25 Quotes by Nathaniel Fick

Infantry Marines live only and forever in the real world.

Tell me what to do, not how to do it.′ Decentralize command and allow subordinates to operate freely within the framework of the commander’s intent. Train them as a team. Develop trust, loyalty, initiative.

Tactical catastrophes are rarely the outcome of a single poor decision. Small compromises incrementally close off options until a commander is forced into actions he would never choose freely.

Great Marine commanders, like all great warriors, are able to kill that which they love most – their men.

The rule of captivity is to bend, not break.

Strong combat leadership is never by committee. Platoon commanders must command, and command in battle isn’t based on consensus. It’s based on consent. Any leader wields only as much authority and influence as is conferred by the consent of those he leads. The Marines allowed me to be their commander, and they could revoke their permission at any time.

Christeson, cut that stop sign down and put it in the back of the truck”. He looked at me in disbelief. An Officer had never before ordered him to commit vandalism.