Command Quotes

“Military organizations need strong chains of command because they are about disciplined and purposive violence.”
― Lawrence Freedman, Command: The Politics of Military Operations from Korea to Ukraine

“Civilians when in control are not invariably right, and if the military voice becomes too muffled and hesitant then national preparedness for war may suffer.”
― Lawrence Freedman, Command: The Politics of Military Operations from Korea to Ukraine

“Equally, subordinates learn to be wary of superiors who show an inadequate understanding of the circumstances in which they are operating, so that they are asked to undertake impossible, illegal, or potentially suicidal missions. Respect for the chain of command, reinforced by the imperatives of military discipline, may not be enough to ensure that orders are followed effectively. Those issuing the orders should have the authority that brings the respect of colleagues and subordinates. Authority is something to be earned, not taken for granted – and that goes for the civilians as well as the generals”
― Lawrence Freedman, Command: The Politics of Military Operations from Korea to Ukraine