The Spirit of The Warrior

I have an interest in military related subjects, especially theory and doctrine. This page is my medium for throwing out some of these tidbits to others, in the hope that it stimulates the thinking of others as it has for me. Please forward anything you find fascinating to me; I am an avid reader and enjoy all subjects.

Article I: I am an American fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Article II: I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

Article III: If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article IV: If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information nor take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Article V: When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further question to utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Article VI: I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and the United States of America.

CARL VON CLAUSWITZ

1780-1831

Quite possibly the greatest military strategist of all time, Clausewitz's theories and ideas are discussed in military forums all over the world. Successful strategies, or strategic success, in based on two parts; that of timely preparation for a tactical victory, and that of exploitation of a victory won. The main factors responsible for bringing about a victorious engagement, which are the main factors in strategic effectiveness are listed below.

Ideas formulated from the book, On War, 1984, edited and translated by Michael Howard and Peter Paret

2. Surprise - either by actual assault or by deploying unexpected strength at certain points

4. Strengthening the theater of operations, by fortresses, with all they involve

On a more modern note, I would like to list for you what are considered the 10 Propositions Regarding Air Power. I am an Air Force officer, and therefore am interested in modern thinking on the application of Air Power. This is an excerpt(s) from a handbook printed by the Air Force History and Museums program, written by Colonel Phillip S. Meilinger.

4. In essence, Air Power is targeting, targeting is intelligence, and intelligence is analyzing the effect of air operations.

5. Air Power produces physical and psychological shock by dominating the fourth dimension - time.

6. Air Power can conduct parallel operations at all levels of war, simultaneously.

8. Air Power's unique characteristics necessitate that it be centrally controlled by airmen.

10. Air Power includes not only military assets, but an aerospace industry and commercial aviation.

These are important concepts as they relate directly to development of modern air doctrine. I would be more than willing to discuss these further. Just write! See my next page. Go to the Scott people page.