Field Command Quotes

“Errors and defeats are more obviously illustrative of principles than successes are . . . Defeat cries aloud for explanation; whereas success, like charity, covers a multitude of sins. —ALFRED THAYER MAHAN190”
― Charles "Sid" Heal, Field Command

“Failure to Adapt occurs when a commander fails to adjust to changing circumstances.”
― Charles "Sid" Heal, Field Command

“Failure to Learn can usually be attributed to either ignoring or not recognizing contributory factors and influences, often because of failing to objectively critique and correct past mistakes.”
― Charles "Sid" Heal, Field Command

“Tactical Science The systematized body of knowledge covering the principles and doctrines associated with tactical operations and emergency responses. It reconciles scientific knowledge with practical ends. Tactics The methods and concepts used to accomplish particular missions. (See also Strategy and Techniques) Technique A procedure or process for performing a specific task or function. Techniques almost always involve the employment or utilization of a weapon or piece of equipment. (See also Strategy and Tactics)”
― Charles "Sid" Heal, Field Command

“Mission refers the absolute necessity of developing and providing a clear, concise statement of what is to be done and for what purpose. It provides the basis for all future planning.”
― Charles "Sid" Heal, Field Command

“Heuristic A procedure or technique that increases the probability of finding solutions with less time and effort than that required by a random or exhaustive search. (See also Rule of Thumb and Similarity Heuristic)”
― Charles "Sid" Heal, Field Command

“Decision Point A technique that is incorporated into a tactical plan to call attention to the need to make a decision. It identifies an event, time or sequence at which further guidance is necessary to proceed. (See also Tripwire)”
― Charles "Sid" Heal, Field Command

“Coup d’Oeil Concept A French expression which loosely translated means the “strike of the eye” or the “vision behind the eye.” The closest English concept would be that of intuition. Intuition is defined as “perceptive insight” or “the power to discern the true nature of a situation.”
― Charles "Sid" Heal, Field Command

“Accountants study math, doctors and nurses study medicine, and weather forecasters study meteorology, so why don't tacticians study tactical science? While the problem is pervasive throughout the ranks, it is most acute at the command level. Although a strong emphasis is placed on physical ability and prowess with weapons, the truth is that good tactics have saved more lives than good marksmanship.”
― Charles "Sid" Heal, Field Command

“While it would be nice to use these nine principles as a checklist or formula, they are by no means sacred. Over the years, strategists have suggested a number of others, at least one of which is worthy of discussion here because it so strongly applies to law enforcement tactical operations. The principle of legitimacy is sometimes called the “10th Principle of War.” It identifies the absolute necessity of maintaining the confidence of the community of the lawfulness and morality of actions. The U.S. military learned the significance of this principle the hard way when they lost the support of the American people for the Vietnam War and ultimately withdrew. The lesson should not be lost on domestic law enforcement who are constantly scrutinized as a matter of course.”
― Charles "Sid" Heal, Field Command

“As skills differ from knowledge, so too does training differ from education: we train for the expected, while we educate for the unexpected. This is the difference between a set of skills and a frame of concepts.”
― Charles "Sid" Heal, Field Command

“Accountants study math, doctors and nurses study medicine, and weather forecasters study meteorology, so why don't tacticians study tactical science?”
― Charles "Sid" Heal, Field Command