tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post8893470765187534247..comments2024-02-06T08:33:52.695+02:00Comments on Eeben Barlow's Military and Security Blog: DO WE REALLY KNOW OURSELVES?Eeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-37303866167556020792010-11-03T14:00:46.724+02:002010-11-03T14:00:46.724+02:00Wonders never cease, Private. Let’s see what happe...Wonders never cease, Private. Let’s see what happens next.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-43010164699791874052010-11-01T07:53:12.224+02:002010-11-01T07:53:12.224+02:00It’s good to know the blog gets you thinking, John...It’s good to know the blog gets you thinking, John. <br /><br />I cannot answer for Hank but I suspect there were several factors that motivated him: adventure, adrenaline, money and a desire to do something for the underdog. It would be interesting to know once you have found out.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-54072783469063836642010-11-01T07:00:24.348+02:002010-11-01T07:00:24.348+02:00He is indeed in a tough spot, Private. Having sand...He is indeed in a tough spot, Private. Having sand is however no guarantee that one will do the right thing when the time comes. <br /><br />I am afraid that I will not be available over Christmas as I shall be working elsewhere but the day will come...<br /><br />Take care.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-49992931511377354732010-10-24T18:35:15.120+02:002010-10-24T18:35:15.120+02:00Good Morning Eeben,
I was thinking along this pos...Good Morning Eeben,<br /><br />I was thinking along this post and came to wonder what really drove Hank Wharton to fly for the churches in Biafra?<br />Something near to a close friend of my family - did he want to fill in some missing part of his life? Had something happened in his past, or was it truly just lucrative money?<br /><br />Just some random thoughts for the morning. Your durn blog questions keep my brain humming.<br /><br />Regards,<br />JohnJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-34657870325445483522010-10-10T11:19:19.122+02:002010-10-10T11:19:19.122+02:00Thanks, John.
I have always maintained that I ne...Thanks, John. <br /><br />I have always maintained that I need people alongside me who strengthen my weak points. If I don’t have that in place, I am sure to make mistakes that can cost lives. And if I don’t question, I will never know the options available to me. But it will also prevent me from having unrealistic expectations and subsequently placing unwanted pressure on good men.<br /><br />Hopefully, this approach will negate many potential advantages the enemy may have. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-27932180642606429572010-10-10T11:08:59.656+02:002010-10-10T11:08:59.656+02:00Thanks for pointing us in the direction of The Arb...Thanks for pointing us in the direction of The Arbinger Institute, Shaun. I have been unaware of them but will now do some checking to see what they have that we can find of value.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-66645412919486772092010-10-09T18:02:28.243+02:002010-10-09T18:02:28.243+02:00Good Morning Eeben,
I have read this post, and co...Good Morning Eeben,<br /><br />I have read this post, and comments, multiple times and it simply strikes me as one that cuts to the heart of everything we do as senior or mid level leaders.<br /><br />The needs shown in here, and the ability to ask, are definite items in short supply - our warriors pay with their lives much quicker than those of us who do not apply these questions to ourselves. If we do not ask these same questions of ourselves we will slowly pass - with the additional moral burden that we did not hold our leaders to a higher standard and cost good men their lives who have trusted us to make good decisions. What level of Dantes inferno will we find ourselves in if we do not start finding out how hard we can push ourselves - and not betray those who have put their trust in us.<br /><br />This may be your best post yet.<br /><br />Congrats.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />JohnJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-33492421152924739792010-10-09T10:01:04.206+02:002010-10-09T10:01:04.206+02:00There is a very good book written by The Arbinger ...There is a very good book written by The Arbinger Institute about being in the box and not seeing things clearlyShaun Mayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02472373560327324696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-75348513833972824632010-10-08T08:48:49.517+02:002010-10-08T08:48:49.517+02:00Not knowing much about the gold market, I accept y...Not knowing much about the gold market, I accept your predictions, Private.<br /><br />I can only ever hold Willem in the highest esteem as a soldier. I was really sad to learn that he has found himself in a difficult position but I still regard him as a victim of a great betrayal. However, what happened to us all happened and we cannot dwell in the past. How we do that depends on ourselves.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-24516893215432207862010-10-06T16:35:38.964+02:002010-10-06T16:35:38.964+02:00I have been rather occupied with issues of some im...I have been rather occupied with issues of some importance, Private, hence my tardiness in attending to my blog and answering comments. Sorry about that.<br /><br />I look forward to the promised post but I do understand that sometimes anger and bitterness tend to cloud one’s judgement and language. Give it time.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-9347847060854281992010-10-06T16:23:22.253+02:002010-10-06T16:23:22.253+02:00Yes, it does come down to that, Whit, but this is ...Yes, it does come down to that, Whit, but this is so often neglected by all and sundry that I wanted to mention it again. <br /><br />If we do not know ourselves, we will not know where our soft underbelly is – and therefore be unable to take steps to prevent the enemy from exploiting this. I believe that this is what happened recently in Pakistan, a country that appears to view the US as its mortal enemy. <br /><br />Thanks for pointing us to your blog. I must admit that I haven’t visited it for some time and will do so know. I am sure many other will follow suit.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-33962425122087662252010-09-30T23:12:14.824+02:002010-09-30T23:12:14.824+02:00Dear Eeben,
Clearly, it comes back to a fundament...Dear Eeben,<br /><br />Clearly, it comes back to a fundamental principle that 'knowledge is power' in all aspects of life. Self-awareness and awareness of others. It applies both within one's camp, and to one's adversary.<br /><br />On a separate note, I would ask if you might read two recent posts at my blog waxinggeopolitical.blogspot.com, and invite anyone you know whom might be interested to also read it.<br /><br />Regards,<br />WhitW.C.H. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09170821196875567006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-86225864314396008432010-09-30T06:05:18.372+02:002010-09-30T06:05:18.372+02:00Thank you for your comment and lesson on knowing o...Thank you for your comment and lesson on knowing oneself, Herbert. I think to know ourselves, we need to make what can be perceived as errors in judgement. If we learn from them, as you did, then they were invaluable to us – and I think you have every reason to be proud of how you and your platoon performed that day. It is when people do not learn that I get worried. <br /><br />When I see the unreasonable expectations that are sometimes set on men and equipment, or hear how so-called advisors have misadvised armies, I get even more worried. <br /><br />Fortunately, some of the senior officers I meet are keen to discuss matters of all sorts and debate issues. I respect them for that and know that they do it for the betterment of their men.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-61538482051870027762010-09-29T22:38:52.571+02:002010-09-29T22:38:52.571+02:00Mr. Barlow:
Another excellent article to your cre...Mr. Barlow:<br /><br />Another excellent article to your credit. Having spent four years on the staff of a US Command and Staff College and having taught courses at several others including war colleges, I can confidently say that introspection and identification of personal weaknesses or vulnerabilities are not in the old curricula. Sun Tzu is read by all; "know yourself" receives short shrift.<br /><br />I too, at an early age, received a blazing lesson in "know yourself." Decades ago as a young Marine lieutenant in southeast Asia, one rainy morning my blood was boiling over having lost several men in the previous night's grenade fight. Before setting out on our day's trek through more very hostile country, an experienced sergeant marked a spot on my map, saying "Sir, I've been here before. Right at the location I marked is where they will ambush you." "Thanks" I said, "It will be the last thing they will ever do." I briefed my understrength platoon and off we went, me with one boot full of adrenalin and the other full of testosterone. We were hammered unmercifully--multiple machineguns as well as other weapons. We finally fought through and routed the ambushers, but payed a heavy price in blood--all my fault.<br /><br />Now that day didn't ruin my life (in fact I'm extraordinarily proud of the successful fight the men delivered), but it taught me that I have a serious weakness: I can let my brain get washed aside by testosterone. As compensation I trained myself, whenever my blood got up, to think of two words, deception and surprise. It made me a much better small unit leader, and paid dividends later with larger units. I have to apply it today in dealing with life's daily challenges--it turns out I remain the same guy.<br /><br />This posting is getting too long. I'll just add that I'm not very optimistic about getting senior officers into introspection and identification of their shortcomings. Afterall, they got to be generals because they probably always received flawless performance evaluations, and I'm afraid that too many actually have believed them. Also, I suspect that most of them have probably never been properly machine gunned--a very humbling experience.<br /><br />Best Regards, <br />HerbertHerberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10905087011597189605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-76672544631817510172010-09-26T16:34:49.136+02:002010-09-26T16:34:49.136+02:00Thank you Tango.
I had the privilege of getting ...Thank you Tango. <br /><br />I had the privilege of getting to know Danie many years ago. He was badly wounded in Angola as an artillery forward observation officer, but despite this, he was never bitter or angry. Whereas I would do it again if I had to, I still suspect that the politicians at that time chose their friends most unwisely and like the rats they were, they jumped ship when they could. <br /><br />In the process of jumping ship, men such as Danie did what they could to ensure a semblance of stability lest we find our country totally destroyed. What many people don’t seem to realise is that it was not purely a clash between black and white but a clash of ideologies. In that sense, I also agree with Danie that it was worth it. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-47268293631298276092010-09-25T08:41:51.355+02:002010-09-25T08:41:51.355+02:00Very true, John. Arrogance, pride, self-centrednes...Very true, John. Arrogance, pride, self-centredness – and at times plain stupidity - whatever we wish to call it can cause disaster to men who look to their leaders to ensure their safety. <br /><br />Is it “mission over men” or “men over mission”? Good commanders look to find a balance between the two.<br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-55409688409840907382010-09-25T08:40:55.597+02:002010-09-25T08:40:55.597+02:00It most certainly was Willem, GCU. At that time, w...It most certainly was Willem, GCU. At that time, we were both lieutenants but he was the Boss – a tough, hard, uncompromising boss who was fair at all times. <br /><br />There is a difference between mingling with and fraternising with the men. We worked with and alongside our men and that was how it was. In the old SADF discipline was tough and at times harsh but there was never really fraternising. Everyone knew what everyone else’s position was and it was adhered to at all times – at least in the units I served in. Ill discipline was not tolerated and orders were followed to the letter. I don’t think it can be any other way.<br /><br />I am sorry to hear about your friend. War is indeed a state that takes many a good man from us. It was Marcus Aurelius who said that death smiles at us all and all we can do is smile back. Losing friends is never easy but the best we can do is remember the fun they gave us when they were still alive. <br /><br />Rgds,<br /><br />EebenEeben Barlow's Milsec Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08942119485068301545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-52730060780687014662010-09-25T02:03:38.715+02:002010-09-25T02:03:38.715+02:00Good Evening Eeben,
Very insightful start for the...Good Evening Eeben,<br /><br />Very insightful start for the weekend - Nemesis always rears up to bring down the proud. The level of arrogance at high levels has basically destroyed the west's ability to finish any task it has started for the last 40 years. Our military personnel suffer accordingly.<br /><br />More to come.<br /><br />Regards,<br />JohnJohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14052355800345172823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955273524757178757.post-72837847118672580132010-09-24T22:25:10.363+02:002010-09-24T22:25:10.363+02:00Dear Eeben:
Is the small teams commander you spok...Dear Eeben:<br /><br />Is the small teams commander you spoke a guy named Willem Ratte? He was pretty famous from what I hear. Anyway, I think that soldiers and their officers get to know themselves best by spending time with each other. When the men do this, they begin to observe one another's strengths and weaknesses and have opportunities to express these observations. In other words, the best way to learn about yourself is through having others interact with you and form opinions from the interactions. Strangely enough, the US army frowns on its officers and enlisted men hanging out. Why do you think this is and is it the same all over the world? Was it this way in your day?<br /><br />I have been away for awhile because my best friend died in Afghanistan and I was looking for work too. I hope you are doing well. I saw your last picture that you put on here. You reminded me of Charlie Watts when he was younger. <br /><br />God Bless, GCUgraycladunitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10299674299301793842noreply@blogger.com