous exertions, just as always in a moment of extreme danger things can be done which had previously been thought impossible. Mortal danger is an effective antidote for fixed ideas.

Always in a moment of extreme danger things can be done which had previously been thought impossible.

I would rather be the hammer than the anvil