It is often possible to decide the issue of a battle merely by making an unexpected shift of one's main weight.
Erwin RommelRead
War makes extremely heavy demands on the soldier's strength and nerves. For this reason, make heavy demands on your men in peacetime exercises.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of rigorous training during peacetime to prepare soldiers for the demands of war.
Erwin Rommel's quote highlights the need for leaders to put their troops through intense and challenging exercises during times of peace, as this prepares them for the extreme stress and physical demands they will face in combat. By cultivating resilience and strength in a non-combat environment, leaders can ensure that their soldiers are ready to meet the challenges of warfare effectively.
Themes
WarTrainingLeadershipPreparationSoldiers
In practice
Example use cases
A military leader could use this quote in a speech to encourage rigorous training programs among the troops.
More from Erwin Rommel
All quotes βOne must not judge everyone in the world by his qualities as a soldier: otherwise we should have no civilization.
Erwin RommelRead
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.
Erwin RommelRead
Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, but brains saves both.
Erwin RommelRead
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.
Erwin RommelRead
Training errors are recorded on paper. Tactical errors are etched in stone.
Erwin RommelRead
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