Can a Battle be Lost in the Mind of the Commander

Authors

Theodore L. Gatchel

Abstract

One of the current fashions among military writers is to disparage the "can do" spirit of certain military organizations. Such a spirit can undoubtedly cause problems if carried to the extreme of "We can do anything with whatever resources we are given, no matter how inadequate they may be." Even that exaggerated point of view is less dangerous, however, than the increasingly popular one that seems to say, "We would be overwhelmed by the Soviets in any war against them regardless of what percent of our national treasure we devote to defense." The danger of such a negative view lies in the fact that the outcome of a battle depends on the perceptions of the opposing commanders as well as the actual conditions on the battlefield.

Recommended Citation

Gatchel, Theodore L. (1985) "Can a Battle be Lost in the Mind of the Commander," Naval War College Review: Vol. 38: No. 1, Article 9.
Available at: https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/nwc-review/vol38/iss1/9