Tag: generalship

Once More, Unto The Breach: What Makes Supreme Commanders Successful

*Note: This essay was originally published on the Modern War Institute’s Commentary & Analysis site.

“Once more, unto the breach,” wrote Shakespeare, a fitting sentiment for an essay aimed at continuing a conversation that has unfolded over several articles, one of which has already alluded to Henry V.

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article describing the merits of optimism as a character trait of supreme commanders. In response, Ryan Leach and David Danford co-wrote an essay that disagreed, arguing that, instead, America should seek out cynical generals, or, “leaders who will paint the situation in the worst possible light.”

Leach and Danford should be applauded—whereas too many others are content to lazily launch one-liners from the sidelines or ad hominem remarks on social media, they’ve taken the time and effort to mount a thought-filled response. I appreciate their effort and find that they’ve raised some important points, questions, and anecdotes. But as I read their piece and reflected on my own, I realized that the response suggested the presence of a disagreement where there really isn’t (or shouldn’t be)—and in so doing this might just warp understanding of what successful supreme commanders need to be and do. Continue reading “Once More, Unto The Breach: What Makes Supreme Commanders Successful”

Why America Needs Optimistic Generals

*Note: This essay was originally published on the Modern War Institute’s Commentary & Analysis site.

It’s not very often that a US commander in Afghanistan sets off a social media firestorm. But recently, Gen. John “Mick” Nicholson in his final press conference as outgoing US commander in Afghanistan, was accused of wearing rose-colored glasses or blinders. Others took out their frustration on him for the interminable nature of America’s long war in Afghanistan. One voice even went so far as to indict America’s senior military leadership and wrote that the “indefatigable optimism of [America’s] generals is a national liability.” Continue reading “Why America Needs Optimistic Generals”

Remarks at Army War College: What will the generals of 2030 look like?

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On April 24, 2018, I was honored to speak at the US Army War College’s 29th Annual Strategy Conference. This year’s subject was future leadership, and my panel in specific looked ahead to what strategic leaders would look like in 2030. The full video can be seen  here, and my remarks are available at Lawfire (a selection of which can be found below).  Continue reading “Remarks at Army War College: What will the generals of 2030 look like?”

Networking and Generalship Across the Anglo Pacific

Image courtesy of Nick Howard and Military Review. Image courtesy of Nick Howard and Military Review.

 

Who do generals turn to for advice?  Is it just other generals?  Only from their own country?  Or where else?

My co-author Nick Howard and I wondered about this, so we set out to study the relationship amongst generals (and flag officers) amongst the old Five Eyes countries (UK, CAN, AUS, NZ, US).  We think this research has value two ways: first, what social position do senior US military figures occupy in the Pacific? and second, qualitatively, how do generals connect with one another?  Both answers have important implications for defense diplomacy in an era of heightened fiscal scrutiny. Continue reading “Networking and Generalship Across the Anglo Pacific”

50 Years After Rivonia: Mandela as General and Strategist

Image courtesy of BBC News (via Rex Features). Image courtesy of BBC News (via Rex Features).

**Note: Updated on April 2, 2014.

One way of thinking about Nelson Mandela that has been vastly under appreciated is his  strategic judgment.  This is natural as he’s most famous for bringing together the Rainbow Nation after the fall of an entire way of life.  However, he was an insurgent at one point – seeking to overthrow a government through (selective) violent means.  So there is something there for those interested in military judgment – you just have to know where to look. Continue reading “50 Years After Rivonia: Mandela as General and Strategist”