Hasso von Manstein

"Understanding terrain is understanding half the battle."

"The enemy's weakness is your opportunity, but only if you see it first."

"Morale is invisible yet more powerful than steel."

"A general is only as effective as his ability to gather and interpret information."

"Indecision in command creates chaos in ranks."

"The truly dangerous opponent is the one who understands himself completely."

"Speed and surprise are weapons that require no vast resources."

"A commander must balance the demands of duty with the welfare of men."

"The written order tells what to do; leadership shows how to do it."

"In war, as in life, the simple plan executed brilliantly surpasses the complex plan poorly executed."

"The measure of a general is not his victories, but how he recovers from defeats."

"Respect is the foundation of all effective military command."

"A strategic vision without tactical execution is merely fantasy."

"The concentration of will is as important as the concentration of force."

"Those who cannot adapt to changing circumstances are destined for obsolescence."

"A leader's character is reflected in the discipline of his troops."

"The best-laid plans often fail because of poor communication."

"Victory demands clarity of objective and unity of effort."

"A commander must have the courage to assume responsibility for his decisions."

"The soldier fights for his comrade, not merely for his country."

"Intelligence gathering is the foundation of sound strategy."

"A general who cannot learn from his subordinates is a general of limited vision."

"The essence of strategy is choosing what NOT to do."

"Fortune in war belongs to those who prepare for it most thoroughly."

"A commander's greatest mistake is underestimating his opponent."

"The supply line is as critical as the front line."

"Men will endure great hardship for a leader they genuinely respect."

"The ability to pivot strategy swiftly separates victors from the defeated."

"A general must be part strategist, part psychologist, part artist."

"In the test of battle, character becomes destiny."