Recalling the Battle of the Bulge | National Review

Very true!

Yes Mam you are correct but let's not forget President Truman who had to make that decision to drop the 2 bombs that changed the how the new war called the COLD WAR which like yourself we served in but in saying that he does let the general's make some decisions like when he dropped the MOAB but we now have respect again at least he didn't bowing to another nation.

You are so right but here comes the ROE and making sure that we (Americans) let the other nations to get credit for other people or nations get noticed . Prime example is another a 4 star general was told to let another nation be the 1st ones to go into the nation and he also had a nick name Stormin' Norman,

Taking risks is not a bad thing if you're managing them, which is definitely what I see in Trump. Especially in what has been a highly risk adverse political atmosphere for many years. Many of us are definitely out of our comfort zone when looking at and analyzing Trump. I'll also point out that in a risk adverse environment, toxicity sets in, resentment, and even a lack of respect for those imposing the "safe approach." While risk takers can appear and even be out of control, those who are highly risk adverse also tend to miss critical opportunities as they hold their people back (effectively causing them to crash and burn). I've also come to believe many of them do it simply to save their own ass or career, not because of some concern for their people.

Patton once said "A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week." He was absolutely right and I have personally seen both sides of this happen. Could they crash and burn? Sure, but do they also learn from those moments too and carry those lessons learned/ learning points with them the next time?

I agree with your points. I believe risk taking should be based on sound judgement like Patton using extensive reconnaissance to prevent his army from being decisively engaged, so he could pick the terrain and time for his army to maneuver and fire. Custer on the other hand was rash at the battle of the Little Bighorn. His scouts told him the village he wanted to attack was of immense proportions, but he chose to attack nevertheless.

Patton also studied his enemies and their leaders. Preparation is what put him on track, so when the time came to make a plan and execute it, Patton was able to do so more instinctively instead of wasting time preparing a "perfect plan".

Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin - Yes great generals will know how their armies will perform and will know how the enemy will fight.