15 Military Insights from General “Stormin’ Norman” Schwarzkopf

Formerly the head of United States Central Command, “Stormin’ Norman” Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. is a name familiar to millions of Americans. Schwarzkopf was tasked with freeing Kuwait in 1990 from Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi forces, and he was plastered on television as the face of the war. 

With American forces routing the Iraqi Army after a 100-hour ground offensive, Schwarzkopf’s stock rose considerably as he was credited with planning the successful removal of Iraq from Kuwait. As part of his later years, Schwarzkopf was both a speaker and author, leaving his mark on the world with brilliant military insights.

Effective Leadership

“To be an effective leader, you have to have a manipulative streak – you have to figure out the people working for you and give each tasks that will take advantage of his strength.”

The quote says it all, but Schwarzkopf knew all about effective leadership.

Do What’s Right

“Do what is right, not what you think the high headquarters wants or what you think will make you look good.”

Schwarzkopf knew that integrity was the most important thing above all else.

Leadership

“Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. It is not an opportunity to satisfy personal greed.”

Schwarzkopf was well-positioned to talk about this topic as one of the foremost military leaders in America at the time.

Peace Time

“The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.”

Schwarzkopf knew that constant training during peacetime meant less risk of life during wartime.

Great Leaders

“Great leaders are willing to sacrifice their own comfort and safety for the sake of their people.”

Schwarzkopf knew that great leadership was only achieved by those who wanted everyone around them to succeed.

Be a Hero

“It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.”

Schwarzkopf was always a fan of personal courage and went where his troops went.

True Heroes

“The soldier who fights to preserve his own life is a coward. The soldier who fights for his country, for freedom of all, is a true hero.”

Schwarzkopf defined true heroism as those who were willing to sacrifice for others.

Strong Leadership

“Leadership is about taking care of those in your command. It’s about making sure they have everything they need to succeed, and then stepping back.”

Schwarzkopf knew full well what qualities made for the best leaders.

Effective Leadership

“To be an effective leader, you have to have a vision that is clear, believable, and achievable.”

It’s clear Schwarzkopf lived these words during his military career.

Nation Strength

“The strength of a nation lies in the character of its people.”

Schwarzkopf was well aware the strength of a nation goes beyond military might.

True Leaders

“True leaders are not afraid to delegate. They know that it is only by empowering others and trusting them that great achievements can be made.”

Throughout his life, Schwarzkopf didn’t achieve his rank on his own, but by also trusting in those around him.

Take Command

“When placed in command, take charge.”

This simple but effective Schwarzkopf statement was right on the money for someone with a lot of responsibility during the latter half of his military career.

True Courage

“True courage is being afraid, and going ahead and doing your job anyhow, that’s what courage is.”

Like other military leaders, Schwarzkopf knew courage was not the absence of fear but overcoming it.

Anti War

“Any soldier worth his salt should be antiwar; and still there are things worth fighting for.”

Every good military leader knows that war is the last thing every soldier should hope for.

Professional Soldiers

“A professional soldier understands that war means killing people, war means maiming people, war means families left without fathers and mothers.”

According to Schwarzkopf, no soldier woke up in the morning wanting to go to war.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Lietmotiv / Flickr.