What's your favorite military quote?

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 19:47:14 -0500

It could be a quote from a military member or civilian leader about the military, an observation of a citizen, historic figure, or a quote of an adversary about our forces or even more ancient military quotation or observation. Over the years I've seen some great quotes about military personnel, military life, etc... what are some of your favorites? Please share quote and author (or who the quote is attributed to, if known). This should be a great time, so put on your thinking caps, and share your best military quotes/observations and related subjects. Let's have some fun and learn at the same time... see you all in the threads!

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Nov 18 at 2013 8:55 PM

MAJ Joseph Parker — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 20:55:56 -0500

"Nuts" BG Anthony McAuliffe, Acting Commander, 101st ABN DIV to German General Heinrich von Luttwitz, Commander of the 47th Panzer Corps at the siege of Bastogne, when the latter demanded his surrender. So concise. So eloquent. So American. Airborne!

Response by LCpl Chris Shahan made Nov 18 at 2013 10:00 PM

LCpl Chris Shahan — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 22:00:52 -0500

“Your soul may belong to Jesus, but your ass belongs to the Marines.”    Eugene Sledge

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Nov 18 at 2013 10:25 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 22:25:23 -0500

"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those we are cold and are not clothed." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 12:21 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 00:21:50 -0500

I know most of these are serious and influential, but I’d like to lighten the mood with some that I have always thought were funny regarding American Military.

"The reason the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices it on a daily basis." -from a post-war debriefing of a German General

"The most difficult thing about planning against the Americans, is that they do not read their own doctrine, and they would feel no particular obligation to follow it if they did." -Admiral Sergei I. Gorshkov

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 19 at 2013 1:00 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 01:00:34 -0500

Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership. ~General Colin Powell

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Nov 19 at 2013 1:55 AM

MAJ Joseph Parker — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 01:55:11 -0500

"Don't be afraid of their big guns. We'll make a Bunker Hill of it!" - CPT George Pickett, CDR, D CO, 9th Inf. Regt. to the 68 soldiers of his company as they stood alone and formed a battle line to repel a landing by 1,000 British troops supported by 3 warships on San Juan Island, Washington Territory during the 1859 "Pig War". British Naval Captain Geoffrey Hornby declined battle and returned to Vancouver, Canada for reinforcements. A month later CPT Pickett was reinforced as well. On 10 August 1859, 461 American soldiers with 14 cannon faced off against 2,140 British sailors and marines on 5 warships off the San Juan Island. Although under orders to invade and destroy the American forces; British Rear Admiral Robert Baynes thought it was a fairly stupid order, given the whole war was over a poached pig. Besides, the American Army didn't really care what it was about; they weren't going to let the British land no matter how big the fleet. So, the British sailed away. CPT Pickett later joined the confederacy and became MG, and is most famous for his action at Gettysburg, where he directed his Virginia Division on a charge against the Union center on the third day: Pickett's Charge. 68 infantrymen on an island in the American wilderness, protecting an American citizen who shot a pig owned by a Brit because it was rooting around in his garden. Again this is quintessentially American military attitude; just like 101st at Bastogne. Defiance in the face of superior force. Confident leadership when it is most needed. May we all be worthy of our heritage!

Response by SFC Josh Watson made Nov 19 at 2013 8:50 AM

SFC Josh Watson — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 08:50:21 -0500

"Molon Labe" (Come take them) - King Leonidis' reply to Xerxes' demand to surrender his Spartan's weapons.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 19 at 2013 9:00 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 09:00:17 -0500

<div>From my favorite military/leadership book, Once An Eagle -- "That's the whole challenge of life -- to act with honor and hope and generosity, no matter what you've drawn. You can't help when or what you were born, you may not be able to help how you die; but you can -- and you should -- try to pass the days between as a good man.”</div>

Response by CPT Mike M. made Nov 19 at 2013 10:40 AM

CPT Mike M. — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 10:40:23 -0500

Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do, and they will surprise you with their ingenuity. - GEN George S. Patton

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 11:01 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 11:01:37 -0500

This may be considered treason by my Army comrades but the best quote I can think of is from GEN (Ret.) Mattis USMC: “I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes. If you f*@% with me, I'll kill you all.”

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 19 at 2013 11:16 AM

CMC Robert Young — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 11:16:30 -0500

There are so many from which to chose, and almost impossible to decide the virtues of one over another. That said, I don't know who uttered this, or from where it came, but at my last unit I posted it on the front door of my office so that all who entered in must see and read it. 

The purpose of fighting is to win. <o:p></o:p>

There is no possible victory in defense. <o:p></o:p>

The sword is more important than the shield, and skill
is more important than either. <o:p></o:p>

The final weapon is the brain. <o:p></o:p>

All else is supplemental.   <o:p></o:p>

Response by PFC Norman Hanley made Nov 19 at 2013 6:18 PM

PFC Norman Hanley — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 18:18:05 -0500

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 7:07 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 19:07:32 -0500

For this offering of their lives made in common by them all they each of them individually received that renown which never grows old, and for a sepulcher  not so much that in which their bones have been deposited, but that noblest of shrines wherein their glory is laid up to be eternally remembered upon every occasion on which deed or story shall call for its commemoration. For heroes have the whole earth for their tomb; and in lands far from their own, where the column with its epitaph declares it, there is enshrined in every breast a record unwritten with no tablet to preserve it, except that of the heart. These take as your model and, judging happiness to be the fruit of freedom and freedom of valor, never decline the dangers of war.<div> </div><div>~Attributed to Pericles</div>

Response by MAJ Keith Davis made Nov 19 at 2013 7:53 PM

MAJ Keith Davis — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 19:53:59 -0500

1. Congress makes a man a general but communications make him a commander- GEN Omar Bradley  2. The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army. It is possible to impart instruction and to give commands in such a manner and such a tone of voice to inspire in the soldier no feeling but an intense desire to obey, while the opposite manner and tone of voice cannot fail to excite strong resentment and a desire to disobey. The one mode or the other of dealing with subordinates springs from a corresponding spirit in the breast of the commander. He who feels the respect which is due to others cannot fail to inspire in them regard for himself, while he who feels, and hence manifests, disrespect toward others, especially his inferiors, cannot fail to inspire hatred against himself. -Major General John M. Schofield August 11, 1879

Response by SGT Tommy Silvas made Nov 19 at 2013 8:31 PM

SGT Tommy Silvas — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 20:31:54 -0500

General Patton " I refuse to pay for the same ground twice"

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 11:20 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 23:20:43 -0500

"In the absence of orders, attack!"

Response by MAJ Jim Burke made Nov 19 at 2013 11:20 PM

MAJ Jim Burke — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 23:20:47 -0500

so much crap from the mouths of brain dead pseudo-politicians...  Realize at some point of your career, you must make a decision.  Do I look in the mirror and be proud, or see myself as I want to be seen.  Pick real, or deal with the hypocrisy.

Response by SSG Lisa Rendina made Nov 19 at 2013 11:53 PM

SSG Lisa Rendina — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 23:53:59 -0500

"Leadership should be born of the understanding of those who would be affected by it."  Marian Anderson.

Response by TSgt Albert Morse made Nov 20 at 2013 12:42 AM

TSgt Albert Morse — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:42:04 -0500

He has a "can do" attitude.  my former commander Col Vrosh<div> </div><div>he would pull that out during awards and decorations time.</div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 12:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:53:10 -0500

whatever it takes, failure is not an option. -301st MP Co. Motto

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 1:10 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 01:10:00 -0500

“Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons." Douglas MacArthur

Response by MSgt Randel "Chico" Aday made Nov 20 at 2013 5:42 AM

MSgt Randel "Chico" Aday — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 05:42:32 -0500

Either Lead, Follow or get the Hell out of my way. USAF Civil Engineering Red Horse Squadron Motto.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 9:46 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 09:46:42 -0500

"It is well that war is so terrible, else we should grow too fond of it."    - General Robert E. Lee

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 11:15 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 11:15:12 -0500

I believe war should be rare when conducted, but Absolute in nature, So Winston Churchill is always a favorite of mine. Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however
long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no
survival. <div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none; position: absolute; left: -99999px;" id="r1PostCPBlock"><a title="view quote" href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/winstonchu161337.html">We
shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on
the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in
the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall
never surrender.</a> Read more at <a style="color: #003399;" href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/winston_churchill.html#FjUpT6PcK0zh5RxK.99">http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/winston_churchill.html#FjUpT6PcK0zh5RxK.99</a></div>We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on
the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in
the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall
never surrender. Never, never, never give up. <div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none; position: absolute; left: -99999px;" id="r1PostCPBlock"><a title="view quote" href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/winstonchu161337.html">We
shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on
the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in
the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall
never surrender.</a> Read more at <a style="color: #003399;" href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/winston_churchill.html#FjUpT6PcK0zh5RxK.99">http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/winston_churchill.html#FjUpT6PcK0zh5RxK.99</a></div>

Response by SSgt James Stanley made Nov 20 at 2013 4:04 PM

SSgt James Stanley — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 16:04:37 -0500

"Damn the torpedoes, Full speed ahead!" Admiral David Glasgow Farragut

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 4:18 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 16:18:37 -0500

General Douglas MacArthur. Supposedly this is on a statue at West Point: "Your mission remains fixed, determined, inviolable. It is to win our wars! All other public purposes will find others for their accomplishment. Yours is the profession of arms – the will to win, the sure knowledge that in war there is no substitute for victory. The very obsession of your public service must be duty, honor, country." - General of the Army Douglas MacArthur

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 4:20 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 16:20:22 -0500

"Fix bayonets."
Col. Chamberlain
20th Maine
Battle of Gettysburg

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 4:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 16:39:13 -0500

“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Nov 20 at 2013 4:47 PM

LTJG Robert M. — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 16:47:43 -0500

"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons." - General MacArthur

Response by SSG Silverio Paul Flores made Nov 20 at 2013 5:57 PM

SSG Silverio Paul Flores — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 17:57:26 -0500

“You don't win wars by dying for your country you win wars by making the other son of a bitch die for his”
― Douglas MacArthur

Response by SSG Silverio Paul Flores made Nov 20 at 2013 5:58 PM

SSG Silverio Paul Flores — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 17:58:35 -0500

“You don't win wars by dying for your country you win wars by making the other son of a bitch die for his”
― Douglas MacArthur

Douglas MacArthur

Author of Reminiscences, Duty, Honor, Country, Meditations of MacArthur, Revitalizing a Nation, Japanese Operations in the Southwest Pacific Area, Makkāsā Taisen Kaikoroku 003, Makkāsā Taisen Kaik...

Response by SPC Philip Logan made Nov 20 at 2013 6:45 PM

SPC Philip Logan — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 18:45:52 -0500

"It is well war is so terrible or we might grow too fond of it"<div> </div><div>Robert E Lee witnessing the attack of the Federal Irish brigade at the battle of Fredericksburg</div>

Response by SPC Philip Logan made Nov 20 at 2013 6:50 PM

SPC Philip Logan — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 18:50:03 -0500

"Well I just may be fA@#ed"<div>Philip Logan after he was notified he had been stop-lossed in 1990"</div>

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 20 at 2013 7:37 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:37:01 -0500

I am a Roman history enthusiasts. The Roman legions may have been the first professional regular Army. Here are some of my quotes from my favorite Roman Legion General, Scipio Africanus:

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 96% how I react to it.

I'm never less at leisure than when at leisure, or less alone than when alone.

It is the part of a fool to say, I should not have thought.

Scipio Africanus Quotes at BrainyQuote.com

"I'm never less at leisure than when at leisure, or less alone than when alone." - Scipio Africanus quotes from BrainyQuote.com

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 20 at 2013 7:44 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:44:04 -0500

On this day we fight for the survival and for the glory of Rome. We will return home as heroes or die on this battle field!

General Gaius Suetonius Paulinus - the Battle of Watling Street

The Battle of Watling Street took place in Roman-occupied Britain in AD 60 or 61 between an alliance of indigenous British peoples led by Boudica and a Roman army led by Gaius Suetonius Paulinus. Although heavily outnumbered, the Romans decisively defeated the allied tribes, inflicting heavy losses on them. The battle marked the end of resistance to Roman rule in Britain in the southern half of the island, a period that lasted until 410 AD.[2]

Roman Britain - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Provincia Britannia (English: British Province; Welsh: Talaith Prydain), today known as Roman Britain, was a province of the Roman Empire from 43 to 409, spanning at its height in 160, the southern th...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 8:36 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 20:36:18 -0500

Life has a certain flavor for those who have fought and risked all that the sheltered and protected can never experience....

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 20 at 2013 9:47 PM

CMC Robert Young — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 21:47:04 -0500

“My religious belief teaches
me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I
do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may
overtake me. That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally
brave.” – General Thomas Stonewall
Jackson

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 10:47 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 22:47:08 -0500

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. John Stuart Mill English economist philosopher (1806 - 1873)

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 10:50 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 22:50:58 -0500

"Luck occurs when preparation and opportunity coincide." -Marine Corps maxim, as reflected in "A Fiery Peace in a Cold War: Bernard Schriever and the Ultimate Weapon" by Pulitzer Prize winning author Neil Sheehan.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Nov 21 at 2013 12:02 AM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 00:02:17 -0500

<div class="story-body group"> <div>


"Marines are about the most peculiar breed of human beings, I have ever
witnessed. They treat their service as if it were some kind of cult,
plastering their emblem on almost everything they own, making themselves
up to look like insane fanatics with haircuts to ungentlemanly lengths,
worshipping their Commandant almost as if he were a god, and making
weird animal noises like a band of savages. They'll fight like rabid
dogs at the drop of a hat just for the sake of a little action, and are
the cockiest sons of bitches I have ever known. Most have the foulest
mouths and drink well beyond man's normal limits, but their high spirits
and sense of brotherhood set them apart and, generally speaking, the
United States Marines I've come in contact with are the most
professional soldiers and the finest men I have ever had the pleasure to
meet."
 An Anonymous Canadian Citizen 

</div> </div>

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Nov 21 at 2013 12:05 AM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 00:05:01 -0500

Cpl Ray Fernandez,
Los Angeles, CA

“The Marines I have seen around the

world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale,
and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!”
Eleanor Roosevelt

Response by SSgt James Stanley made Nov 21 at 2013 12:54 AM

SSgt James Stanley — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 00:54:24 -0500

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance", Thomas Jefferson.

"Freedom through vigilance", Motto of USAFSS

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 21 at 2013 9:20 AM

CMC Robert Young — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 09:20:10 -0500

"Your uniform displays
your family name and U. S. Coast Guard; please keep those good names in high
regard." – Chief Bill Brown, US Coast Guard<o:p></o:p>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 9:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 09:42:57 -0500

If you would have asked me in my SPC years it would have been: "We the willing led be the unknowing doing the impossible for the ungrateful we have done so much with so little for so long we can do practically anything with almost nothing for no reason at all" (Arms room door in Panama at Fort Sherman was where I saw it)
I would have to say now it would be: Purdy on Leadership by Don Purdy CSM, USA (Retired) Some senior NCOs are nothing more than bootlickers, who sing the "Army of One" song to their superior officers everyday. Commanders need to hear the good, bad and the ugly, and then be given good solid recommendations. They need their senior NCOs to be TRAINERS. LEAD BY EXAMPLE. DO as the troops do. LEAD FROM THE FRONT. GET IN THE DIRT. This bullshit of "I have done that" is garbage. What you are doing now is what counts. Quit worrying about your next assignment. Focus on your mission now. Your mission is to train soldiers for war, and it's damned hard work. If you do it right you will leave the Army in worse shape physically than when you came in. BE HARD BUT FAIR. You must have MORAL COURAGE.
Training is just a word they can't spell. Chief trainer means chief
bootlicker. TICKET PUNCHERS. "Moral courage" means telling your
commander what he wants to hear these days. I was condemned by my peers and
superiors for speaking up, and telling it like it was. I was called a relic from
the past that should be put in a glass case. I was focused on training for war
not peace. Discipline was my watchword, and the soldiers did not decide what
punishment was right or wrong where I served as CSM. I was the Chief Trainer.
The buck stopped with me. I participated in all training and lead by example. I
was told by a Division CSM that I would never serve above BN level because I was
too intrusive. That means I scared commanders with the truth. The next thing he
asked was why do you train with your soldiers? The question was shocking, but
the answer was simple. When I speak everyone listens. That went over his head
like a tent. I carried a rifle not a pistol, and I damn well knew how to use
that weapon and my soldiers knew how to use their weapons as
well. Combatives are important. Boxing, wrestling, and bayonet
fighting are not antiquated. CQB is just what it means, Close Quarter Battle.
MOUT, Trench systems, and bunkers must be cleared, and you had better be
aggressive and prepared to do bayonet or hand to hand fighting. When others were
laughing at my unit for doing these, my soldiers were prepared and understood
what "fix bayonets" meant. They were aggressive and well disciplined.
Substandard performers were put out immediately. My First Sergeants were not
mail men or chow deliverers; they were the Chief Trainers of their
companies. We trained for war not peace. Live fires were a
priority, and were not canned. Leaders and soldiers had to react. Maneuver
elements maneuvered, and had to rely on the SBF not to shoot them but only the
enemy. Bayonets were fixed and there were dummy targets for the soldiers engage
with those bayonets. Re-supply missions were planned and executed. The
battlefield had to be policed of casualties, and equipment by any means
available, even if it meant driving vehicles cross country, or physically
carrying the wounded. Reload drills, dead gunner drills, and crew drills were
executed over, and over, and over again. These were executed day and night. NODS
went on your face when the sun went down. They weren't hanging around your neck.
We executed live fires at night with NODS in the woods, and the live fires were
not canned. Raids, ambushes, search and attack were all executed at night up to
company size. This took us over one year to get to that level. Mortars could hit
their targets. Units could move silently day or night, and didn't get lost. We
did not rely on GPS. WE USED MAPS AND COMPASSES. We lived out of our rucksacks,
slept on the ground, in all types of weather from the BN CMDR on down.
Frostbite, and heat casualties were not common because we trained to live and
fight in the same environment. We did not look like bums. We shaved every day,
wore our equipment properly, camouflaged our faces (and hands when necessary),
soldiers knew how to maintain themselves and their equipment in the field, and
uniformity was important. Soldiers knew what a cat hole was and trash was
carried in their rucks, not thrown on the ground or buried for the hogs to dig
up. Uniforms were worn properly. The companies received one hot meal a day and
understood how to conduct tactical feeding. Our cooks knew how to function in
the environment. The combat trains did not live in tents. Their perimeter was
secure, weapons were clean, and noise and light discipline were maintained.
Cooks, clerks, and all other support personnel knew how to use their weapons,
and were trained on basic Infantry skills. Misfires were damn well rare and
punishment was swift when it did happen. We suffered no live fire deaths because
we trained properly, and used good old-fashioned common sense. We never had the
soldiers execute missions they were not properly trained for. The NCOs trained
the soldiers; the officers commanded. Our motto was "what ever you do, do it
right!" Rate of sick call in the field was almost zero. Morale was high because
of good, hard leadership from the front, and realistic, tough training. We even
executed a day of live fire training during support cycles. You need a strong
CSM who understands discipline and training. He can talk it and walk
it. There is no such thing as a good field soldier. You are
either a soldier or not a soldier. Everything from appearance to police call is
important. This bullshit about my space and my rights is just that: BULLSHIT.
Barracks are not his or her home; it's a place for them to live. For saying this
I was told I had a mess kit mentality. This individuality BS of "I need my own
room" is garbage. We waste more money building these Condos so soldiers can feel
good, and not be part of a team; its sickening. They should live in fire team
bays. It builds cohesion. Key control alone is a nightmare. "Of course don't
bother the poor soldier, just let him live like a pig. When he gets sick or you
find out he or she is a drug dealer, blame it on the NCO Corps even though
you, the illustrious battalion commander and brigade commander, said 'leave the
soldiers alone in their precious rooms.' " Soldiers are owed a place to sleep,
their pay, and the best leadership and training that can be
provided. DISCIPLINE is the key. DRILL AND CEREMONY is the
foundation of discipline. When I say fall in I want to hear your heals coming
together. When I speak, you jump. All ceremonies should be executed with weapons
so each unit can execute the 15-count manual of arms. Carrying a card around in
your pocket does not develop good morals. Morals are developed through solid
leadership not gimmicks and headgear. You want to be
politically correct, stay on the block. You want to be different or an
individual looking to be a victim, stay on the block. If you're a pervert and
proud of it, stay on the block. You want to be a soldier, then become part of a
disciplined team. This is not a job, it's a profession. You're here to fight our
country's war, not to be a gut-eating, self-serving individual. Senior Officers,
and NCOs, I am telling you right now, if things don't change, you will have the
blood of soldiers on your hands. There is an enemy out there who is determined,
and he is not concerned about individual feelings, or time out. If you don't
train them hard now, and demand from them now what in the hell do you think the
enemy is going to do to them. If they can't take the heat in training, how are
they going to take it on the battlefield? Technology, my ass, soldiers win wars.
Be hard on them now or watch them die, or worse, break and run. BE HARD, BUT
FAIR! Being fair does not mean they dictate punishment or babying them. A
Russian General said "Hard on the training field, easy, on the battlefield".
General Patton said "Leading from the rear is like trying to push spaghetti up
hill." You want your soldiers to respect you not love you. When they look at you
they should see a competent leader. The best compliment I ever received was from
a soldier who was PCSing. I was a PLT Sergeant in the First Ranger Battalion. He
said,"Sergeant Purdy, I hated to hear you come in, in the morning, and some
times I just flat hated you, but I would follow you to hell with gasoline
drawers on."

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 21 at 2013 2:33 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:33:46 -0500

There are so many great quotes out there that are attributed to military leaders.  I try to post one almost each may on my Facebook page as a sort of motivational piece to start the day.  One of my favorites was one that one of my Squadron CSMs used to say all the time: "If you do the right thing all the time, you will never have to look over your shoulder." ~ CSM(R) Christopher Taylor, SQDN CSM, 3/4 CAV, OEF IV

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 3:22 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 15:22:46 -0500

“We have to remain rigidly flexible” COL Mark Labovich, EACH, Medical Activity

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 3:29 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 15:29:39 -0500

I also like Jack Nicholson’s reading of the line "You can't handle the truth!" in the movie A Few Good Man. Have you ever feel like uttering it out? I know I have.

Response by Sgt John Henry made Nov 21 at 2013 3:55 PM

Sgt John Henry — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 15:55:19 -0500

Anything Smedley Butler said!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 6:38 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 18:38:53 -0500

"Drink water"

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 8:06 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 20:06:40 -0500

I have 2 favorites both from Gen. Mattis, USMC (Ret.)

1) “The most important six inches on the battlefield is between your ears.”

2) “Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.”

Response by SPC Dave St.Andrew made Nov 21 at 2013 8:08 PM

SPC Dave St.Andrew — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 20:08:40 -0500

This goes for PT, "Don't wish it was easier, wish you were better"

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Nov 21 at 2013 8:35 PM

MAJ Joseph Parker — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 20:35:25 -0500

"I'll try, Sir!" Bugler (Pvt.) Calvin P. Titus, E Co, 14th Inf. Regt. to COL A.S. Daggett; 14 AUG 1900 (during the Boxer Rebellion); at the base of the 30" wall of the Tung Pien Gate of the Forbidden City ; after the COL wonders aloud if it is possible for anyone to scale the wall while under fire. The 5'7", 120 lb bugler scaled the wall by hand and completely unarmed, then assisted a small team to climb it using a line made of ammo bandoleers, and cleared the parapet of enemy troops while the rest of the remaining 2 companies of Infantry mounted the wall. Bugler Titus was awarded the Medal of Honor, presented while he was a plebe (first year) at West Point. He went on to serve 32 years in the Army and rise to the rank of LTC. This quote, in my humble opinion, has always typified the American soldier in combat: unselfish, courageous,  In movies one always sees and hears the mantra "never volunteer". Not our soldiers!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 8:44 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 20:44:29 -0500

The tree of liberty must be watered from time to time with the blood of tyrants and patriots - Thomas Jefferson

Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for I am at 50,000 feet and climbing...

We have awoken a sleeping giant--Japanese leadership after Attack on Pearl Harbor

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Nov 21 at 2013 8:55 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 20:55:30 -0500

I wasn't sure if this was solely a military Hooah! type of thing, but this is my favorite quote about the military. I was introduced to it in grade school, and means much more to me now that I serve.

All war must be just the killing of strangers against whom you feel no personal animosity; strangers whom, in other circumstances, you would help if you found them in trouble, and who would help you if you needed it.
- "The Private History of the Campaign That Failed" by Mark Twain

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Nov 21 at 2013 9:28 PM

LTJG Robert M. — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 21:28:12 -0500

We the unwilling, lead by the unknowing, have done the impossible with so little for so long, we can now do anything with nothing!

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Nov 21 at 2013 10:33 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 22:33:51 -0500

“If you can't get them to salute when
they should salute and wear the clothes you tell them to wear, how are you going
to get them to die for their country?” General Patton

Response by CSM Stuart C. O'Black made Nov 21 at 2013 10:39 PM

CSM Stuart C. O'Black — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 22:39:02 -0500

“The day the soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.” http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/138507.Colin_Powell
Colin Powell - Author of My American Journey, It Worked for Me, A Soldier's Way, Colin Powell, On Leadership, U.S. Defense Policy, George C. Marshall, Who's Who Among African Americans, Saxon Quest; Calamity in the ... Author of War as I Knew It, The Patton Papers, The Patton Papers, The Wit Wisdom of General George S. Patton, Patton Principles, The Poems Of General George S. Patton, Jr, Pure Patton, The Defen...

Colin Powell

Author of My American Journey, It Worked for Me, and A Soldier's Way

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 10:46 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 22:46:08 -0500

"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - General Norman Schwarzkopf<div> </div><div> </div>

Response by Sgt Peter Agud made Nov 22 at 2013 7:59 AM

Sgt Peter Agud — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 07:59:27 -0500

Not exactly sure where I came upon this, I've always credited one of my drill instructors. "You can't actually motivate others...you can only provide them the means to motivate themselves"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2013 10:21 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 10:21:51 -0500

I am surprised that no one has quoted President John F. Kennedy, which is a favorite of mine.
“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”One of the main reasons I joined the US Army.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Nov 22 at 2013 11:44 AM

Cpl Benjamin Long — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 11:44:35 -0500

It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience. (Julius Caesar)<div> </div>

Response by SSgt James Bowman made Nov 22 at 2013 2:10 PM

SSgt James Bowman — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 14:10:47 -0500

“A nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its laws made by cowards and its wars fought by fools.” ― Thucydides.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2013 3:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 15:10:58 -0500

Even though its from a movie, I'd say a great quote is the following from Mel Gibson (as LTC Hal Moore in We Were Soldiers)

"Take care of your men, teach them to take care of each other....because when this starts, each other is all we're going to have"

Response by Maj Carl Maes made Nov 23 at 2013 2:01 PM

Maj Carl Maes — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:01:36 -0500

Be an example to your men, in your duty and in private life. Never spare yourself, and let the troops see that you don'tin your endurance of fatigue and privation. always be tactful and well-mannered and teach your subordinates to do the same. Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide.

Erwin Rommel

Response by CW2 Geoff Lachance made Nov 23 at 2013 2:37 PM

CW2 Geoff Lachance — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:37:02 -0500

I have two - The first "A soldier above all others prays for peace for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war" General McAurthur

The second is "If courage is the absence of fear, then I know of no courageous man. Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to act in spite of fear." General Patton

Response by 1stLt Kevin Paige made Nov 23 at 2013 2:41 PM

1stLt Kevin Paige — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:41:47 -0500

From one Bush Bustin Hard Charging Infantry Platoon Commander to his Marines

1. "If your comfortable, your wrong"

2. "When in doubt meet me at the objective. "

Response by 1stLt Kevin Paige made Nov 23 at 2013 2:49 PM

1stLt Kevin Paige — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:49:06 -0500

From one Bush Bust-in Hard Charging Infantry Platoon Commander to his Marines.1. "If you're comfortable you're wrong."2. "When in doubt meet at the objective."3. " Marines don't get lost.  If you find yourself temporarily disoriented, take a short security halt and unfuck yourself."

Response by PO2 Pete Haga made Nov 23 at 2013 3:15 PM

PO2 Pete Haga — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 15:15:22 -0500

heard this one from A school all the way to the fleet and every time you get 2 snipes in the same place ( if the steam don't flow the ship don't go) BT's and MM's our moto

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 23 at 2013 3:19 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 15:19:23 -0500

“Russia doesn't negotiate with terrorists. It destroys them."

Vladimir Putin

Well said sir!

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 23 at 2013 3:44 PM

CMC Robert Young — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 15:44:06 -0500

If it ain't raining, it ain't training! Being dry and warm is vastly overrated and seeing where you're going is completely unnecessary. - Chief Bill Eppright, US Coast Guard while underway on a Response Boat - Small during a thunderstorm.

Response by SGT Dan Knispel made Nov 23 at 2013 4:23 PM

SGT Dan Knispel — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 16:23:43 -0500

Some of my favorite quotes are from Murphy's Laws of combat, they all contain just enough truth to be amusing: "tracers work both ways" or "if the enemy is in range, so are you".

But on a serious note I think I'd have to pick the quote by President Dwight D. Eisenhower: "In the final choice, a soldier's pack is not so heavy a burden as a prisoner's chains."

Response by CPL Hayward Johnson made Nov 23 at 2013 8:35 PM

CPL Hayward Johnson — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 20:35:30 -0500

"If it ain't raining, we ain't training"

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 9:04 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 21:04:17 -0500

"When we are debating an issue, loyalty means giving me your honest opinion, whether you think I'll like it or not. Disagreement, at this stage, stimulates me. But once a decision has been made, the debate ends. From that point on, loyalty means executing the decision as if it were your own." - General Colin L. Powell, USA

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 10:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:00:21 -0500

A quote I discovered as a young Sergeant and had as the opening to my leader's book for years.
"I'd like to have two armies: one for display with lovely guns, tanks, little soldiers, staffs, distinguished and doddering generals, and dear little regimental officers who would be deeply concerned over their general's bowel movements or their colonel's piles, an army that would be shown for a modest fee on every fairground in the country.
"The other would be the real one, composed entirely of young enthusiasts in camouflage uniforms, who would not be put on display, but from whom impossible efforts would be demanded and to whom all sorts of tricks would be taught. That's the army in which I should like to fight."

--Jean Larte Guy, Soldier and Writer--

Response by SGT Brendan Beely made Nov 23 at 2013 10:28 PM

SGT Brendan Beely — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:28:54 -0500

Plenty of excellent leadership quotes here already, so I'll lighten the mood a bit.<div> </div><div>'A Marine with cold hands and empty pockets is a fool.' - Chesty Puller</div>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 10:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:38:30 -0500

Some quotes from my favorite philosopher.

If physical force is to be barred from social relationships, men need an institution charged with the task of protecting their rights under an objective code of rules.

Honor. Honor is self-esteem made visible in action. Philosophy: Who Needs It.

self-esteem is reliance on one's power to think

To live, man must hold three things as the supreme and ruling values of his life: Reason—Purpose—Self-esteem.

Reason, as his only tool of knowledge—Purpose, as his choice of the happiness which that tool must proceed to achieve—Self-esteem, as his inviolate certainty ...

~Ayn Rand

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 10:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:55:33 -0500

“A nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its laws made by cowards and its wars fought by fools.”

“Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and self-respect is the chief element in courage.”

“Think, too, of the great part that is played by the unpredictable in war: think of it now, before you are actually committed to war. The longer a war lasts, the more things tend to depend on accidents. Neither you nor we can see into them: we have to abide their outcome in the dark. And when people are entering upon a war they do things the wrong way round. Action comes first, and it is only when they have already suffered that they begin to think.”

“It is useless to attack a man who could not be controlled even if conquered, while failure would leave us in an even worse position.”

― Thucydides

Thucydides

Author of The History of the Peloponnesian War, The Landmark Thucydides, On Justice, Power and Human Nature, History of the Peloponnesian War, The Peloponnesian War, Bk. 2, History of the Peloponnesia...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 11:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 23:53:21 -0500

I don't remember which of my Drill Sergeants said it but it has stuck with me through out my career.

"Trust in your training. It's ok to be scared in combat. In fact, I WANT you to be scared because I know then that you will trust your training. When you aren't scared, you're going to start to think that you're invincible and end up coming home the wrong way."

Proved to be true time and again during our recent wars.

Response by SFC James Baber made Nov 24 at 2013 12:39 AM

SFC James Baber — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 00:39:28 -0500

All I can add is "Git R Done", we need a levity about now. All that have posted so far have been superb and eloquent with our military history quotes.

Response by MSG Tim Waychoff made Nov 24 at 2013 3:27 PM

MSG Tim Waychoff — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 15:27:22 -0500

"You must love soldiers in order to understand them, and understand them in order to lead them."-Henri Turenne, Marshal General of France in the mid 1600s.

For me, this sums up what being a Leader in any military unit is about. It was as true 400 years ago as it is today. Nobody serves in the Military to get rich, and fewer stay in for a long period of time than the number that leaves early on in their careers.

Once the torch of Leadership has been passed to you, a deeper level of commitment is required and the success that you focus on is no longer your own personal success. Your success starts to be measured by the accomplishments of those that you lead. In order to effectively lead these young men and women, you must truly relish that opportunity, and as the Marshal General stated nearly 400 years ago, you must understand those that you lead as human beings before you can expect that they will follow you as a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine.

Response by MSG Tim Waychoff made Nov 24 at 2013 3:36 PM

MSG Tim Waychoff — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 15:36:58 -0500

I've got one other to add, and it may not be military in origin, because it applies to nearly everything in life:

"Professionals are predictable, but the world is full of amateurs."

One only has to look to Afghanistan to fully understand the impact of this statement.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 4:25 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:25:54 -0500

TOP TEN LIST: We've had such a great time sharing quotes, it seems a crime if at some point we didn't pick a "Top-Ten" list of quotes (similar to those Letterman has done for years). So, choose your favorite quotes by voting them up, and remember to submit any quotes you think should be considered for the upcoming TOP TEN List! Thanks for sharing all of your great quotes, this has been both great fun and very informative... and will likely get even more fun in weeks to come... so, let the voting begin and thanks again for all of your great posts!

Response by SFC Andrew McClure made Nov 24 at 2013 4:42 PM

SFC Andrew McClure — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:42:09 -0500

"No more Task Force Smith's."

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Nov 24 at 2013 5:45 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 17:45:55 -0500

War is the continuation of politics by other means.

Carl von Clausewitz

Or, when politics fails, this is sometimes the only option left for the Politicians. Military members have to remember that they are never in charge.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 7:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 19:11:29 -0500

"Give me but one firm spot to stand on and I will move the Earth" --- Archimedes

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 2:05 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 02:05:28 -0500

"What are they going to do, fire me?"
- Secretary Robert M. Gates in a May 28, 2009 interview in Time Magazine titled "Rbert Gates: The Bureaucrat Unbound"

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 4:02 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 04:02:27 -0500

Old Motor Sergeant told me this when I was a PVT:

"When you are under someone who is ate up, adapt physically so you don't get in trouble, but don't adapt mentally, because then you will be just as ate up as them."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 10:14 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 10:14:05 -0500

"....You can lead me, you can follow me, or get out of the way...."

- George S. Patton

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 12:44 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 12:44:06 -0500

"It is better to be bold than wary- although wariness may often be correct." -General of the Army Omar N. Bradley

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 7:13 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 19:13:47 -0500

"Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet."

--Marine General James Mattis

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 7:14 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 19:14:28 -0500

"Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet."

--Marine General James Mattis

Response by SGT Gary Frank made Nov 25 at 2013 7:26 PM

SGT Gary Frank — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 19:26:07 -0500

On the eve of the battle of Thermopylae, the Thespian and Spartan were warned by the Persians that their [Persian] arrows would blot out the sun. Reportedly one of the Spartan commanders Dienekes, replied:

"Good, then we will fight in the shade."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 7:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 19:57:31 -0500

My favorite quote comes from none other than Gen. George S. Patton Jr.

'Never tell soldiers how to do things. Tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their ingenuity.'

Response by CPT Scott Fussell made Nov 25 at 2013 8:17 PM

CPT Scott Fussell — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:17:00 -0500

"Never avoid the opportunity to keep your mouth shut." - Unknown

I can't remember who said it but I have loved this one

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 8:49 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:49:16 -0500

"There are two things that a democratic people will always find very difficult, to begin a war, and to end it." -Alexis de Tocqueville, 1840 (from the intro to "How Terrorism Ends: Understanding the Decline and Demise of Terrorist Campaigns" by A.K. Cronin)

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 11:38 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 23:38:04 -0500

"Shove that nutrition down your neck"

A quintessential SGM talking to a group of ladies at selection.

"Dare to fail"

The Major whose name became an adjective, noun and verb.

"Fitness is a professional habit. Fitness is safety, mission accomplishment and respect for your team."

Response by MSgt Gregory Aderhold made Nov 26 at 2013 11:35 AM

MSgt Gregory Aderhold — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 11:35:47 -0500

"I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs, but how high he bounces when he hits bottom." Gen George S. Patton.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Nov 26 at 2013 12:51 PM

SGT James Elphick — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 12:51:02 -0500

Taken from a German officers diary and the name sake of the 504th PIR "American parachutists...devils in baggy pants...are less than 100 meters from my outpost line. I can't sleep at night; they pop up from nowhere and we never know when or how they will strike next. Seems like the black-hearted devils are everywhere..."

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 4:56 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 16:56:15 -0500

"Don't one of you fire until you see the whites of their eyes" COL William Prescott at the Battle of Bunker Hill

Response by SPC Gary Basom made Nov 26 at 2013 10:16 PM

SPC Gary Basom — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 22:16:59 -0500

"Come on you dirty sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?First Sergeant Dan Daly

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 10:45 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 22:45:48 -0500

"Be an example to your men, in duty and in private life.  Never spare yourself, and let the troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation."  Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, the "Desert Fox."

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 7:45 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 07:45:30 -0500

"Is some people gonna die" from a good friend from the back of our main briefing room. Ah, the old days.

Response by SSG Tim Esplin made Nov 27 at 2013 8:31 AM

SSG Tim Esplin — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 08:31:54 -0500

Onw od my favorite PSG's when asked why we were unloading the tanks from the train a second time, "the answer is unknowable at this time"

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Nov 27 at 2013 10:47 AM

LTJG Robert M. — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 10:47:04 -0500

<dl><dt>Communications without intelligence is noise; Intelligence without communications is irrelevant.</dt><dd class="author">                                                                                  Gen Alfred Gray, USMC</dd></dl>

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 3:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:03:25 -0500

"It is difficult to be a good noncommissioned officer. If it had been easy,
they would have given it to the officer corps". -SMA William A. Connelly

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 3:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:03:59 -0500

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of
patriots and tyrants". -Thomas Jefferson

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 9:36 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 21:36:44 -0500

I found a quote from GEN Norman Schwartzkopf that I thought was pretty funny:<div> </div><div>"Going to war without France is like going hunting without an accordion."</div><div> </div><div>I wonder if he would have said the same to the FFL though?</div>

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 11:48 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 23:48:02 -0500

When I was a young PFC in Vilseck, Germany…I had an old crusty CW4 that would tell us…"Don't worry son…don't make time for maintenance…maintenance will make time for you!" When I was a Company Commander…I found myself saying the same thing to my Soldiers. If you don't take time to do the proper maintenance on your vehicles…you will…when you're broken down on the side of the road!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 2:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 14:58:13 -0500

"No good decision was ever made in a swivel chair." -Gen. George S. Patton Jr.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 3:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 15:09:01 -0500

"No good decision was ever made in a swivel chair."

-Gen. George S. Patton Jr.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 3:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 15:09:33 -0500

It may sound inappropriate, but "Get use to disappointment, it will be a big part of your life career." People often expect too much and their heightened expectations lead them to disappointment. Life isn't fair and a lot of youngsters laugh when I say that but they find it true eventually.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2013 2:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 14:03:23 -0500

Own the process!!! Not just part of it but the hole thing from start to finish. "LTC Fowler" HHB18th ABN Corps CDR 2011

Response by LTC Monte Anderson made Nov 29 at 2013 6:08 PM

LTC Monte Anderson — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 18:08:46 -0500

I came, I saw, I conquered. -Julius Caeser

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2013 8:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 20:11:30 -0500

'We do not rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level of our training.' -Archilochus

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 12:50 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 00:50:38 -0500

Daly is said to have yelled,

"Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?"

to the men in his company prior to charging the Germans during the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I.

He also got the Medal of Honor, TWICE.

Battle of Belleau Wood - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Battle of Belleau Wood (1–26 June 1918) occurred during the German 1918 Spring Offensive in World War I, near the Marne River in France. The battle was fought between the U.S. Second (under the co...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 12:53 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 00:53:02 -0500

A great man once said, You give a man fire he will be warm for the night but you set a man on fire he will be warm for the rest of his life.

I am sure this came from some guy in WWII who had a flame thrower strapped to his back.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 30 at 2013 2:09 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 02:09:37 -0500

This is my own quote but I love it.  "Rank gives you authority, not ability."  Oh the people I have pissed off with this statement.  But it speaks volumes when it applies.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 7:42 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 07:42:44 -0500

My favorite is: "Make a decision: Right, Wrong or Indifferent, just make a decision."

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 11:43 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 11:43:09 -0500

"The difference between amateurs and professionals? An amateur practices until he gets it right. A professional practices until he can not get it wrong."
I do not know who coined that one, but if you know please share; I would love to give them the credit due.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Nov 30 at 2013 4:35 PM

CPT Richard Riley — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 16:35:24 -0500

“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. If you have to be without one, be without the strategy!”
General Normal Schwarzkopf

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 5:36 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 17:36:50 -0500

You can't handle the truth!  Jack Nicholson,  A Few Good Men,   Hollywood but certainly a quotable moment....

Response by Spc 1 J W. made Nov 30 at 2013 11:18 PM

Spc 1 J W. — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 23:18:35 -0500

You do not lead by hitting people over the head. That's assault, not leadership. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Dec 1 at 2013 7:39 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 07:39:09 -0500

My favorite military quote has to be Lt Col Puller, in Korea, when the Marines were surrounded. "We have them right where we want them... we can shoot in any direction Now!"

Response by LtCol Dann Chesnut made Dec 1 at 2013 12:28 PM

LtCol Dann Chesnut — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 12:28:26 -0500

"They are in front of us, behind us, and we are flanked on both sides by an enemy that outnumbers us 29:1. They can't get away from us now!"[ Chesty Puller Chosis reservoir 1950

Chesty Puller - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Navy Cross (5)Distinguished Service CrossSilver Star MedalLegion of Merit (2) with Valor deviceBronze Star Medal with Valor deviceAir Medal (3)Purple Heart MedalCombat Action Ribbon (2)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2013 3:02 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 15:02:12 -0500

War is an art that is never stable, nor do you finish learning about it, because there are from day to day and hour to hour new things and new secrets, both in the offense and in the defense.

Dom João de Castro, 1546

Response by Spc 1 J W. made Dec 1 at 2013 3:10 PM

Spc 1 J W. — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 15:10:11 -0500

"I have not yet begun to fight" John
Paul Jones

Response by Spc 1 J W. made Dec 1 at 2013 3:12 PM

Spc 1 J W. — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 15:12:11 -0500

"Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"
David Farragut

Damn the torpedoes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Response by Lt Col Steve Hyle made Dec 1 at 2013 4:58 PM

Lt Col Steve Hyle — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 16:58:05 -0500

"NUTS"

Gen. Anthony Clement McAuliffe is best remembered for uttering a single word -- no mean feat, considering that even the shortest Bible verse has two. Commanding the U.S. Army’s beleaguered and surrounded 101st Airborne Division during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge, McAuliffe received a German surrender ultimatum. "Nuts!" he replied, and became a lasting symbol of American courage and determination under fire.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 1 at 2013 6:42 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 18:42:35 -0500

Heroes only see spilt blood once; cowards see it many time over. -Some Roman General minutes before leading his soldiers into some bloody battle.

Response by TSgt Marcial Guajardo made Dec 1 at 2013 7:05 PM

TSgt Marcial Guajardo — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 19:05:28 -0500

First heard from a Vietnam vet: There are three kinds of supervisors. Those you work for. Those you work with. Those you work in spite of.

Response by MAJ Jim Burke made Dec 1 at 2013 8:27 PM

MAJ Jim Burke — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 20:27:17 -0500

"Thank you for your service".

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 1 at 2013 8:43 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 20:43:24 -0500

"Soldier's should not believe everything they read on the internet" - GEN George Washington

Response by SSgt John Bratton made Dec 1 at 2013 10:09 PM

SSgt John Bratton — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 22:09:12 -0500

The whole nine yards.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2013 1:13 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 01:13:12 -0500

One that I have always liked (and sits on my office so I'm reminded daily) comes from Sun Tzu:

"If soldiers are punished before they have grown attached to you, they will not prove submissive; and, unless submissive, then will be practically useless. If, when the soldiers have become attached to you, punishments are not enforced, they will still be useless. Therefore, soldiers must be treated in the first instance with humanity, but kept under control by means of iron dicipline. This is a certian road to victory."

As an MTI, these words have always spoken to me of the balance that a good leader (whether MTI, DI, or even NCO/SNCO) must seek to find with his subordinates, and has definitely tempered my leadership style.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2013 3:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 03:13:58 -0500

Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership. - Colin Powell-

Colin Powell Quotes at BrainyQuote.com

"Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not ...

Response by SFC Michael Whipple made Dec 2 at 2013 7:04 AM

SFC Michael Whipple — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 07:04:16 -0500

My favorite military quote is, "It's a trap!" Admiral Ackbar during the Battle of Endor

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2013 7:15 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 07:15:03 -0500

General Patton on profanity:

"When I want my men to remember something important, to really make it stick, I give it to them double dirty. It may not sound nice to some bunch of little old ladies at an afternoon tea party, but it helps my soldiers to remember. You can't run an army without profanity; and it has to be eloquent profanity. An army without profanity couldn't fight it's way out of a piss-soaked paper bag."

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 2 at 2013 2:05 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:05:31 -0500

The fox changes his skin but
not his habits.

- Suetonius

That is General Suetonius to us soldiers who lead the battle of Watling Street against the rebel British Queen, Boudicca and decisively defeated her and her barbaric hoarde who greatly out numbered two Roman Legions comprised of well trained and season veteran to previous battles and wars.

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Dec 2 at 2013 3:28 PM

SSG Christopher Freeman — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 15:28:52 -0500

BUILD ME AN NCO
~CSM (Retired) Ramon C. Caisido

Build me an NCO who will be strong enough to know when he is wrong, and brave enough to face peril when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, but humble and gentile in victory.

Build me an NCO whose wishes will not replace his actions, An NCO who will know that to know himself is the cornerstone of knowledge.

Train him not in the path of ease and comfort, but in the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fall.

Build me an NCO whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high. Build me an NCO, who masters himself, before he seeks to master others. One who will learn to laugh, yet never forget to morn; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, give him enough sense of humor that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously.

Give him humility so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the meekness of true strength and the open mind of true wisdom to know this, in himself.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 2 at 2013 4:34 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 16:34:30 -0500

“Out of every one hundred men, ten shouldn't even be there, eighty are just targets, nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back.”

Heraclitus

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 2 at 2013 4:54 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 16:54:36 -0500

"Why, of course, the people don't want war. Why would some
poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best that
he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece.

Naturally, the common people don't want war...; neither in Russia, nor in
England, nor in America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is
understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who
determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the
people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or
a parliament, or a communist dictatorship.

Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the
bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them
they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of
patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in
any country."
-Goering-

Response by PFC Richard Orr made Dec 2 at 2013 5:44 PM

PFC Richard Orr — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 17:44:17 -0500

"An army is a team. It lives, eats, sleeps, fights as a team.
This individuality stuff is a bunch of bullshit."

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 2 at 2013 6:18 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 18:18:44 -0500

"de oppresso liber" SFG

"I get paid for killing, but I will kill you for free". A quote some SF told a civilian lol

"Don't count on anyone for anything, count on your self for all things" - Something a SGT Major stated in a book he wrote for NCO's.

"The U.S Army is an Organization designed to fight a war and win, if you think it is an 8 hour a day job were you go home at 5, then your in the wrong organization" - a BN Commander in Germany.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 4:48 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 04:48:01 -0500

Good NCOs are never satisfied with the status quo.

SMA Leon L. Van Autreve

SMA Van Autreve was a great SMA, and he did a lot to build up our NCO Corps.

Response by SFC David Brill made Dec 3 at 2013 7:41 AM

SFC David Brill — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 07:41:43 -0500

"It is Better to ask Forgiveness than to ask Permission"

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 3 at 2013 1:58 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 13:58:07 -0500

A Naval officer said the following:

I'm a soldier, not a diplomat. I can only tell the truth.

The needs of the many out weigh the needs of the one.

Conquest is easy. Control is not.

Response by SPC Rodney Lester made Dec 3 at 2013 8:30 PM

SPC Rodney Lester — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 20:30:22 -0500

My favorite was "Hurry up and wait!"

Response by SSG Jim Handy made Dec 3 at 2013 9:51 PM

SSG Jim Handy — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 21:51:22 -0500

"NUTS"! If you studied WW II or seen the movie "PATTON" you'll know what I'm talking about.

Response by Capt Andre Toman made Dec 3 at 2013 9:53 PM

Capt Andre Toman — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 21:53:21 -0500

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the organizer, Who gave us the freedom to demonstrate

It is the soldier, Who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag.

And whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protester to burn the flag."

Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

Response by CPT Michael Moffeit made Dec 3 at 2013 10:03 PM

CPT Michael Moffeit — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:03:31 -0500

"Success if measured by how high you bounce once you've hit the bottom." ~GEN Patton

Response by CPT Michael Moffeit made Dec 3 at 2013 10:05 PM

CPT Michael Moffeit — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:05:42 -0500

"The reason that the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices chaos on a daily basis."
~German General Officer (circa. WWII)

Response by CSM Stuart C. O'Black made Dec 3 at 2013 10:12 PM

CSM Stuart C. O'Black — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 22:12:05 -0500

I think this one was posted but it cannot be said or requited enough!

Colin Powell

Author of My American Journey, It Worked for Me, A Soldier's Way, Colin Powell, On Leadership, U.S. Defense Policy, George C. Marshall, It Worked for Me (Enhanced Edition), Who's Who Among African Ame...

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Dec 4 at 2013 9:56 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 09:56:52 -0500

To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.

George Washington

Response by Sgt Lonnie Rush made Dec 4 at 2013 11:22 AM

Sgt Lonnie Rush — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 11:22:31 -0500

"Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?"

Dan Daly at the Battle of Belleau Woods.

He was imitating the Prussian King Fredrick but put his own character to it.

This is the inspiration for the line in Starship Troopers.

Response by CPO John Dupee made Dec 4 at 2013 5:39 PM

CPO John Dupee — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 17:39:15 -0500

"Don't flinch from the fire boys!! There's a hotter fire than that waiting for those that don't do their duty, GIVE THAT RASCALLY TUG ANOTHER SHOT!"

ADM David G Farragut as a Confederate fire tug was pushed alongside to prevent his running of the forts below New Orleans

Response by SSG Jacob Kopp made Dec 4 at 2013 8:26 PM

SSG Jacob Kopp — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 20:26:07 -0500

Rangers lead the way!

On 6 June 1944, during the assault landing on Dog White sector of Omaha Beach as part of the invasion of Normandy, General Norman Cota (assistant CO of the 29th ID) while under heavy machine gun fire, calmly walked towards Maj. Max Schneider, CO of the 5th Ranger Battalion and asked “What outfit is this?”, someone yelled"5th Rangers!". To this, Cota replied “Well, Goddamn it then, Rangers, lead the way!” From this, the Ranger motto ("Rangers lead the way!") was born.

Response by Capt Andre Toman made Dec 4 at 2013 9:36 PM

Capt Andre Toman — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 21:36:20 -0500

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and
degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing
is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is
willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal
safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless
made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. John Stuart Mill

Response by Capt Andre Toman made Dec 4 at 2013 9:38 PM

Capt Andre Toman — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 21:38:37 -0500

A pint of sweat saves a gallon of blood. General George S. Patton, Jr.

Response by Col Joel Anderson made Dec 4 at 2013 9:54 PM

Col Joel Anderson — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 21:54:39 -0500

Gen. Anthony McAuliffe

When the surrounded commander at Bastogne during the Battle of the Buldge was asked to surrender merely responded with "Nuts." Classic.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 9:57 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 21:57:28 -0500

"If you're not having fun with this thread... then you're wrong!" - Me, Dec 2013 : )

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Dec 4 at 2013 10:16 PM

LT Jessica Kellogg — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 22:16:50 -0500

‎"There will be demands upon your ability, upon your endurance, upon your disposition, upon your patience... Just as fire tempers iron into fine steel so does adversity temper one's character into firmness, tolerance, and determination."
~Senator Margaret Chase Smith, Lieutenant Colonel US Air Force Reserve

Women of the Armed Forces Memorial, Arlington

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Dec 4 at 2013 10:19 PM

LT Jessica Kellogg — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 22:19:05 -0500

This isn't a military-specific quote, but it's been a good reminder for me on the days when I question why I joined the Navy.<div> </div><div>“Promise me you will not spend so much time treading water and trying to keep your head above the waves that you forget, truly forget, how much you have always loved to swim.”  ― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7075956.Tyler_Knott_Gregson" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0); font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Tyler Knott Gregson</a> </div>

Response by SFC Josh Watson made Dec 5 at 2013 1:49 PM

SFC Josh Watson — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 13:49:35 -0500

“An army of sheep led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by a sheep.”
― Alexander the Great

Response by SFC Josh Watson made Dec 5 at 2013 1:49 PM

SFC Josh Watson — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 13:49:49 -0500

“An army of sheep led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by a sheep.”
― Alexander the Great

Response by CPO John Dupee made Dec 5 at 2013 2:50 PM

CPO John Dupee — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 14:50:42 -0500

"We believe in command, not staff, "We believe we have 'real' things to do. The Navy believes in putting a man in a position with a job to do, and let him do it--give him hell if he does not perform--but be a man in his own name. We decentralize and capitalize on the capabilities of our individual people rather than centralize and make automatons of them. This builds that essential pride of service and sense of accomplishment. If it results in a certain amount of cockiness, I am for it. But this is the direction in which we should move." - ADM Arleigh Burke

Response by CPO John Dupee made Dec 5 at 2013 4:25 PM

CPO John Dupee — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 16:25:22 -0500

"Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet...- then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship."
-Ishmael/Moby Dick

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Dec 5 at 2013 4:50 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 16:50:17 -0500

My favorite quote is from the 1tth ACR during the Vietnam War..."Find the bastards, then pile on!"

Response by SFC Thomas Hrabe made Dec 5 at 2013 4:55 PM

SFC Thomas Hrabe — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 16:55:43 -0500

"It's in the SOP", from every training unit I have had the pleasure to work with.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 4:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 16:59:38 -0500

"Stand down Soldier !! how do you do that? I Heard that a bunch of times over the years, lol.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 5:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 17:16:33 -0500

I also like this one here :"Military intelligence is a contradiction in terms" .by Groucho Marx

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 12:26 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 00:26:01 -0500

"Treat your men like your own beloved sons, and they will follow you into the deepest and darkest valleys."-- Sun Tzu

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 7:01 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 07:01:42 -0500

"My men don't dig foxholes. Foxholes only slow up an offensive. Keep
moving. We'll win this war, but we'll win it only by fighting and
showing the Germans that we've got more guts than they have or ever will
have. We're not just going to shoot the bastards, we're going to rip
out their living goddamned guts and use them to grease the treads of our
tanks. We're going to murder those lousy Hun cocksuckers by the
bushel-fucking-basket."
-George S. Patton, illustrating that delivery is just as important as content

Response by SSG Matt Murphy made Dec 6 at 2013 7:38 AM

SSG Matt Murphy — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 07:38:23 -0500

La biffe, c’est la Reine des Batailles. Le biffin, c’est le Roi des Cons

Response by MSG Josh Perry made Dec 6 at 2013 8:59 AM

MSG Josh Perry — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 08:59:50 -0500

I've never been able find solid confirmation of it being said by GEN Mattis to Iraqi tribal leaders "I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I'll kill you all."

Response by SFC M. Artemis O'Conan made Dec 6 at 2013 10:09 AM

SFC M. Artemis O'Conan — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 10:09:48 -0500

"If you're afraid of anything, why not take a chance and do the thing
you fear. Sometimes it's the only way to get over being afraid”
Audie L. Murphy

Response by Cpl Tina Lamb made Dec 6 at 2013 10:18 AM

Cpl Tina Lamb — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 10:18:52 -0500

When I visited Belleau Wood a couple of years ago, I recalled the famous quote (famous to Marines) of Dan Daly as he was surrounded by German soldiers on all sides, "come on you sons of bitches. Do you want to live forever?"

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Dec 6 at 2013 10:18 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 10:18:59 -0500

"With all due respect, Sir.."

Warrant Officer speak for WTH are you doing?

SJ DuBois, CWO, USMC Retired

Response by SSG William Patton made Dec 6 at 2013 10:47 AM

SSG William Patton — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 10:47:46 -0500

General Norman Cota's quote on DDay when he told troops on the beach, "Gentlemen we are being killed on the beach, let us go there and be killed." or something to that effect. He was instrumental in getting troops off Omaha Beach and inland.

Response by CPT Endre Barath made Dec 6 at 2013 4:03 PM

CPT Endre Barath — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 16:03:12 -0500

Veni, Vidi, Vici !!!!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 5:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 17:11:13 -0500

"A GOOD BOSS CAN STEP ON YOUR BOOTS, AND STILL LEAVE A SHINE"

Response by PO1 Thomas B. made Dec 6 at 2013 11:16 PM

PO1 Thomas B. — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 23:16:47 -0500

It is necessary for us to learn from others' mistakes. You will not live long enough to make them all yourself. -- Admiral Hyman Rickover

Response by SGT Carissa Lara, RCS made Dec 7 at 2013 4:44 PM

SGT Carissa Lara, RCS — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 16:44:31 -0500

"If you don't stand behind out troops, please feel free to stand in front of them."

~Anonymous

Always been one of my favorites.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2013 10:06 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 22:06:47 -0500

"I love the Infantry because they are the underdogs. They are the mud-rain-frost-and-wind boys. They have no comforts, and they even learn to live without the necessities. And in the end they are the guys that wars can't be won without." - Ernie Pyle

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2013 10:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 22:39:24 -0500

"The tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." ~Thomas Jefferson

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Dec 7 at 2013 10:47 PM

SFC Stephen Hester — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 22:47:31 -0500

"Tenacity. Follow the bastard until he's on the bottom." CDR Dudley "Mush" Morton (1907-1943). Skipper of USS Wahoo (SS-238).

This is one of my favorites and exemplifies the aggressive spirit of both CDR Morton and the US Submarine Force.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2013 1:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 13:19:30 -0500

One of the greates leader of our time, General (Ret) Collin Powell once said "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure".

Response by MSgt Raymond Hickey made Dec 8 at 2013 8:18 PM

MSgt Raymond Hickey — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 20:18:54 -0500

MY TWO FAVORITE...from the 'Nam for you old timers...true and too the point

1. Don't mean nothin'

2. Sorry 'bout that

Not attributed to anyone, but so much a part of my generation

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2013 8:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 20:28:05 -0500

"Give a damn, be worth a damn."

I'm not sure where it came from, but it's a phrase that floated around my unit a few years ago. It's the not-so-PC way of telling individuals that they need to care about their career.

I never truly understood it until about two years ago. That quote inspired me to pour all I can into my work, not to mention sucking it up and driving on when I feel like giving up. It provides a good kick in the butt every once in a while.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2013 9:15 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 21:15:10 -0500

A great 1SG once said their mothers should be stabbed in the heart after catching some guys using drugs.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2013 10:50 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 22:50:47 -0500

When they love their children more than they hate us, the war will be over - Golda Meir

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 1:15 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 13:15:13 -0500

"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent"- Douglas MacArthur

Response by SFC James Corona made Dec 9 at 2013 4:28 PM

SFC James Corona — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 16:28:14 -0500

"I've never seen

a poor soldier, only a poor leader".

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Response by SFC James Corona made Dec 9 at 2013 4:29 PM

SFC James Corona — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 16:29:16 -0500

"I've never seen a poor soldier, only a poor leader"!

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2013 9:21 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 21:21:50 -0500

In the Air Force as a Security Forces member I would always tell my personnel the following when they had to deal with someone of a higher rank that was in the wrong: "Don't confuse your rank with my authority."

It helped de-escalate issue rather quickly. Not sure where it originated - I got it from one of my SNCO's when I was new to the field.

Response by SFC Nicolzie Russell made Dec 9 at 2013 9:54 PM

SFC Nicolzie Russell — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 21:54:45 -0500

When In Charge, Be In charge....

You can talk about us but you can't talk without us....

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 5:05 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 05:05:39 -0500

To the men and women of his wing... on motivation and vision....

"[We are] bending history to the side of justice." -- Col Vincent Becklund, Commander, 58th Special Operations Wing

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 9:53 AM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 09:53:23 -0500

"Guidance! You want Guidance? Are my lips moving? That's Guidance!" -Battalion Commander, 844th EN BN (Heavy)

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 10:23 AM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 10:23:33 -0500

"Chuck Norris? Never heard of her!" -George S. Patton

(It's a fictional quote, but it is still a quote.)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 12:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 12:33:02 -0500

"The day Soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership."
General (Ret.) Colin L. Powell

(My email signature.)

Response by 1SG Frank Rocha made Dec 10 at 2013 12:42 PM

1SG Frank Rocha — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 12:42:58 -0500

This one is straight from DA Pam 600-65.

“The test of a leader lies in the reaction and response of his followers. He should not have to impose authority.
Bossiness in itself never made a leader He must make his influence felt by example and the instilling of
confidence in his followers. The greatness of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led. This is the
ultimate test of his effectiveness.”

––GEN Omar Bradley

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 5:45 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 17:45:36 -0500

“Being a warrior is about
taking the fight to the enemy. We’re the ones who are willing to be the
fighters for this nation.” --Matt Larsen

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 6:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 18:09:52 -0500

"Leadership is solving problems. The day your Soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them."- Gen. Colin Powell

Response by MSG Michael Graham made Dec 10 at 2013 9:09 PM

MSG Michael Graham — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 21:09:45 -0500

I'm not sure if it is on here already (and I am too lazy to read through all the threads) but, I always had this quote posted in my work area:

"A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living. Today's military rejects include tomorrow's hard-core unemployed."

- John F. Kennedy

A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what i

A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living. Today's military rejects include tomorrow's hard-core unemployed. - John F...

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Dec 11 at 2013 10:06 AM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 10:06:24 -0500

I have many that I acquired from the military.

My personal quote was learned in BCT at Ft. Dix. "Expect the unexpected; and don't even expect that."

My most used, especially today is "Be careful whose toes you step on today. They may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow."

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Dec 11 at 2013 10:50 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 10:50:11 -0500

A day before graduation from Boot Camp in San Diego in 73, our Senior DI pulled some of us aside for a father-son heart to heart.... He said 'Some of you will be encouraged to sign on to a commissioning program and become officers. Frankly, I wouldn't give 2 cents to be a GD officer... unless it's Warrant Officer. Remember this.... It's the NCO's that are the backbone of the Corps." GySgt PD Crowe.

Never forgot it... lived it and repected it. Once I became a WO I relied heavily on my NCO's, SNCO's and Petty Officers and Chief Petty Officers to make sure any job was done and done right.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Dec 11 at 2013 1:39 PM

1SG Frank Boynton — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 13:39:09 -0500

"If you’re looking for sympathy you can find it in the dictionary between shit and syphilis"

Used it throughout my entire military career and almost every day for 3 years when I was a Drill Sergeant at Ft. Dix, NJ.

Response by PO2 Eric Hardy made Dec 11 at 2013 4:54 PM

PO2 Eric Hardy — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 16:54:52 -0500

FUBAR! just by it sell rocks

my BM 1 would deliver this every safety brief before underway replenishment.

"Murphy is underway us, Jodie is home with you wife and wants to play. so lets get this job done right so Murphy can go fuck Jodie in the ass."

Response by CPO Glen Gassman made Dec 11 at 2013 8:49 PM

CPO Glen Gassman — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 20:49:55 -0500

We keep you alive to serve this ship. ~ "Ben Hur"

Response by MSgt George Stengel made Dec 12 at 2013 11:18 AM

MSgt George Stengel — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 11:18:09 -0500

Never in the course of human events, have so many owed so much to so few.

Winston Churchill

Response by 1LT James Avichouser made Dec 12 at 2013 9:05 PM

1LT James Avichouser — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 21:05:13 -0500

I am sure that this has been said by others but I'm not sure it has a known originator: "If you cannot produce meaningful training, induce misery!"

Response by SPC Shaun Perkins made Dec 12 at 2013 9:44 PM

SPC Shaun Perkins — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 21:44:43 -0500

“Old soldiers never die; they just fade away. And like the old soldier in that ballad, I now close my military career and just fade away, an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the sight to see that duty.”
Douglas MacArthur

Response by LTC Timothy Loney made Dec 12 at 2013 9:49 PM

LTC Timothy Loney — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 21:49:55 -0500

"Hope is not a Course of Action"

LTC Daniel Hawkin, XO 5th Brigade, 85th Training Division...to a Staff Officer briefing on Ammunition for the upcoming drills qualification. ..." we hope to have the Ammo on the range by......when the Staff Officer was interrupted and told "Hope is not a Course of Action"

I repeat this and many other Hawkinisms daily including "Who the !@#$ are they?"

Response by LTC David Haines made Dec 12 at 2013 10:31 PM

LTC David Haines — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 22:31:07 -0500

Bruce Clarke has a ton of good ones... “Rank is given you to enable you to better serve those above and below you It is not given for you to practice your idiosyncrasies.” –– General Bruce Clarke

Bruce C. Clarke - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

General Bruce Cooper Clarke was a commander of Continental Army Command from 1958–1960 and Commander, U.S. Army Europe from 1960-1962. He also commanded the U.S. Army, Pacific from December 1954 to Ap...

Response by SPC Christopher Morehouse made Dec 13 at 2013 3:06 PM

SPC Christopher Morehouse — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 15:06:56 -0500

"They've got us surrounded again, the poor bastards."- Creighton W. Abrams, Jr.

Response by CDR Dave Bradley made Dec 13 at 2013 3:40 PM

CDR Dave Bradley — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 15:40:37 -0500

"Subtlety and sarcasm are lost on those who are easily
confused." A Commodore's advice to a new Captain

Response by MSgt Michael Sterling made Dec 13 at 2013 3:54 PM

MSgt Michael Sterling — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 15:54:36 -0500

One of my favorite quotes is by Admiral Grace Hopper and I used it a few times in my career "It's easier to ask forgiveness that it is to get permission".

Some times changes just must happen.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 4:13 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 16:13:22 -0500

"HOOAH!"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 4:14 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 16:14:33 -0500

"HOOAH!"

Response by PO1 Terry Carreon made Dec 13 at 2013 6:52 PM

PO1 Terry Carreon — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 18:52:31 -0500

Loose lips, sink ships!
A quote I heard that was pretty telling of my time on board ships. But it can easily be used for any type of work place or situations.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Dec 14 at 2013 8:13 PM

CMC Robert Young — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 20:13:10 -0500

Posted on the wall of my office - "We do PRECISION GUESSWORK based on vague assumptions and unreliable data of
dubious accuracy provided by persons of questionable intellectual capacity."

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2013 1:44 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 01:44:34 -0500

“I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat…You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to wage war by land, sea, and air. War with all our might and with all the strength God has given us, and to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all costs - Victory in spite of all terrors - Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival."
Winston Churchill

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2013 2:41 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 14:41:46 -0500

"The Army's like McDonald's. It's been serving the same f@#king burger for 230 years!"

-1SG Duncan in Iraq '03, 54th Engineer Battalion, when someone fell asleep during a safety briefing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2013 9:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 21:39:48 -0500

"In the absence of orders, go find something an kill it."-- Field Martial Erwin Rommel.

Response by MSG Martinis Butler made Dec 16 at 2013 7:02 AM

MSG Martinis Butler — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 07:02:03 -0500

"You may fool some of the people some of the time, but you wont fool all of the people all of the time".

Response by SPC Rachel Stubbs made Dec 16 at 2013 7:41 PM

SPC Rachel Stubbs — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 19:41:08 -0500

Before I went into basic in 2002 my recruiter told me about the Drill Sergeants saying "There gonna yell at you its there job. It is too weed out the week ones". It was one piece of advive that helped to get through basic. Knowing that it was not me but just because they wanted to make sure I could hack it, and I was able too. :)

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 17 at 2013 3:46 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 15:46:44 -0500

"A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards." -- Theodore Roosevelt

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 4:55 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:55:47 -0500

"We are in the business of growing America's Future Leaders"

I was back and forward with where to post this because: One posting asked what was the most important thing an NCO could teach their Soldiers and One posting asked what was one of the things we think a new LT should know.

I think whatever you feel is most important thing to know... You have to keep in mind that "We are in the business of growing America's Future Leaders"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 11:27 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 23:27:49 -0500

"It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience." - Julius Caesar

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 4:27 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 04:27:10 -0500

"As Leaders you cant expect, what you don't inspect" CSM Lewis, 1st SBCT 25 ID

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 18 at 2013 8:35 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:35:55 -0500

"We're surrounded. Well, that simplifies things."

Chesty Puller,

USMC

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 18 at 2013 8:38 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:38:08 -0500

Oh, another..."Molem Labe"

That's Greek for "come and get them" and is Leonidas' response to Xeres' demand for the Spartans to lay down their arms, just before the Battle of Thermopolae (sp?)

Response by MSgt Ryan Tanner made Dec 18 at 2013 8:40 AM

MSgt Ryan Tanner — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:40:30 -0500

"Sergeants take care of your troops, Troops take care of your Sergeants"

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 2:05 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:05:54 -0500

My favorite quote is from the Honorable George Washington;

"There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 3:58 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 15:58:33 -0500

"Asking who won a given war is like asking who won the San Francisco Earthquake." - Man the State and War

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 3:24 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:24:59 -0500

"Set, enforce, but above all live the standard."

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 3:33 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:33:24 -0500

If you enjoyed this topic, there are some related topics out there in the "Rally-verse" that you might find interesting as well:

What was that one thing your Drill SGT told you that you will never Forget?

Response by SGT Larry "Teruji" Sakai made Dec 19 at 2013 3:59 PM

SGT Larry "Teruji" Sakai — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:59:29 -0500

"Puff, the Magic Dragon"

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 12:12 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 12:12:27 -0500

"ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

-JFK

Response by SGT Jose Francisco Jr. made Dec 20 at 2013 1:07 PM

SGT Jose Francisco Jr. — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 13:07:14 -0500

My favorite military quote is the US Army's "BE ALL YOU CAN BE"!!! When I saw & heard that quote on TV, right there & then I went straight to an Army recruiter in L.A. & signed up! Hooaaahh!!!

Response by SGT Jose Francisco Jr. made Dec 20 at 2013 1:15 PM

SGT Jose Francisco Jr. — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 13:15:07 -0500

My favorite military quote is the U.S. Army's "BE ALL YOU CAN BE"! When I heard & saw that Ad on T.V., right there & then I went straight to an Army recruiter in L.A. & enlisted in the world's best Army! Hooaaahhh!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 2:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 14:15:48 -0500

Americans play to win at all times. I wouldn't give a hoot and hell for a man who lost and laughed. That's why Americans have never lost nor ever lose a war.

~GEN George S. Patton

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 2:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 14:17:24 -0500

No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.

~GEN George S. Patton

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 6:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 18:59:08 -0500

Don't get your dog tags stuck in the dirt, pick yourself up and carry on.

Response by CPT Patrick Murray made Dec 20 at 2013 7:24 PM

CPT Patrick Murray — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 19:24:38 -0500

In the absence of orders... attack!!

The typical staff officer is the man past middle life, spare, unwrinkled, intelligent, cold, passive, non-committal; with eyes like a cod-fish, polite in contact but at the same time unresponsive, cool, calm and as damnably composed as a concrete post or a plaster-of-Paris cast; a human petrifaction with a heart of feldspar and without charm or the friendly germ; minus bowels, passion or a sense of humour. Happily they never reproduce and all of them finally go to hell. - Anonymous

Response by SSgt Matthew Georgia made Dec 20 at 2013 8:05 PM

SSgt Matthew Georgia — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 20:05:02 -0500

“I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I’ll kill you all.”
General James "Mad Dog" Mattis

Response by SPC Brendan Kearns made Dec 20 at 2013 8:10 PM

SPC Brendan Kearns — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 20:10:42 -0500

"Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?"

-Sergent Major Daniel Joseph "Dan" Daly

Response by SPC Chris Stiles made Dec 20 at 2013 8:15 PM

SPC Chris Stiles — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 20:15:41 -0500

"Stay off the grass" -Unknown Origins-

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Dec 20 at 2013 8:56 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 20:56:48 -0500

FIDO.

Response by SSG John Arp made Dec 21 at 2013 3:17 AM

SSG John Arp — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 03:17:24 -0500

"For those who have fought for it, life has a special flavor the protected will never know. You have never lived until you almost died. And it is us veterans that pray for peace most of all, especially the wounded because we have to suffer the wounds of war." - MSG Roy P Benavidez, Medal of Honor Ceremony 1991, when he was presented the MOH by President Reagan.

Response by SSG John Arp made Dec 21 at 2013 3:20 AM

SSG John Arp — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 03:20:44 -0500

can't have military quotes without this one..................

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.

~ Chief Tecumseh

Response by SGT Thomas Brown made Dec 21 at 2013 4:01 AM

SGT Thomas Brown — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 04:01:59 -0500

Not military but something that I highly believe in when it came to being a leader and mentoring the younger service members in order for them to become great leaders one day.

“Leaders don’t create more followers, they create more leaders.” – Tom Peters

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2013 8:04 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 08:04:07 -0500

May have already been posted...but this holds true! :)

"Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill
everybody you meet."

MG James Mattis

Response by CW2 Jon Nash made Dec 21 at 2013 5:02 PM

CW2 Jon Nash — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 17:02:55 -0500

"Never pass up the opportunity to keep your freakin pie-hole shut!"

Response by CW2 Jon Nash made Dec 21 at 2013 5:05 PM

CW2 Jon Nash — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 17:05:38 -0500

"Life is tough......It's even tougher if you're stupid..."

Sgt. Stryker (John Wayne- Sands Of Iwo Jima)

Response by SSgt James Stanley made Dec 21 at 2013 5:48 PM

SSgt James Stanley — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 17:48:51 -0500

"Field strip that butt, Airman"!

Response by CPT T. Scott Haddix made Dec 22 at 2013 4:30 PM

CPT T. Scott Haddix — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 16:30:34 -0500

I concur with many before me who said that the quote of Lieutenant General Lewis "Chesty" Puller November 1950, during Chosin Reservoir campaign. "So they've got us surrounded, good! Now we can fire in any direction, those bastards won't get away this time!"

Response by Sgt John Henry made Dec 23 at 2013 9:05 PM

Sgt John Henry — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 21:05:53 -0500

It's important to note that aphorisms in the military have been in common use since ancient times (especially during Classical Greece).

Response by SGM Eric Nelson made Dec 24 at 2013 7:24 AM

SGM Eric Nelson — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 07:24:20 -0500

"Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do"

Response by PO3 Matthew Thompson made Dec 24 at 2013 10:17 PM

PO3 Matthew Thompson — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 22:17:53 -0500

Uncertain of its origin, but it has stayed with me from me last days on board my ship as our new Divo, a former enlisted Marine Officer stated "Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance".

Additionally... Ben Franklin has a few... one of them "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety (1759) - very fitting given the times we live in.

Response by SPC Peter Hawley made Dec 24 at 2013 10:24 PM

SPC Peter Hawley — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 22:24:58 -0500

My favorite is probably "If it's stupid and it works. It ain't stupid"

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2013 7:05 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 19:05:53 -0500

We be FUBAR'd again!

Response by SSgt Maurice Mosby made Dec 27 at 2013 5:26 AM

SSgt Maurice Mosby — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 05:26:05 -0500

"Freedom is not free, but the U.S. Marine Corps will pay most of your share."
- Ned Dolan

Response by SSgt Nolan Hernandez made Dec 27 at 2013 12:57 PM

SSgt Nolan Hernandez — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 12:57:35 -0500

"The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war." - Norman Schwarzkopf

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2013 3:54 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 15:54:40 -0500

"No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy" MajGen James Mattis as CG 1stMarDiv, whom I had the pleasure of shaking hands with while serving under his command.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2013 8:02 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 20:02:51 -0500

Duty, Honor, Country...those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be and what you will be...General MacArthur.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2013 2:16 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 02:16:19 -0500

Aaron Sorkin, A Few Good Men (1992 Movie), Colonel Nathan R. Jessep’s Testimony --

"Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lieutenant Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know, that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives! You don't want the truth, because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like "honor", "code", "loyalty". We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said "thank you", and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post."

Response by Capt Kevin Kinkade made Dec 28 at 2013 2:45 PM

Capt Kevin Kinkade — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 14:45:10 -0500

Never above you, Never below you, Always beside you

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Dec 28 at 2013 11:29 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 23:29:23 -0500

"that simplifies the problem, we can shoot in all directions.".

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2013 2:02 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 14:02:23 -0500

Spending 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year training for something that there is a 99.9% chance that we will never do.

Response by CPO Benjamin Walker made Dec 29 at 2013 9:13 PM

CPO Benjamin Walker — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 21:13:57 -0500

It was my first deployment day off the flight schedule, flying everyday 12-16 hour days with minimum crew rest for 60+ days, I did what any young sailor does. Don't remember much of the night, but when my shop finally got me to wake up I got to the hangar and everyone cleared the shop except me and my chief. Of all the words he said that morning the following stuck with me and changed my whole career.
"If you are going to go out hooting with the owls, you damn sure better be able to get up and scream with the eagles in the morning."

I have used that phrase a few times (even in the civilian community) and it seems to have the same affect on the recipient as it had on me.

Response by 1SG Craig Moody made Dec 29 at 2013 9:16 PM

1SG Craig Moody — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 21:16:27 -0500

"The Army isn't like it used to be and it never was." Gen Mark Clark

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Dec 30 at 2013 10:58 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 10:58:39 -0500

Piss poor planning on your part does not necessarily constitute an emergency on my part.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Dec 30 at 2013 11:00 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 11:00:16 -0500

Take good care of your weapon. Remember, it was made by the lowest bidder.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2013 12:31 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 00:31:37 -0500

You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/dwight_d_eisenhower.html#Z8GYqjBBUV04l6x9.99

Dwight D. Eisenhower Quotes at BrainyQuote.com

"You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership." - Dwight D. Eisenhower quotes from BrainyQuote.com

Response by SPC John Hennessy made Dec 31 at 2013 10:09 AM

SPC John Hennessy — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 10:09:50 -0500

"It's the unconquerable soul of a man not the nature of the weapon he uses, that insures victory."

Gen. George Patton

Itt

Response by SPC John Hennessy made Dec 31 at 2013 10:19 AM

SPC John Hennessy — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 10:19:33 -0500

"It’s the unconquerable soul of man, not the nature of the weapon he uses, that insures victory."'

Gen George Patton

Response by CMC Robert Young made Dec 31 at 2013 10:51 AM

CMC Robert Young — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 10:51:13 -0500

I found this while reading Seal of Honor. It is not strictly a military quote, but does offer some perspective for those employed in the field of arms. Castaneda was an anthropologist who studied altered states of consciousness as a method by which to heighten one's awareness.

“Only as a warrior can one
withstand the path of knowledge. A warrior cannot complain or regret anything.
His life is an endless challenge, and challenges cannot possibly be good or
bad. Challenges are simply challenges.” – Carlos
Castaneda

Response by SrA Eric Olsen made Dec 31 at 2013 11:16 AM

SrA Eric Olsen — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 11:16:27 -0500

I think my favorite military quote is a simple one that was uttered during the Battle of the Bulge. The Germans had the town of Bastogne and the 101st surrounded. When Gen. Anthony Clement McAuliffe was presented with a letter demanding that the Americans in the town surrender Gen McAuliffe replied with "Nuts". This one word summed up the will and the tenacity of the American fighting spirit.

Response by LT Stephen Amiaga made Dec 31 at 2013 1:47 PM

LT Stephen Amiaga — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 13:47:02 -0500

My favorite has to be Patton (Arguably from the George C. Scott rendition...paraphrased) "It is not our intention to go out there and die for our country. We intend to make the other guy die for his country..."

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2013 6:33 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 18:33:09 -0500

"Always Lead From The Front" I use this in my emails.. More of a saying I guess. But a good one.

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Dec 31 at 2013 6:56 PM

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 18:56:00 -0500

Don't let your dingle dangle, dangle in the dirt. Pick up your dingle dangle, and stuff it in your shirt.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2013 7:18 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 19:18:27 -0500

George S. Patton:

"A piece of spaghetti or a military unit can only be led from the front."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2013 10:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 22:47:10 -0500

1. Hooah! (too many underlying meanings behind it)

2. Here's some motrin and a profile.

3. Drink Water

4. Make your buddy smile

5. Don't thank me, thank your recruiter.

6. push the earth

7. Hey, Hero!

8. who is they?

9. (in a theatre class setting prior to the class starting) hey listen up!, if there is a seat empty in from of you...move forward....It doesn't require talking.

and finally, my all time favorite...............

"WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS........."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2014 1:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 01:02:56 -0500

1. Hooah! (too many underlying meanings behind it)

2. Here's some Motrin and a profile.

3. Drink Water

4. Make your buddy smile

5. Don't thank me, thank your recruiter.

6. push the earth

7. Hey, Hero!

8. who is they?

9. (in a theater class setting prior to the class starting) hey listen up!, if there is a seat empty in from of you...move forward....It doesn't require talking.

and finally, my all time favorite...............

"WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS........."

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2014 8:48 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 08:48:34 -0500

Reporter- "General Patton! General Patton!"

Gen. Patton- "Yes, son?"

Reporter- "Is that your patented pearl-handled pistol?"

Gen. Patton- "Pearl is for Kansas City pimps! This here's ivory."

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2014 2:35 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 14:35:36 -0500

"A Pershing Rifleman will never quit and a quitter can't be a Pershing Rifleman." - General John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2014 11:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 23:42:45 -0500

I know that this sounds like I am pandering but "show me a man who jump from an airplane in flight and I will show you a man who will fight for his country" it's such a great rally cry for trooper.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 9:19 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 09:19:04 -0500

"Lead me, follow me or get the hell out of my way."

George S. Patton Jr.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 11:14 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 11:14:20 -0500

"May God have mercy on my enemies, because I won't."

-Gen George S. Patton

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 4:13 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 16:13:38 -0500

I have two... "A good plan executed today is better than a perfect plan executed at some indefinite point in the future." GEN George S. Patton... and "Those who dare to risk are those who dare to succeed." Not sure who said that last one...

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2014 8:05 AM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 08:05:38 -0500

"The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war." -H. Norman Schwarzkopf, GEN (USA), Retired. The General passed away in late December 2012.

Response by 1SG Jeffery Bertram made Jan 4 at 2014 10:27 AM

1SG Jeffery Bertram — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 10:27:28 -0500

God of our fathers, who by land and sea have ever lead us to victory, please continue your inspiring guidance in this the greatest of all conflicts. Strengthen my soul so that the weakening instinct of self-preservation, which besets all of us in battle, shall not blind me to my duty to my own manhood, to the glory of my calling, and to my responsibility to my fellow soldiers. Grant to our armed forces that disciplined valor and mutual confidence which insures success in war. Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting, but rather let me be glad that such heroes have lived. If it be my lot to die, let me do so with courage and honor in a manner which will bring the greatest harm to the enemy, and please, oh Lord, protect and guide those I shall leave behind. Give us the victory, Lord. -Gen George S. Patton

God of our fathers, who by land and sea have ever lead us to victory, please continue your inspiring

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2014 1:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 13:18:11 -0500

Something I always remember from Patton - "... No one ever won a war by dying for their country, you win a war making the other bastard die for their country!"

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2014 11:02 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 23:02:27 -0500

“No operation extends with any certainty beyond the first encounter with the main body of the enemy.” - Helmuth von Moltke

Response by SN Alan West made Jan 4 at 2014 11:55 PM

SN Alan West — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 23:55:34 -0500

"We have met the enemy and they are ours-- two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop."

Oliver Hazard Perry's immortal dispatch to Major General William Henry Harrison after the Battle of Lake Erie, 10 September 1813.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2014 12:46 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 00:46:20 -0500

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
― most commonly attributed to Edmund Burke

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2014 1:35 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 01:35:00 -0500

Somewhere a true believer is training to kill you. He is training with minimum food and water, in austere conditions, day and night. The only thing clean on him is his weapon. He doesn’t worry about what workout to do — his rucksack weighs what is weighs, and he runs until the enemy stops chasing him. The true believer doesn’t care how hard it is; he knows that he either wins or dies. He doesn’t go home at 1700; he is home. He only knows the cause. Now. Who wants to quit?”

By NousDefionsDoc, administrator for the Professional Soldiers forum.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jan 6 at 2014 12:46 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 12:46:52 -0500

"Keep your head on a swivel." That is the very first thing I learned in Basic. And I still continue to use this saying. I works for both civilian and military.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2014 4:04 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 16:04:13 -0500

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

For he today that sheds his blood with me

Shall be my brother- William Shakespeare

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2014 4:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 16:15:36 -0500

All my troops at Campbell have yall heard this one? "BALLS OF THE EAGLE"

Response by SFC Jim Neel made Jan 6 at 2014 11:48 PM

SFC Jim Neel — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 23:48:51 -0500

"People aren't in the Army, they are the Army" -GEN Creighton W. Abrams, 26th Chief of Staff of the United States Army

Response by Capt Byron Chen made Jan 7 at 2014 2:00 AM

Capt Byron Chen — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 02:00:02 -0500

-Heraclitus

This quote is meaningful to me because my perception of what it means has changed as I grew and matured. As a young motivator, I wanted to be that warrior. As I got older, I thought about the quote as it applied to the teams and organizations that I lead. How do I get the most out of everyone so that each one contributes in his or her best way to the fight? The quote idolizes a hero, but the strength of the military is more often in the team than the individual. As a leader, how do I isolate the ones that shouldn't even be there, train up the majority to become "real" fighters, and give everyone the character to be a warrior? I used to love the quote. Now, I still think it's lovely, but I realized that they are from a philosopher and poet, and not someone who has actually felt the burden and joy of being a part of the war-fighting team.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jan 7 at 2014 2:01 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 14:01:20 -0500

One I heard in Falluah in the spring of 2004" Be polite, be professional, be prepared to kill everyone you meet. That came from General Mad Dog Mattis.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 2:29 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 14:29:26 -0500

"Marines I see as two breeds, Rottweilers or Dobermans,
because Marines come in two varieties, big and mean,
or skinny and mean. They're aggressive on the attack and
tenacious on defense. They've got really short hair and they
always go for the throat."

-RAdm. "Jay" R. Stark, US Navy; 10 November 1995.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Jones Sr made Jan 7 at 2014 7:15 PM

SPC Jeffrey Jones Sr — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 19:15:46 -0500

"I have a broken arm Sgt."............"Drink water Pvt."

Response by MSG Rahsaan T. made Jan 7 at 2014 8:17 PM

MSG Rahsaan T. — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 20:17:46 -0500

"You must
love soldiers in order to understand them, and understand them in order to lead
them."

-Henri Turenne

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 4:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 16:55:59 -0500

"No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in it's preservation."

-General Douglas MacArthur

Response by SSG Thomas Magee made Jan 9 at 2014 6:57 AM

SSG Thomas Magee — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 06:57:43 -0500

"Casualties - many; Percentage of dead - not known; Combat efficiency - we are winning." Colonel David M. Shoup, USMC, Tarawa, 21 November 1943

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 11:26 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 11:26:06 -0500

Non Commissioned Officers must have the knowledge to detect and the courage to correct. -1SG Edward Johnson-

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 1:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 13:28:04 -0500

Private you are exactly 11 up and 3 down (always a classic); also "you have about 3 seconds to unF*#*# yourself" is great too

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 2:15 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 14:15:54 -0500

I have two quotes from the same person, my favorite president:

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." -Abraham Lincoln

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." -Abraham Lincoln

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Jan 10 at 2014 1:07 AM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 01:07:02 -0500

“Success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom.”

General George S. Patton

I hold this true to my heart for to truly excel you have to venture to the unknown and get out of your comfort zone.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 3:12 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 15:12:14 -0500

This one was said by one of the great Commander-In-Chief's, President Ronald Wilson Reagan:

"Доверяй, но проверяй" (doveryai, no proveryai), "Trust, but verify".

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 2:31 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 02:31:31 -0500

Out of sight, out of mind sounds normal.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 10:10 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 10:10:48 -0500

"Set, enforce, but above all, live the standard!" CSM Maynard after letting Soldiers know they are a success at a promotion board.

Response by Lt Col Don Daugherty made Jan 11 at 2014 12:37 PM

Lt Col Don Daugherty — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 12:37:03 -0500

The author is anonymous, but it's often applied to military events.

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the message was lost.
For want of a message the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 11 at 2014 10:09 PM

SFC James Baber — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:09:43 -0500

I think this is a good thread for those we are trying to get to join can see the substance of some things we discuss between us as current and former military, soft spoken as well as informational and mentoring types of postings.

Response by SPC Stephen Bobchin made Jan 12 at 2014 1:01 AM

SPC Stephen Bobchin — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 01:01:08 -0500

<div><div>Heres a few of my favorites:</div><div>No plan survives contact with the enemy.</div><div>An EOD Tech at a dead run outranks everybody.</div><div>The longer everything goes according to plan, the bigger the impending disaster.</div><div>Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from a big gun.</div><div>There is no 'overkill.' There is only 'open fire' and 'I need to reload.'</div></div>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 5:23 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 05:23:33 -0500

Suck it up buttercup!!!!!!

Response by SPC Daniel Drennan made Jan 12 at 2014 1:42 PM

SPC Daniel Drennan — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 13:42:11 -0500

"The reason the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices it on a daily basis." - from a post-war debriefing of a German General<div> </div><div>"One of the serious problems in planning the fight against American doctrine, is that the Americans do not read their manuals, nor do they feel any obligation to follow their doctrine..." - From a Soviet Junior Lt's Notebook </div>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 4:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 16:48:22 -0500

“The capacity of Soldiers for

absorbing punishment and enduring

privations is almost inexhaustible so

long as they believe they are getting a

square deal, that their commanders

are looking out for them, and that

their own accomplishments are

understood and appreciated.”

GEN Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1944

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 7:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 19:02:30 -0500

General Colin Powell

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Jan 12 at 2014 8:03 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 20:03:55 -0500

Grrr

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 9:51 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 21:51:45 -0500

"Trust but verify" said by Ronald Reagan to
Mikhail Gorbachev.

He was quoting an Old
Russian saying. The problem is that most
leaders screw it up. They don’t trust; instead
jumping right to verifying. It makes
leaders into micromanagers, because they mistaking think verifying early saves
them from getting in trouble. The
meaning is to trust the junior grades but to check after them and hold them
accountable for what they have or haven’t done.

The problem is that sometime there just isn’t time and when
things go wrong or don’t get done the leader needs to learn to take the butt
chewing and then go to the junior and hold them accountable as well. After all
they can delegate authority but not responsibility.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2014 5:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 05:42:41 -0500

I'm uncertain of the real source of this quote, but I heard this from LTG (Retired) Frank Wiercinski, my previous Commander, during his retirement speech:

"The strength of our nation is in its army. The strength of our army is in our soldiers. The strength our soldiers is in their families."

Response by SFC Harry Fox made Jan 13 at 2014 2:14 PM

SFC Harry Fox — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 14:14:03 -0500

"I am abliged to make them sweat to day sir, that I may save there blood tomorrow", Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson General CSA 1861-1863. As a Drill Sergeant, I love this quote...shocker I know. This quote all about training as hard as we can today, because tomorrow we might be in battle and will have to rely on all the training we have up to that point to survive the engagement. As leaders, we can not be afraid to put a fire in our subordinates 4th point of contact to get them to perform at their peek potential.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Jan 13 at 2014 3:30 PM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 15:30:19 -0500

"What? Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! " College student Bluto in Animal House. Not the first and certainly not the last American college student to make me feel like a genius.

Response by SFC Steven Harvey made Jan 14 at 2014 3:24 AM

SFC Steven Harvey — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 03:24:24 -0500

I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom. - George S. Patton

This quote goes deep with me, I'll likely die remembering it.

Response by SSG Justin Smith made Jan 14 at 2014 11:01 AM

SSG Justin Smith — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 11:01:36 -0500

"The reason the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices it on a daily basis." - from a post-war debriefing of a German General

"One of the serious problems in planning the fight against American doctrine, is that the Americans do not read their manuals, nor do they feel any obligation to follow their doctrine..." - From a Soviet Junior Lt's Notebook

If we don't know what we are doing, the enemy certainly can't anticipate our future actions - an American Colonel

Response by SSG Rafael Rodriguez made Jan 14 at 2014 4:04 PM

SSG Rafael Rodriguez — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 16:04:05 -0500

"The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him" -G.K. Chesterton.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2014 8:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 20:24:02 -0500

"You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2014 12:04 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 00:04:56 -0500

" Excuses are the tools of the incompetent. They are the monuments of nothingness and those who specialize in their use are good for nothing but excuses."

Response by MAJ Gregory M. made Jan 15 at 2014 8:43 PM

MAJ Gregory M. — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 20:43:54 -0500

“I divide my officers into four classes; the clever, the lazy, the industrious, and the stupid. Most often two of these qualities come together. The officers who are clever and industrious are fitted for the highest staff appointments. Those who are stupid and lazy make up around 90% of every army in the world, and they can be used for routine work. The man who is clever and lazy however is for the very highest command; he has the temperament and nerves to deal with all situations. But whoever is stupid and industrious is a menace and must be removed immediately!”

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jan 16 at 2014 1:56 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 13:56:26 -0500

"Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction." Marine Corps General Oliver P. Smith. During the break out at Chosin Reservoir.

Oliver P. Smith - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Oliver Prince Smith (October 26, 1893 – December 25, 1977) was a General in the United States Marine Corps and a highly decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He is most noted fo...

Response by SFC Robert Trodahl made Jan 16 at 2014 2:11 PM

SFC Robert Trodahl — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 14:11:46 -0500

"I have only two men out of my company and 20 out of some other company. We need support, but it is almost suicide to try to get it here as we are swept by machine gun fire and a constant barrage is on us. I have no one on my left and only a few on my right. I will hold." -- Clifton B. Cates, Belleau Wood, July 1918

He didn't break, knew the situation was dire, and still decided to hold on!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 9:06 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 09:06:22 -0500

"Better to fight for something than live for nothing"

General S. Patton

My father is a retired Devil Dog 22yrs of service. His favorite..

"Take me to the brig. I want to see the real Marines."

Major General Chesty Puller USMC while on a Battalion inspection.

Response by Capt Frank McClung made Jan 17 at 2014 11:26 AM

Capt Frank McClung — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 11:26:51 -0500

"You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can
never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal
facts of your current reality, whatever they might be." - Admiral James
Stockdale, POW Vietnam

Response by SGT Brian Weidler made Jan 17 at 2014 11:33 AM

SGT Brian Weidler — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 11:33:29 -0500

My favorite military-related quote comes from Otto von Bismarck, who said: "If we do not prepare for ourselves the role of the hammer, there will be nothing left but that of the anvil."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 11:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 11:46:11 -0500

"Duty then is the sublimest word in the English language. You should do your duty in all things. You can never do more, you should never wish to do less" General Robert E. Lee.

Response by MSgt Goldman Greene made Jan 17 at 2014 9:34 PM

MSgt Goldman Greene — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 21:34:03 -0500

"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." -- Adm Isoroku Yamamoto

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 10:12 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 22:12:58 -0500

This isn't military specific. But it's from a USAF vet, Eugene Kranz, one of NASA's flight directors. These were his remarks after the Apollo I tragedy:

"From this day forward, Flight Control will be known by two words: 'Tough' and 'Competent.' Tough
means we are forever accountable for what we do or what we fail to do.
We will never again compromise our responsibilities. Every time we walk
into Mission Control we will know what we stand for. Competent
means we will never take anything for granted. We will never be found
short in our knowledge and in our skills. Mission Control will be
perfect. When you leave this meeting today you will go to your office
and the first thing you will do there is to write 'Tough and Competent'
on your blackboards. It will never be erased. Each day when you
enter the room these words will remind you of the price paid by Grissom,
White, and Chaffee. These words are the price of admission to the ranks
of Mission Control."

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 10:14 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 22:14:51 -0500

"We are going to rescue 70 American prisoners of war, maybe more, from a
camp called Son-Tay. This is something American prisoners have a right
to expect from their fellow Soldiers."

COL Arthur "Bull" Simons, Deputy Commander TF IVORY COAST, OPERATION KINGPIN

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2014 9:48 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 09:48:29 -0500

"We're not going to just shoot the sons-of-bitches, we're going to rip out their living Goddamned guts and use them to grease the treads of our tanks." Gen. Patton

Response by MSG Michael Bass made Jan 18 at 2014 6:58 PM

MSG Michael Bass — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 18:58:49 -0500

No offense to the Officer audience, but one of my favorites is...

"It is difficult to be a good noncommissioned officer. If it had been easy, they
would have given it to the officer corps. -SMA William A. Connelly

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 9:13 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 09:13:17 -0500

“Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.” - Musashi, Book of Five Rings

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 3:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 15:34:24 -0500

"I will drop kick you in front if God and Country."

"DING!!! Initiative." -SFC Isaac Cunningham

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Jan 19 at 2014 11:50 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 23:50:05 -0500

“We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us.”
 ―
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14033.Winston_Churchill">Winston Churchill</a>

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Jan 19 at 2014 11:50 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 23:50:56 -0500

“Battles are won by slaughter and maneuver. The greater the general, the
more he contributes in maneuver, the less he demands in slaughter.”

―
Winston Churchill

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Jan 19 at 2014 11:52 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 23:52:08 -0500

“Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons.”
 ―
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/317613.Douglas_MacArthur">Douglas MacArthur</a>

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Jan 19 at 2014 11:53 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 23:53:57 -0500

“It is fatal to enter an war without the will to win it.”

―
Douglas MacArthur

Boy don't we know it!

Response by 1SG Calanski Brunson made Jan 22 at 2014 2:29 AM

1SG Calanski Brunson — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 02:29:23 -0500

“As the CSM of
U.S. Army Special Operations Command, one of my duties was to give a class to
commanders and senior enlisted advisors in the Pre- Command Course, on the
subject of officer/NCO relationships and the role of the 1SG/CSM. One of the
things I would tell them includes this story: "During the basic course for
brand new lieutenants, the instructor presented them with a problem to solve.
They were told that the mission was to erect a flag pole. They had one sergeant
and three privates. The lieutenants were given 30 minutes to formulate a course
of action, after which the instructor asked for solutions. Each lieutenant
explained in detail how the job could best be accomplished. Finally the
instructor gave them the right answer: 'Sergeant, I want the flag pole here;
I'll be back in two hours to inspect.'" I think that story, true or not,
tells us all we need to know about officer/NCO relationships.” -CSM Jimmie W.
Spencer, letter 1 Sep 1997

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 22 at 2014 9:58 AM

CMC Robert Young — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 09:58:59 -0500

I saw this one recently, but there was no author to whom it might be contributed. "Officers; making easy things difficult since 1776."

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 10:43 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 10:43:13 -0500

" I love the smell of Napalm in the morning..........it smells like victory" (Apocalypse Now)

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Jan 22 at 2014 11:45 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 11:45:40 -0500

1963..Drama series called "The Lieutenant" about a new Lt. at Pendleton. Written by Gene Roddenberry and you can see a lot of Star Trek in the charachters and humor... Series is full of one liners... Only saw it on Far East Network in 1975... If you can find any episodes watch'em.

Captain Ray Rambridge: And, finally, I'd like to advise you to start getting some sleep. You're carrying a big enough load of sheer ignorance without adding fatigue to it.
Lt. William 'Bill' Rice: Yes, sir.
Captain Ray Rambridge: That's all.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey S. made Jan 22 at 2014 5:00 PM

PO2 Jeffrey S. — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 17:00:43 -0500

I like what George Washington said:

“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”

—George Washington

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 5:13 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 17:13:08 -0500

"Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" - Admiral Farragut

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 10:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 22:43:11 -0500

"An army must inevitably consist of the scum of the people and all those for which society has no use."

- Conte de Saint

It sound a lot more cynical than i beleive it was intended, but it is very true.

Response by SFC Don Stewart made Jan 24 at 2014 9:22 AM

SFC Don Stewart — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 09:22:02 -0500

"Old breed. New breed. There's not a damn bit of difference as long as it's the Marine breed!"
attributed to Chesty Puller

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 11:47 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 11:47:30 -0500

"Damn the torpedoes, Full speed ahead!" Admiral David Glasgow Farragut (1801-1870).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 3:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 15:03:41 -0500

Sir,

Great topic, seems like you hit the gold mine with this one. I can't resist adding one more, then I promise no more. This is a blast from the past, from the first gulf war. I will never forget seeing him say this on TV. His version of "Shock and Awe" was endless sorties, bombing the hell out of everything, for forty days. Seemed pretty effective to me.

"As far as Saddam Hussein being a great military strategist, he is neither a strategist, nor is he schooled in the operational arts, nor is he a tactician, nor is he a general, nor is he as a soldier. Other than that, he's a great military man, I want you to know that."

General Norman Schwarzkopf

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 11:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 23:11:45 -0500

GEN James Mattis USMC(R), before he was called "Mad Dog" back when his call sign was still Chaos. I think this is my favorite quote

“I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you f* with me, I’ll kill you all.”

Response by SGT Richard Schumacher made Jan 25 at 2014 3:21 AM

SGT Richard Schumacher — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 03:21:31 -0500

Fast is slow. Smooth is fast.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 12:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 12:52:49 -0500

“America’s fighting men and women sacrifice much to ensure that our great nation stays free. We owe a debt of gratitude to the soldiers that have paid the ultimate price for this cause, as well as for those who are blessed enough to return from the battlefield unscathed.” ~ Allen Boyd

I have always liked this quote Sir!

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Jan 25 at 2014 3:34 PM

SSG Timothy McCoy — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 15:34:25 -0500

This quote below has become my mantra for year since I first heard it in the fall of 1987.

"If a mind can conceive the WHY, it will develop it’s own HOW." - SFC Jablonski (sp) 1-10th SF Camp Worden, Platoon Confidence Training Course, Bad Tolz, West Germany.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 6:38 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 18:38:52 -0500

"An officer without his sword is improperly dressed"
"If those damned Yanks hadn't gotten involved we could've kept this war going for another 10 years"
"people are less likely to shoot at you if you smile at them”

These quotes and more are the product of Col. Mad Jack Churchill, famous for his heroic actions in World War II. Namely, having the only confirmed long bow kill of the war and for going into battle with a Claymore sword, a set of bagpipes and his trusty longbow.

Response by SSG Jason Fish made Jan 25 at 2014 11:08 PM

SSG Jason Fish — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 23:08:20 -0500

"Nothing can be more hurtful to the service, than the neglect of discipline; for that discipline, more than numbers, gives one army the superiority over another."

- George Washington

Response by SSG Richard Stevens made Jan 26 at 2014 12:14 PM

SSG Richard Stevens — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 12:14:11 -0500

mine is from my PERSHING unit people first Mission always

Response by SGT Lawrence J. made Jan 26 at 2014 1:46 PM

SGT Lawrence J. — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 13:46:56 -0500

Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2014 2:34 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 14:34:47 -0500

“Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons.” - General Douglas MacArthur

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Jan 26 at 2014 3:01 PM

LT Jessica Kellogg — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 15:01:36 -0500

If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.

-Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 4:19 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 04:19:14 -0500

Semper Gumby (Be Flexible) ." The real Latinphrase meaning "always flexible" is semper flexibilis.

Response by SSG(P) John B. made Jan 27 at 2014 7:28 AM

SSG(P) John B. — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 07:28:31 -0500

KISS, keep it simple stupid. I was told this numerous times as a private and an over thinker.

Response by SSG Matthew Thomas made Jan 27 at 2014 10:09 AM

SSG Matthew Thomas — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 10:09:47 -0500

"Fourth point of contact" or Feet and knees together"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 1:41 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 13:41:03 -0500

A military without profanity couldn't fight it's way out of a pissed soaked paper bag.
-General George S. Patton

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 3:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 15:03:00 -0500

"I am a Soldier. I fight whee I am told. I win where I fight." Gen. Patton

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 6:24 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 18:24:31 -0500

Navy: "Choose your rate, choose your fate"

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 7:19 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 19:19:23 -0500

Here's another one: "Another day, another dollar."

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 7:20 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 19:20:06 -0500

Oh, here's a good one: "Cry me a river."

Response by SFC Don Stewart made Jan 27 at 2014 7:55 PM

SFC Don Stewart — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 19:55:14 -0500

Not a quote on the level of some of these but while reading the responses I recalled something my squad leader said to a then brand new Lance Corporal some 35 years ago

"Never tick off the Corpsman or the guy that brings the Mail"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 10:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 10:02:42 -0500

"COB is not 1700, it is when I say it is"

Response by SSgt Gus Georges made Jan 28 at 2014 10:27 AM

SSgt Gus Georges — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 10:27:33 -0500

One of my favorites is when the Persians were attempting to invade Greece at Thermopoli; the Persians greatly outnumbered them; and told them to surrender their weapons; the Greeks replied "come and get them". Other favorite quotes are: "failure is not an option" (from Apollo 13 movie). Also; "imagination is more important than knowledge" (Albert Einstein)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 1:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 13:34:25 -0500

This is where we fight.....this is where they die!!!!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 2:13 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 14:13:49 -0500

"A man does not have himself killed for a half-pence a day or for a petty distinction. You must speak to the soul in order to electrify him." -Napolean Bonaparte

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 6:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 18:03:42 -0500

I am a huge advocate of Sun Tzu. Here are a couple of quotes from The Art of War which deserve some attention in line with the "downsizing" we are going through in the face of our major opponents "upsizing"

From Emptiness and Fullness

"Therefore the consummation of forming an army is to arrive at formlessness. When you have no form, undercover espionage cannot find out anything, intelligence cannot form a strategy" (Master Sun).

"So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius" (Master Sun).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 8:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 20:36:43 -0500

"A piece of spaghetti or a Soldiers can only be led from the front" - Gen George S. Patton

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 2:35 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 02:35:21 -0500

"No bastard every won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country." ~ GEN George S. Patton, JR

There are many layers to this quote which, at first, seems callous.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 8:01 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 08:01:01 -0500

...here is another quote from someone I have studied a lot........"But courage which goes against military expediency is stupidity, or, if it is insisted upon by a commander, irresponsibility" Erwin Rommel

One more by Rommel

"Don't fight a battle if you don't gain anything by winning".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 1:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 13:25:22 -0500

"If you don't like it, stay around long enough, get some rank and change it."

1SG S, was my first 1SG, great mentor and great American. God Bless the old man and his family.

AIRBORNE! Death from Above!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 1:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 13:26:10 -0500

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure"

General Colin Powell

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 1:34 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 13:34:35 -0500

"Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum" - If you wish peace, prepare for war - Vegetius. Usually interpretted as meaning peace through strength

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 4:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 16:25:54 -0500

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 9:59 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 21:59:35 -0500

The hands down best and most effective Commander I have ever had the pleasure to serve under (now Field Grade) said this... "I have made a decent career out of operating in the grey area"

I wish I could give the author, but that may not be prudent since the PC police may not approve and we need more leaders like him.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 10:05 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 22:05:28 -0500

I HAVE to add another from WOCS graduation at Ft. Rucker. Seems simple minded at first, but think about it.

YOU are now THEY!

I believe it was CW3 Christianson.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 29 at 2014 11:47 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 23:47:38 -0500

"No b@stard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor b@stard die for his country." - George Patton

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 11:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 23:48:39 -0500

Do what your rank can handle...

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 29 at 2014 11:49 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 23:49:15 -0500

"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." - Napoleon Bonaparte

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 29 at 2014 11:50 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 23:50:52 -0500

"To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace." - George Washington

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 4:22 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 04:22:16 -0500

Good enough for Government work.

Response by CPT Christopher Hanson made Jan 30 at 2014 2:45 PM

CPT Christopher Hanson — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 14:45:03 -0500

"Hope is not a sound basis for military planning" Tactical Combat Medical Care course instructor (who was a retired Army PA/former 18D), San Antonio, TX

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 6:48 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 18:48:34 -0500

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 10:15 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 22:15:47 -0500

I heard a good one from my 1SG today, sir. He said, "No one cares what you know, until they know how much you care." 1SG said this during Resiliency Training this morning.

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Jan 30 at 2014 10:53 PM

SSG Timothy McCoy — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 22:53:23 -0500

Be Fluid, because being flexible is to ridged.

-- I don't remember Who, but it was said at the Bde Crackhouse.

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Jan 30 at 2014 10:56 PM

SSG Timothy McCoy — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 22:56:45 -0500

"What goes around, comes around. That is Karma, baby, ya better watch out."

--An old SF Weapons Master Sergent, Fort Bragg N.C.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 11:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 23:31:07 -0500

You can't handle the truth!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 11:42 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 23:42:49 -0500

"Can't put syrup on shit and call it pancakes"
Anonymous 1sg

Response by SSgt George Brown made Jan 31 at 2014 12:11 AM

SSgt George Brown — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 00:11:25 -0500

“The time is near at hand which must determine
whether Americans are to be free men or slaves” George Washington

Response by SSG Christopher Horton made Jan 31 at 2014 2:28 PM

SSG Christopher Horton — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 14:28:17 -0500

Another GEN Patton quote (paraphrased):

There are three choices everyone makes. The worst one is you did nothing. The next best choice is the wrong one, and the best one is you made the right choice.

He said something to that affect. Always loved it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 4:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 16:23:49 -0500

John Stuart Mill

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 9:19 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 09:19:39 -0500

It's not really a quote, it's song lyrics from Toby Keith that really hit home with me:

"I don't do it for the money, there's bills that I can't pay,
I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway,
Providing for our future's my responsibility,
Yeah I'm real good under pressure, being all that I can be,
I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekend's been too strong,
I just work straight through the holidays,
Sometimes all night long.
You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door.
Hey, I'm solid, hey, I'm steady, hey, I'm true down to the core.

And I will always do my duty, no matter what the price.
I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice.
Oh, and I don't want to die for you,
But if dying's asked of me,
I'll bear that cross with honor,
'Cause freedom don't come free.

I'm an American soldier"

I have missed birthdays, some of my son's firsts. I know that there are easier paths I could have taken, but this is my calling, my duty.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Feb 1 at 2014 3:36 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 15:36:50 -0500

It is the soldier, above all others that prays for peace. For it is he that must bear the wounds and scars of war. - MacArthur

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 5:17 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 17:17:03 -0500

"Those who fight for it have a taste freedom the protected will never know." I saw it on the wall of the MALS AMO at Camp Pendleton.

Response by SSG Oliver Mathews made Feb 2 at 2014 1:54 AM

SSG Oliver Mathews — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 01:54:08 -0500

I literally got this out of a Port-a-John in 2005

"I serve for those i do not know, and if i die i die for those i love."

It was close to that... its been almost a decade...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2014 1:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 01:55:42 -0500

"Do what your rank can handle."

Response by SGT Leigh Barton made Feb 3 at 2014 3:37 AM

SGT Leigh Barton — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 03:37:54 -0500

Heard the world over on July 20, 1969, as Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin Jr. first set foot on the moon. "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind". It's the fist time the words of an expedition commander irrevocably tied together every single member of humanity with a future filled with hope and promise.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 5:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 17:46:56 -0500

Mine are geared towards my fellow medics.

"Before God, before their mothers, they call on me. I am a Combat Medic"

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I shall fear no evil for I am the baddest mother fucker in this valley"

"everyone else joined to serve their country, we joined to serve our brothers in their greatest time of need"

Rule 1. Soldiers will die.

Rule 2. There's nothing you can do about it.

Rule 3. Doc will give his life to break rules 1 and 2.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 12:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 12:38:52 -0500

"BOHICA"

Its as simple as that one simple word. Sitting in a fighting hole misserable with your fellow brothers waiting for word. Standing by to stand by and you get the leadership approach after leaving a "leaders meeting". And thats when they hit you with the news. "Bad news gents but were gonna have to suck it up and overcome."

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Feb 4 at 2014 1:10 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 13:10:01 -0500

Be clear in your orders. "If an order can be misunderstood, it will be misunderstood.". Napoleon Bonaparte

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 2:04 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 14:04:21 -0500

"The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in
war" -GEN. Norman Schwarzkopf

Response by SGT Kristopher Lather made Feb 4 at 2014 4:13 PM

SGT Kristopher Lather — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 16:13:09 -0500

“War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today.”

― John F. Kennedy

(Soon to be a Tattoo)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 4:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 16:19:16 -0500

My job is not to question why, my job is to but do and die

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 5:44 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 17:44:54 -0500

If you are enjoying this topic, here's a few other discussions that you may find interesting; the idea is to encourage maximum participation, so check these out and join in the conversation, thank you for all that you do!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 8:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 20:23:49 -0500

"War is hell"- Gen. William T. Sherman

But more so, President Lincoln's second inaugural address:

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and for his orphans, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 9:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 21:04:51 -0500

The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.
George S. Patton
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_war.html#8I69GLlcait4E1m4.99

Response by SSgt George Brown made Feb 4 at 2014 10:59 PM

SSgt George Brown — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 22:59:53 -0500

I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.
Robert E. Lee

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 11:05 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 23:05:00 -0500

GEN McArthur on Morale "it cannot be produced by pampering or coddling an Army, and it is not necessarily destroyed by hardship, danger, or even calamity…It will wither quickly, however, if soldiers come to believe themselves the victims of indifference or injustice on the part…of their leaders.”

Lead me, follow me, or get the hell out of my way.”
―George S. Patton Jr.

“We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us.”
―Winston Churchill

Response by SSgt George Brown made Feb 4 at 2014 11:23 PM

SSgt George Brown — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 23:23:18 -0500

For those officers who are leading troops into battle, this should be on their lips! "Who could not conquer with such troops as these?" Gen. Stonewall Jackson

If you lead with those words, your troops will rally for you in any circumstance!

He also said, "Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave."

Response by SSgt George Brown made Feb 4 at 2014 11:30 PM

SSgt George Brown — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 23:30:25 -0500

"o fortunatos nimium, sua si bona norint" Lt Col Henry Lighthorse Lee

Response by SSgt George Brown made Feb 4 at 2014 11:54 PM

SSgt George Brown — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 23:54:47 -0500

Not really a military quote as such, but, a seeming prescient quote:

"The time will come, when thou shalt lift thine eyes

To watch a long-drawn battle in the skies.
While aged peasants, too amazed for words,
Stare at the flying fleets of wondrous birds.

England, so long mistress of the sea,
Where winds and waves confess her sovereignty,
Her ancient triumphs yet on high shall bear
And reign the sovereign of the conquered air.

— Thomas Gray, 1737

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Feb 5 at 2014 7:23 AM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 07:23:52 -0500

"If you ain't Cav, you ain't shit"..... :-)

Response by SrA Brian Walker made Feb 5 at 2014 11:34 AM

SrA Brian Walker — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 11:34:18 -0500

"At very few times in any person's life do you ever hold responsibility for another person's safety. This is one of those times. At McDonald's, if you screw up someone does not get the food that they ordered, and the worst that happens is you are fired. Here, now, if you screw up someone can, and most likely will die. The worst that will happen to you is you will have to time to contemplate your mistake, and the consequences." Me.

I was counseling a new soldier and trying to help him to understand the importance of attention to detail. I remember this because I went straight to my room and wrote it down. I hung it underneath my Soldier's Creed and Creed of the Non-commissioned Officer... It's right up there with "Remember the first rule of the gunfight: Bring a gun" ~Jeff Cooper, LtCol (USMC) Ret.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 12:31 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 12:31:00 -0500

"These are my Credentials"

Brigadier General Charles Canham.

The 8th Infantry Division motto

Concise, to the point, but it says so much.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 5 at 2014 7:50 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:50:25 -0500

Nuke em till they glow....shoot em in the dark! (started off in a Lance Missile BN, short range tac Nuke unit 1988-1990)

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 5 at 2014 8:54 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 20:54:01 -0500

Molon Labe

Response by MAJ John Drake made Feb 6 at 2014 12:41 AM

MAJ John Drake — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 00:41:06 -0500

"They couldn't hit an elephant at that distance!"

Union General John Sedgwick.....right before a Confederate Sniper shot him through his left eye.

Never underestimate your enemy!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 4:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 04:15:29 -0500

This is one of my favorite quotes....

“A true leader has the confidence
to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion
to listen to the needs of others.” -General Douglas MacArthur

Response by CPT Mike B Martinez Ramirez made Feb 6 at 2014 2:04 PM

CPT Mike B Martinez Ramirez — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 14:04:13 -0500

"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what
to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.” - GEN George S. Patton

Response by Cpl John Davis made Feb 6 at 2014 5:24 PM

Cpl John Davis — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 17:24:49 -0500

Out of every one hundred men, ten shouldn't be there, eighty are just targets, nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back. Heraclitus

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 6:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 18:58:10 -0500

"Only the dead have seen the end of war"
- Plato

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2014 2:45 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 02:45:12 -0500

"Defining moment of leadership is when your soldiers trust you". CSM Williams 4-6 ARS

Response by SGT Brian Schell made Feb 7 at 2014 12:49 PM

SGT Brian Schell — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 12:49:20 -0500

"Out of every one hundred men, ten shouldn't even be there, eighty are just targets, nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle...

..Ah, but the one.

One is a warrior, and he will bring the others back."

-Heraclitus

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2014 8:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 20:08:22 -0500

"Paperwork will ruin any military force" LTG Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 12:38 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 12:38:53 -0500

“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”

Sun Tzu

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 2:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 02:03:02 -0500

One of my all time favorite from Former President Theodore Roosevelt:

Speak Softly, and Carry a Big Stick; You will go far.

This to me pretty much sums up my perspective at work and how others perceive me. I am a pretty quiet guy and often don't have to raise my voice to get my Soldiers to follow my orders and complete the mission, however they also know that if they don't do what is asked, or deceive me in any way, The hammer will come down hard. I am both fair and impartial but firm and consistent as well. NCOs Lead the Way!!!

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 4:45 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 16:45:50 -0500

"The principal foundations of all states are good laws and good arms; and there cannot be good laws where there are not good arms." - Machiavelli, The Prince (1513)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 7:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 19:15:10 -0500

Upon seeing a flamethrower for the very first time, Chesty Puller, then a Captain or a Major in the Marine Corps only had one question...

"Where do you put the bayonet"?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 8:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 20:07:59 -0500

My all time favorite. Not a military quote per say, but a strong concept. Theodore Roosevelt, France 1910 "It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man struggled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit goes to the man who is actually in the arena, whos face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows the triumph of high achievment, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

Response by COL Roxanne Arndt made Feb 9 at 2014 9:40 PM

COL Roxanne Arndt — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 21:40:04 -0500

Nut up and Ranger through it....not from any great military leaders but from a great former doctor who was a ranger

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 2:41 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 02:41:59 -0500

General George S. Patton- never tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 2:48 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 02:48:31 -0500

No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.

George S. Patton

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 9:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 09:57:32 -0500

My old BN CSM used to say "Skinny Jeans.... DON'T DO IT!" in every safety brief. Used to lighten up the Friday before release. He is a memorable leader and made a positive impact on the BN during the time he was our CSM.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Feb 10 at 2014 12:57 PM

1SG David Niles — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:57:39 -0500

"Pull your head out of your fourth point of contact"

Said and DI to any private always.

Response by 1SG Craig Moody made Feb 10 at 2014 3:33 PM

1SG Craig Moody — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:33:28 -0500

"The Army isn't like it used to be and it never was." General Bruce Clark

Response by SGT Mitch McKinley made Feb 10 at 2014 4:31 PM

SGT Mitch McKinley — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 16:31:08 -0500

If you find yourself in a fair fight, you didn't plan your mission properly.    - David Hackworth

Response by SGT Mitch McKinley made Feb 10 at 2014 4:33 PM

SGT Mitch McKinley — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 16:33:22 -0500

If the enemy is in range, so are you.

Response by 1SG DeyShuan Shepherd made Feb 11 at 2014 7:18 AM

1SG DeyShuan Shepherd — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 07:18:39 -0500

"I am a soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight."
-- George Patton

Response by Cpl John Sargent made Feb 11 at 2014 11:53 AM

Cpl John Sargent — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 11:53:01 -0500

"I piss napolm and eat consatina wire for breakfast" (Clint Eastwood, HeartBreak Ridge)

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 7:44 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 19:44:03 -0500

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 10:32 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 22:32:50 -0500

“Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip.”
― Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill

Author of The Gathering Storm, Their Finest Hour, The Second World War, My Early Life, 1874-1904, The Birth of Britain, The Grand Alliance, Closing the Ring, The Hinge of Fate, Triumph and Tragedy, an...

Response by CAPT Ted Daywalt made Feb 12 at 2014 1:24 AM

CAPT Ted Daywalt — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 01:24:44 -0500

Sic Vis Pacem, Para Bellum

Response by CAPT Ted Daywalt made Feb 12 at 2014 1:25 AM

CAPT Ted Daywalt — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 01:25:47 -0500

Destroyer men have done so much with so little for so long, we can do anything with nothing forever!

Response by CAPT Ted Daywalt made Feb 12 at 2014 1:30 AM

CAPT Ted Daywalt — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 01:30:48 -0500

When in doubt, empty your magazine

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Feb 12 at 2014 3:05 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:05:23 -0500

"Do what it takes to win."

Drill SSG Gibbs, Ft. Jackson SC basic training

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Feb 12 at 2014 4:14 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 16:14:10 -0500

"The quickest way home is through the Baghdad airport."

"The USAF is going to bomb Iraq flat as a parking lot, all we will have left to do is go in and paint lines!"

~ Often repeated during the long months of Operation Desert Shield.

Response by LT Brian "Buzz" Park made Feb 12 at 2014 5:28 PM

LT Brian "Buzz" Park — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 17:28:58 -0500

"It seems to be a law of nature, inflexible and inexorable, that those who will not risk cannot win."
John Paul Jones

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2014 7:31 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 19:31:15 -0500

"Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off"

Colin Powell, On Leadership

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2014 7:33 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 19:33:25 -0500

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

George Orwell

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2014 8:03 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 08:03:07 -0500

Not a military quote but I still love it.

Speak softly and carry a big stick.

No need to yell at people to make a point. If you have to yell and scream and toss stuff around to get your point across you need some assistance in communication. I think I have lost my temper and yelled at a Soldier twice in 20 years. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and be ready to back up what you say.

Response by SGT Brian Schell made Feb 13 at 2014 12:11 PM

SGT Brian Schell — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 12:11:32 -0500

Doc: You know what they say: People in glass houses sink sh-sh-ships.
Rocco: Doc, I gotta buy you, like, a proverb book or something. This mix'n'match ****'s gotta go.
Doc: What?
Connor: A penny saved is worth two in the bush, isn't it?
Murphy: And don't cross the road if you can't get out of the kitchen.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2014 6:30 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 18:30:59 -0500

HOOHAH.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 10:12 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 10:12:32 -0500

I will remember a quote from a british soldier poet during WWI

"if i have to be a Soldier, I must be a good one. Anything else is unthinkable." Wilfred Owen.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 2:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 14:51:33 -0500

Ok, it's a quote from a French guy but a shining example of the metal from which soldiers are cut: Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding. Impossible to maneuver. Situation is excellent. I am attacking! *Ferdinand Foch- Battle of the Marne.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 3:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 15:11:04 -0500

Another one of my favorites:

A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living.

- John F. Kennedy

I have that one in my office, it sometimes makes people with no military experience a little squirmy during interviews. :)

Response by SSG Red Hoffman made Feb 14 at 2014 8:02 PM

SSG Red Hoffman — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 20:02:46 -0500

Anything Chesty Puller had to say.

Response by SSG Red Hoffman made Feb 14 at 2014 8:06 PM

SSG Red Hoffman — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 20:06:53 -0500

The one that will always stand out in my mind is 'I'd rather kill communists, than f***.' Drill Sergeant Snyder, Ft. Gordon, GA - March 1977

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2014 2:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 02:53:46 -0500

"The amateurs discuss tactics; the professionals discuss logistics." Napoleon Bonaparte

"You will not find it difficult to prove that battles, campaigns, and even wars have been won or lost primarily because of logistics." GEN Dwight D. Eisenhower

Response by MSgt John Schiller made Feb 15 at 2014 10:12 AM

MSgt John Schiller — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 10:12:51 -0500

My T.I. In Basic 34 years ago: "Did you cone all this way just to piss me off?"

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2014 8:43 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 20:43:16 -0500

Management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization - Sun Tzu

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2014 9:46 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 21:46:57 -0500

People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

George Orwell

Great quote about the Warriors of the past present and future

Response by MSgt Randolph Kent made Feb 16 at 2014 10:35 PM

MSgt Randolph Kent — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:35:55 -0500

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Thomas Jefferson

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 2:49 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 02:49:29 -0500

"I do not have to tell you who won the war. You
know, the ARTILLERY did"

(GEN
George S. Patton)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 2:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 02:52:41 -0500

"I do not have to tell you who won the war. You know,the ARTILLERY did"
(GEN George S. Patton)

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made Feb 17 at 2014 10:44 PM

TSgt Christopher D. — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 22:44:33 -0500

"War is a racket."

Smedley Darlington Butler, MGEN, USMC

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 11:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 23:18:34 -0500

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
- John Stuart Mill

"Courage isn't the absence of fear, rather the judgement that something is more important than fear."
-Ambrose Redmoon

"Nuts..."
- General Anthony McAuliffe

"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves."
- Abraham Lincoln

"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly."
- Winston Churchill (Not really military related... but I love it none the less!)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 11:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 23:29:26 -0500

Life is hard, but when your stupid it's harder.

John Wayne

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 11:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 23:35:04 -0500

If you choose to burn my country's flag Please wrap yourself in it first.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 11:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 23:58:43 -0500

"it is foolish and wrong to mourn the men that died. Rather we should thank god that such men lived"

General George S. Patton

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 2:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 02:47:42 -0500

“The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country”
― George S. Patton Jr.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 9:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 09:29:34 -0500

Good judgement is based on experience, experience is often based on bad judgement.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 11:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 11:45:05 -0500

"A symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction in the fight for freedom." -President Kennedy, April 11, 1962

Response by Cpl Lyndon Villone made Feb 18 at 2014 12:35 PM

Cpl Lyndon Villone — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 12:35:37 -0500

"We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, for so long, with so little, that we are now prepared to do anything, with nothing at all."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 4:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 16:22:51 -0500

"Courage is fear, holding on just a little bit longer"
-GEN George S. Patton

Response by 1SG Alan Bailey made Feb 18 at 2014 4:24 PM

1SG Alan Bailey — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 16:24:53 -0500

"There are two types of people in the world, Other Artillerymen and Targets" - UNKNOWN

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Feb 18 at 2014 4:43 PM

CSM Michael Poll — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 16:43:04 -0500

Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet. -General James Mattis, USMC-

Response by MCPO Dean Phelps made Feb 18 at 2014 7:46 PM

MCPO Dean Phelps — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 19:46:52 -0500

“I believe it is the duty of each of us to act as if the fate of the world depended on him. Admittedly, one man by himself cannot do the job. However, one man can make a difference. We must live for the future of the human race, and not for our own comfort or success.”

Hyman G Rickover

Response by SFC Anabel Cepero made Feb 18 at 2014 9:08 PM

SFC Anabel Cepero — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 21:08:11 -0500

-Colin Powell

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 9:20 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 21:20:29 -0500

"My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in
mind-accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers" -The
Non-commissioned Officer's Creed

Response by SSgt Amanda Boyd made Feb 18 at 2014 9:41 PM

SSgt Amanda Boyd — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 21:41:00 -0500

"Worry, doubt, fear and despair are the enemies which slowly bring us down to the ground and turn us to dust before we die. "

From Gen. Douglas MacArthur

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 11:59 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 23:59:01 -0500

Greater love has no one than this that one lay his life down for his friends. Johns 15:13

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 9:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 09:23:21 -0500

Sir, I seem to have a different favorite quote by the hour but currently my two favorites are...

and

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

Edmund Burke

While the last quote is not particularly military, it sums up what and why we do it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 1:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 13:38:00 -0500

"Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way"

Gen. George S. Patton

America's Fightingest General

Response by SPC Nicholas Olena made Feb 19 at 2014 6:20 PM

SPC Nicholas Olena — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 18:20:31 -0500

When I want my men to remember something important, to really make it stick, I give it to them double dirty. It may not sound nice to some bunch of little old ladies at an afternoon tea party, but it helps my soldiers to remember. You can’t run an army without profanity; and it has to be eloquent profanity. An army without profanity couldn’t fight its way out of a piss-soaked paper bag. … As for the types of comments I make, sometimes I just, By God, get carried away with my own eloquence.

GEN George S. Patton

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 9:18 PM

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 21:18:09 -0500

"350-1 Did not beat the Nazis, neither did Sharp and EO training"

Posted up in my S6 office, not sure who put it there.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Feb 19 at 2014 9:27 PM

CSM Michael Poll — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 21:27:06 -0500

Sir, Custer was a pussy. You ain't. -Sergeant Major Basil Plumley-

Response by MCPO Dean Phelps made Feb 20 at 2014 7:56 AM

MCPO Dean Phelps — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 07:56:32 -0500

"The Devil is in the details, but so is salvation"

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2014 8:39 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 08:39:49 -0500

"Anyone who clings to the historically untrue - and thoroughly immoral - doctrine 'that violence never settles anything' I would advise to conjure up the ghosts of Napoleon Bonaparte and of the Duke of Wellington and let them debate it. The ghost of Hitler could referee, and the jury might well be the Dodo, the Great Auk and the Passenger Pigeon. Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor, and the contrary opinion is wishful thinking at its worst. Breeds that forget this basic truth have always paid for it with their lives and freedom."
- Robert A. Heinlein

Response by SrA Zachary Bolling made Feb 20 at 2014 1:25 PM

SrA Zachary Bolling — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 13:25:44 -0500

It may be silly but I like any quote from the military that includes acronyms and ends in "HOOAH" or "ROGER THAT"

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Feb 21 at 2014 5:03 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 17:03:22 -0500

1. Shit rolls downhill. 2. Put your 'I want' in one hand, put your bullshit in other hand, put them both behind you and see which one gets fuller faster. 3. God save us from our friends. We can handle the enemy. 4. You can't fix stupid. 5. If you're gonna be dumb, you're gonna be strong.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Feb 21 at 2014 6:12 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 18:12:07 -0500

Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons.

General MacArthur

Response by SGT Montana Crawford made Feb 21 at 2014 7:41 PM

SGT Montana Crawford — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 19:41:50 -0500

Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 9:07 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 21:07:05 -0500

"Life has a certain flavor for those who have fought and risked all that the sheltered and protected can never experience". -John Stuart Mill

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 10:41 PM

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 22:41:38 -0500

"You have exactly, five combat seconds to un-fuck yourself"

DS Bailey

Response by SCPO William C. made Feb 22 at 2014 8:54 AM

SCPO William C. — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 08:54:40 -0500

I have always liked: "All I am and all I have is at the service of my country". Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 9:24 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 09:24:57 -0500

Sir,

During my initial counseling with my first commander we discussed my duties and his expectations of me. I was a young platoon leader and his expectations were high. In closing he read this to me:

He then demanded that I "Be the one." I'm serving downrange right now and I read this quote every day. It still reminds me of the incredible responsibilty we have as leaders.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 10:09 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 10:09:48 -0500

"sip water , change your socks..."

Response by SGT Michael Gordon made Feb 22 at 2014 3:38 PM

SGT Michael Gordon — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 15:38:17 -0500

"Paperwork will ruin any military force." Chesty Puller

Response by CAPT Eric Stilwell made Feb 22 at 2014 4:33 PM

CAPT Eric Stilwell — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 16:33:45 -0500

"A circle is a direction." - Col (Now Major General) Jack Weinstein

Response by SGT Robert Holt made Feb 23 at 2014 7:29 PM

SGT Robert Holt — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 19:29:17 -0500

“I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with
you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I’ll kill you all.”

“Find the enemy that wants to end this experiment (in American
democracy) and kill every one of them until they’re so sick of the
killing that they leave us and our freedoms intact.”

-General James Mattis

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 9:19 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 21:19:47 -0500

Coffee tastes better if the latrines are dug downstream from an encampment.
~ US Army Field Regulations, 1861.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 6:36 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 06:36:05 -0500

A very telling quote from our current conflict is from USMC GEN James "Mad Dog" Mattis ... "Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet."

Response by Maj Jason Decker made Feb 24 at 2014 9:16 AM

Maj Jason Decker — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 09:16:55 -0500

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling that thinks nothing is worth war is much worse. The man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.
- John Stuart Mill

Response by SGM Matthew West made Feb 24 at 2014 1:34 PM

SGM Matthew West — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 13:34:30 -0500

"Be careful how many swords you fall on, there are only so many sucking chest wounds you can take".

SMA Jack Tilley

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 2:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 14:52:11 -0500

" I wish i was where i was when i was whishing i was here!"

not sure if it was something he read but my brother said this in regards to wishing he would deploy and later finding out it really wasnt that awesome.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 6:15 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 18:15:01 -0500

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast!!!

It makes sense. I see lots of Soldiers get in a hurry to do a job/task and then they have to re-do it. Slow it down a bit and do it right the first time. It keeps you from having to stay late to finish what could have been done hours ago.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 10:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 22:28:54 -0500

"Hey hair farmer, come here!!!!!"

SGT Airborne yelling at me at Airborne School for having "long" hair.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 10:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 22:35:29 -0500

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind."
~Major Michael O'Donnell, Jan. 1, 1970, Dak To, Vietnam. O'Donnell, a helicopter pilot, was killed in action March 24, 1970, during a rescue attempt. (end quote in Hamburger Hill)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 10:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 22:39:45 -0500

“The time is now near at hand which must probably determine, whether Americans are to be, Freemen, or Slaves; whether they are to have any property they can call their own; whether their Houses, and Farms, are to be pillaged and destroyed, and they consigned to a State of Wretchedness from which no human efforts will probably deliver them. The fate of unborn Millions will now depend, under God, on the Courage and Conduct of this army” – Gen. George Washington, to his troops before the battle of Long Island

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Feb 25 at 2014 3:19 PM

SPC David Wyckoff — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 15:19:12 -0500

Almost 600 responses so someone probably already posted this one. But this one was told to me by my very first squad leader.

"I yield to no man in sympathy for the gallant men under my command; but I am obliged to sweat them tonight, so that I may save their blood tomorrow.
- General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson-

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 10:49 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 22:49:11 -0500

"Shut up and Color"

Ex-Flight Chief.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 11:00 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:00:29 -0500

“Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons.”-Douglas MacAurther

Response by CPT Jason Torpy made Feb 26 at 2014 12:35 PM

CPT Jason Torpy — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 12:35:55 -0500

"If you don't want feedback, don't ask for it." - (apocryphal) RADM Arima, inventor of the kamikaze fighter tactic

Response by MSG Gene Potocki made Feb 26 at 2014 12:58 PM

MSG Gene Potocki — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 12:58:16 -0500

"Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast, Fast is Lethal."

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 3:14 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 15:14:28 -0500

"War is an ugly thing, but it is not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of morale and patriotic feelings which thinks nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." - John Stuart Mills about the Civil War.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Feb 27 at 2014 9:49 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 09:49:08 -0500

Well this is a good one I read somewhere or heard I don't remeber but it was from RET. Gen Norman Schwartzkopf. RIP sir!

"The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it."

Lesson for us all! me included.

Response by LTC Christopher "Kit" Patterson made Feb 27 at 2014 10:37 AM

LTC Christopher "Kit" Patterson — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 10:37:32 -0500

As a tanker, I like 'Don't get wrapped around the sprocket' for times when people lose control in any situation.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 12:47 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 12:47:41 -0500

From the movie 300.

Give them NOTHING! But take from them EVERYTHING!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 3:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 15:10:29 -0500

I would have to say all of the quotes I have read are
great. It's hard to pick favorites so I
will instead pick two that I like. One
inspirational and one humorous, you can decide which is which.

"You ask, What
is our policy? I will say; "It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with
all our might and with all the strength that God can give us: to wage war
against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark lamentable catalogue
of human crime. That is our policy." You ask, What is our aim? I can
answer with one word: Victory -- victory at all costs, victory in spite of all
terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory
there is no survival." Winston Churchill

“Teamwork is essential; it gives the enemy other people to shoot
at.” –Murphy’s Laws of Combat

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 4:48 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 16:48:30 -0500

"My logisticians are a humorless lot...they know if my campaign fails, they are the first ones I will slay."

Alexander

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 7:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 19:27:27 -0500

If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.

James Madison

Response by SPC Christian Sanchez made Feb 28 at 2014 3:31 AM

SPC Christian Sanchez — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 03:31:56 -0500

“The first time you blow someone away is not an insignificant event.
That said, there are some assholes in the world that just need to be
shot.”

-General James Mattis, United States Marines

Response by SPC Christian Sanchez made Feb 28 at 2014 3:35 AM

SPC Christian Sanchez — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 03:35:37 -0500

“The first time you blow someone away is not an insignificant event.
That said, there are some ###holes in the world that just need to be
shot.”

-Gen. "Mad Dog" Mattis

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 5:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 17:59:54 -0500

"If your in field artillery and you find yourself reaching to use your M-16, then there's a big problem"

Drill SGT Irving. Ft. Sill, OK

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 12:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 12:02:10 -0500

I personally like a couple from Admiral Arleigh Burke, one which I like is ...." Any Commander who fails to exceed his authority is not much use to his subordinates"

which I have change a bit to fit ALL Leaders to... "Any leader who fails to exceed his authority is not much use to his subordinates" and another of his I like is... "There never is a convenient place to fight a war when the other man starts it" He was a great Admiral who made a name for him self during the WWII and Korean wars. He also went on to become the Chief of Naval Operations during the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations. Also he had a Destroyer class ship named after him the USS Arleigh Burke.

Response by SCPO Rob Myers made Mar 1 at 2014 5:15 PM

SCPO Rob Myers — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 17:15:57 -0500

"The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools." - Thucydides circa 450 B.C.

Clearly, Thucydides was a visionary who recognized the value of education in the profession of arms. To his point, one of the most effective leaders I ever met, USMC GEN (Ret.) Mattis, once said, “I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you f*@% with me, I'll kill you all.” Meeting GEN Mattis at the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy was the high point of my experience there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 8:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 20:44:09 -0500

"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle."

-Sun Tzu
Art of War

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 8:17 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 08:17:44 -0500

I've been reading through these for a while and I've seen a couple Shakespear quotes but I'm shocked I haven't seen the one from Henry V:

"From this day to the ending of the world,

But we in it shall be remember'd;

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

For he to-day that sheds his blood with me

Shall be my brother "

Response by CPT Thomas Day made Mar 2 at 2014 11:32 AM

CPT Thomas Day — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 11:32:12 -0500

"Duty, Honor, Country" — those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.

Douglas MacArthur

May 12, 1962

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 2:15 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 14:15:36 -0500

In order to promote maximum discussion here on RP, here are just a few great topics that you may also find interesting or enlightening; thank you for all that you do, best wishes for continued success, and... see you all in the discussion threads!

Response by 1SG Glenn Moore made Mar 2 at 2014 2:59 PM

1SG Glenn Moore — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 14:59:15 -0500

Trust but verify

President Ronald Reagan

Response by SSG Ed Michela made Mar 2 at 2014 7:48 PM

SSG Ed Michela — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 19:48:16 -0500

"Only on the Military Channel"

~The Military Channel~

Response by SGM Jerry Finin made Mar 3 at 2014 1:56 AM

SGM Jerry Finin — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 01:56:17 -0500

"Plans are nothing; planning is everything" -Dwight D Eisenhower

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 2:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 02:24:49 -0500

A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive
treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known
and he carries his banners openly. But the traitor moves among those within the
gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the galleys, heard in the
very hall of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor—he speaks
in the accents familiar to his victims, and wears their face and their garment,
and he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots
the soul of a nation—he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the
pillars of a city—he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A
murderer is less to be feared.......Cicero, 42 B.C.E.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 8:43 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 08:43:02 -0500

You can't run an army without profanity; and it has to be
eloquent profanity. An army without profanity couldn't fight its way out of a
piss-soaked paper bag. ...As for the types of comments I make, sometimes I
just, By God, get carried away with my own eloquence...

General George Smith Patton, Jr. (11 November 1885 - 21
December 1945) "America's Fightingest General".

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 8:44 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 08:44:38 -0500

General George Smith Patton, Jr. (11 November 1885 - 21
December 1945) "America's Fightingest General".

Response by CPO Craig Knutson made Mar 3 at 2014 10:11 AM

CPO Craig Knutson — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 10:11:53 -0500

"The only easy day... was YESTERDAY" !! 2 Echo.. "Embrace the HATE"

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 11:34 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 11:34:34 -0500

"It follows then as certain as that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious." ~ President George Washington, 15 November 1781, to Marquis de Lafayette.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 11:47 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 11:47:15 -0500

One more, just to show some Navy pride. Not a military quote per say, but one I take great pride in.

"They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep." ~ The Bible - Psalm 107:23-31 (King James Version)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 3:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 15:09:40 -0500

Follow me, Lead Me, or get out of my way

-General George S. Patton.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 8:34 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 20:34:23 -0500

"You have CQ on Saturday during the 3-day weekend... sorry I am just now telling you this Thursday at 1630 release formation". -always good to hear - :)

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 8:46 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 20:46:56 -0500

"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.'"
President John F. Kennedy

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 10:00 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 22:00:48 -0500

"Men,
Special Forces is a mistress. Your wives will envy her because she will have
your hearts. Your wives will be jealous of her because of the power to pull you
away. This mistress will show you things never before seen and experience
things never before felt. She will love you, but only a little, seducing you to
want more, give more, die for her. She will take you away from the ones you
love, and you will hate her for it, but leave her you never will, but if you
must, you will miss her, for she has a part of you that will never be returned
intact. 
 
And in the end, she will leave you for a younger man." 
 
James R. Ward, OSS<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Response by Sgt Eben Osgood made Mar 4 at 2014 10:42 AM

Sgt Eben Osgood — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 10:42:03 -0500

I have a few:
"Alright, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us... They can't get away this time!" "Chesty" Puller in Korea.
:ay this time
“I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with
you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I’ll kill you all.” Gen. "Mad Dog" Mattis addressing tribal leaders in Afghanistan.

There are others, but those are my top votes.

Response by SFC Don J. made Mar 4 at 2014 6:54 PM

SFC Don J. — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 18:54:57 -0500

"Nuts"-

General Anthony Clement McAuliffe

General officer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A general officer is an officer of high military ranks, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force.[1] The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a diff...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 11:07 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 11:07:39 -0500

Remember that it is the actions, and not the commission, that make the officer, and that there is more expected from him, than the title.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, Address to the Officers of the Virginia Regiment, Jan. 8, 1756

Response by SSG Jason Hoadley made Mar 5 at 2014 2:00 PM

SSG Jason Hoadley — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 14:00:27 -0500

" If your going to be Dumb, You better be strong!"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 8:23 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 20:23:10 -0500

Coffee tastes better if the latrines are dug downstream from an encampment.
- US Army Field Regulations, 1861

Response by PO3 Anthony Zucarelli made Mar 6 at 2014 11:12 AM

PO3 Anthony Zucarelli — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 11:12:30 -0500

"There are no atheists in foxholes" - Many have been attributed as having said this.

Response by Cpl David Hall made Mar 6 at 2014 9:45 PM

Cpl David Hall — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 21:45:12 -0500

"I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m begging you, with tears in my eyes, if you fuck with me, I will kill you all." Gen James n mattis one of the most outstanding generals it has ever been this pog's pleasure to meet.

Response by SSG Marvin Vick made Mar 7 at 2014 2:52 AM

SSG Marvin Vick — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 02:52:15 -0500

mine is "keep your heads down and your fingers on the trigger!!!

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 10:30 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 10:30:14 -0500

MAJ Burns, so far the best quote I have heard came from a COL addressing a staff meeting. During the brief the COL was not buying all the information he was being giving so the COL asked "Do you know what happens when you put lipstick on a pig?" The room got quiet and he states "it's still a pig". It has stuck in mind for the last four years and still makes me laugh to this day to remember the reactions to his statement.

Response by SN Don Copeland made Mar 7 at 2014 10:32 AM

SN Don Copeland — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 10:32:04 -0500

TAPS TAPS LIGHTS OUT

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 4:01 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 16:01:47 -0500

"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm's way." Captain John Paul Jones

Response by SGT Joe Diolosa made Mar 7 at 2014 6:37 PM

SGT Joe Diolosa — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 18:37:36 -0500

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"

Edmund Burke

Response by SPC Thomas Gallagher made Mar 8 at 2014 8:02 PM

SPC Thomas Gallagher — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 20:02:15 -0500

Though i walk through the shadow of valley of death, i shall fear no evil, because i am and i will always be, the meanest mother f..... in the valley

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2014 6:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 18:11:34 -0400

"PowerPoint makes us stupid," Gen. James N. Mattis

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 9 at 2014 9:48 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 21:48:59 -0400

Go fourth and conquer!

Response by Cpl Stanley Solgot III made Mar 9 at 2014 11:28 PM

Cpl Stanley Solgot III — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 23:28:13 -0400

“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering
if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that
problem.”

― Ronald Reagan

Love this quote. lol

Response by SGT James Blue made Mar 10 at 2014 12:44 AM

SGT James Blue — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:44:48 -0400

I had a 1SG who always ended his emails with "Give War A Chance". I found that motivating!

Response by CMC Robert Young made Mar 10 at 2014 9:29 AM

CMC Robert Young — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 09:29:09 -0400

“There has been a great deal
of talk about loyalty from bottom to top. Loyalty from top to bottom is much
more important, and also much less prevalent. It is this loyalty from the top
to the bottom which binds juniors to their seniors with the strength of steel.”
Gen. George S. Patton

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2014 11:26 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:26:21 -0400

When I served at a Theater Special Operations Command my favorite two quotes were:

"If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure." ~ Dan Quayle

"No good decision was ever made in a swivel chair." ~ GEN George S. Patton

I realize the first is not necessarily military and if you think too hard about it you'll wonder why it was even said. In my limited experience at the strategic level though, I found both quotes to be extremely fitting in most every situation I encountered. I even got to use GEN Patton's quote while briefing our Navy Seal RDML when I advised that the plan I was briefing was merely "top down guidance" that still required "bottom up refinement". He completely understood, but I think it helped that he understood what it was like being the guy on the ground receiving orders from higher while they were so far removed from the reality of the situation.

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2014 11:30 AM

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:30:27 -0400

"The only fingerprints that last are the ones you leave on people." - Gen Mark A. Welsh, III

Response by SGT James Eastling made Mar 10 at 2014 1:03 PM

SGT James Eastling — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 13:03:37 -0400

While history hands us droves of classic, yet still important and relevant quotes from great leaders on all sides of their respective battles and struggles, from Sun Tzu to Alexander the Great, and Churchill to Schwarzkopf, sometimes it's those we hear for first time from the orator as they first utter them that we can group them into our personal 'favorites'. Whether a nugget of tactical mentality, or the life-lessons for the more care-free, there's always something to gain.

These are two, off the top of my head, that I heard personally. The first was from a retiring General, in the early 2000's. During his speech, when on the topic of engaging the enemy, his words (to my closest recall) were, "Forget the 'shoot to wound' bullshit, shoot to kill..." The mindset he was coming from, presumably from experience, was that not every enemy force has the same 'care for the wounded' mentality as we do, and that they would probably not take two or three guys out of the fight to move each of the wounded to safety.

The other, said directly to me while I and about a dozen members of my unit were participating in the Nijmegen 4-Days March, was to the effect of, "There's nothing wrong with staring at the beauty of God's creation," when an...attractive young woman passed us on the street the day we arrived. Just love the perspective of Chaplains.

Response by LCpl Matt P. made Mar 10 at 2014 1:12 PM

LCpl Matt P. — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 13:12:29 -0400

best I ever heard was "Lead, follow or get out of the way...but do SOMETHING!!"

Response by LCpl Matt P. made Mar 10 at 2014 1:18 PM

LCpl Matt P. — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 13:18:07 -0400

from Maj. Duncan's "fiction and fact, from Dunk's almanac"..."If your going to look over a man's shoulder while he's doing the job, you might as well do it yourself...can you?"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2014 7:08 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 19:08:25 -0400

"Til Valhal!"

Response by SPC Eric Chambers made Mar 10 at 2014 10:44 PM

SPC Eric Chambers — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 22:44:31 -0400

" It Behooves Of You "

Response by SSG Christopher Settembrino made Mar 11 at 2014 7:25 AM

SSG Christopher Settembrino — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 07:25:22 -0400

My favorite military quote has to be from my senior drill sergeant from basic training. We he told us was always take the hard right over the easy wrong and you will always be set up for success. I've tried my best to live up to that throughout my entire career and it hasn't failed me yet.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2014 4:04 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 16:04:34 -0400

"We must indeed hang together, or most assuredly, we shall all hang separately."

-- Benjamin Franklin, American Statesman and Founding Father

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 12 at 2014 12:51 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 00:51:09 -0400

Experience is the teacher of all things.

Julius Caesar

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 3:16 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 03:16:24 -0400

These quotes came from a chief, USN E7, I worked for and with,

"Happy to Be Here, Proud to Service",

"I Don't Know, but I'll Play Your Stupid Game"

As a Federal Employee and USN Reservist I still use it them when I can.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 10:43 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 10:43:45 -0400

“The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!”
― Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt

Author of The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt, You Learn by Living, My Day, This I Remember, This is My Story, On My Own, Tomorrow Is Now, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Empty without You, ...

Response by PO2 Robert Hunter made Mar 12 at 2014 10:53 AM

PO2 Robert Hunter — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 10:53:38 -0400

"Protelo, insisto, vel adepto ex via."
(Lead, follow, or get out of the way)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 11:50 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 11:50:30 -0400

Sweat Saves Blood

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 6:30 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 18:30:53 -0400

Patton: Now, an army is a team - it lives, eats, sleeps, fights as a team. This individuality stuff is a bunch of crap.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 6:32 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 18:32:18 -0400

"My two basic responsibilities will always be
uppermost in

mind-accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers" -The

Non-commissioned Officer's Creed

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 6:32 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 18:32:44 -0400

"We did
not become the men that we are because we were Soldiers,

but became Soldiers because of the men we are."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 9:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 09:29:39 -0400

An army is a team. It lives, eats, sleeps, fights as a team.
This individuality stuff is a bunch of bullshit."
- General George Patton Jr

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 11:12 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 11:12:56 -0400

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic vitue which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight; nothing he cares about more than his own personal safety; is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." - John Stewart Mill

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 12:14 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 12:14:30 -0400

"Good is the enemy of Great"

I don't know who said it, and I don't really care. My old Chief used it at the bottom of emails, and I always liked it.

Response by PO1 Ricky Allen made Mar 13 at 2014 6:40 PM

PO1 Ricky Allen — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 18:40:34 -0400

On my first ship the CO called me into his office to talk to me about how life was going on board the ship and gave me his lesson on leadership.

He pointed to the super glued Darth Vader (light saber too! LOL) and was like, "THAT'S LEADERSHIP".

I was cracking up when I walked out of there.

Response by SPC(P) Nathan Stewart made Mar 13 at 2014 7:17 PM

SPC(P) Nathan Stewart — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 19:17:14 -0400

"All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of
us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time"
- Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC

Response by SGT Benjamin Hreha made Mar 13 at 2014 10:23 PM

SGT Benjamin Hreha — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 22:23:27 -0400

The most influential statement I ever heard while I was in the army was: "Proper planning prevents piss poor performance."

Response by LtCol Brent Norquist made Mar 14 at 2014 2:44 AM

LtCol Brent Norquist — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 02:44:52 -0400

"...your men have to follow your orders; they don't have to go to your funeral..." A response given by a Marine officer when he was asked by a reporter if it was usual that so many enlisted Marines attended Major Doug Zembiec's (the "Lion of Fallujah") memorial service at Annapolis.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 9:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 21:55:36 -0400

"Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory." - GEN George S. Patton Jr.

In an age of technological advancements it is important to remember that these innovations will not fight wars for us, but rather aid us as we fight and win against our enemies.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Mar 15 at 2014 4:39 AM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 04:39:41 -0400

Murphy's Law: If it is not broke, dont mess with it.

Response by LtCol Brent Norquist made Mar 15 at 2014 6:13 PM

LtCol Brent Norquist — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 18:13:20 -0400

"Never run when you can walk; never walk when you can ride; never stand when you can sit; never sit when you can lay down; chow is continuous"

Response by SSG(P) Thai Starkovich made Mar 16 at 2014 2:25 PM

SSG(P) Thai Starkovich — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 14:25:31 -0400

"Here is your DD-214, sir. Have a great terminal leave."

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 16 at 2014 4:12 PM

SPC Michael Hunt — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 16:12:38 -0400

Proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance... unknown

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 12:32 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 00:32:35 -0400

Issue the order sir, and I will storm hell!

BG "Mad" Antony Wayne

Circa 1779

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 1:09 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 01:09:24 -0400

"There are only kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion." - General William Thornson, USA

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 2:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:11:57 -0400

Drink water and drive on

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 3:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 15:41:35 -0400

"No military leader ever became great without audacity" Von Clausewitz

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 10:12 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 10:12:14 -0400

"NUTS"

BG Anthony McAuliffe during WWII

Response by LCpl Matt P. made Mar 18 at 2014 11:04 PM

LCpl Matt P. — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 23:04:43 -0400

"God made warrant Officers to give the junior enlisted someone to worship, the senior enlisted someone to envy, the junior officer someone to tolerate and the senior officer someone to respect"<div>Major H. G. Duncan U.S.M.C.</div>

Response by LCpl Matt P. made Mar 18 at 2014 11:07 PM

LCpl Matt P. — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 23:07:53 -0400

"when all the rhetoric and poetry are boiled away, our "product" is CORPSES; dead bodies; cold meat. It takes a special kind of "employee to manufacture that product which nobody wants"

Major H. G. Duncan U.S.M.C.

Response by SSG Em Vang made Mar 19 at 2014 12:15 AM

SSG Em Vang — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 00:15:56 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 12:19 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 00:19:01 -0400

Something I always tell my Soldiers and write in some of their Counselings:

Hard work does not guarantee success; However, it does increase your chances!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 7:27 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 07:27:30 -0400

"It will behoove you" or "Be cognoscente"

Response by CPT Hannibal Bray made Mar 19 at 2014 12:58 PM

CPT Hannibal Bray — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 12:58:09 -0400

"We will either find a way, or make one."

Hannibal Barca, Carthaginian General, ~200 B.C.

Response by COL Rommel Guerrero made Mar 19 at 2014 1:07 PM

COL Rommel Guerrero — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 13:07:03 -0400

These are my favorite quotes. The second one is really what politicians need to know when contemplating using military force.

"Wars may be fought by weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow and the man who leads that gains victory."

GEN Patton

"You may fly over a land forever; you may bomb it, atomize it, pulverize it and wipe it clean of life-but if you desire to defend it, protect it, and keep it for civilization, you must do this on the ground, the way the Roman legions did, by putting your young men into the mud."

T.R. Fehrenbach~This Kind of War

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 1:21 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 13:21:39 -0400

I have 2; 1 Fictional, 1 Non Fictional. If your 30yrs or older you should get it.

"Regulations were made to be broken" - Col Sherman Potter

"Lead me, Follow me, Or get out of my way!" - General George S. Patton

Response by LCpl Matt P. made Mar 19 at 2014 9:51 PM

LCpl Matt P. — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:51:10 -0400

"When the son of the Chief of Naval Operations (Zumwalt; 1970-2000) joins the Marine Corps, we must be doing something right...or the Navy is doing something VERY wrong!"

Maj. H. G. Duncan

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Mar 20 at 2014 6:17 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 18:17:40 -0400

Some of my favorite quotes falls in the category of support for our troops:

"If you can't stand behind our troops, Please feel free to stand in front of them."

and

"Land of the Free because of the Brave."

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 6:36 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 18:36:06 -0400

"freedom isn't free"

there is a poem written by retired coast guardsman Kelly Strong, but the title is what resonated with me.

http://www.usmemorialday.org/poetry/notfree.htm

No, Freedom Isn't Free -- CDR Kelly Strong, USCG (Ret).

Poetry In memory of our honored dead on Memorial Day

Response by Thomas Rancourt made Mar 20 at 2014 10:29 PM

Thomas Rancourt — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 22:29:31 -0400

Put a spear in a farmers' hands and you have a soldier. Put a purpose in his heart and you have a Warrior.

-Unknown

The ultimate aim of Martial Arts is not having to use them.

-Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings

A Military Operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear incompetent. Though effective, appear ineffective.

-Sun Tzu, Art of War

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

-Confucius

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 5:46 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 05:46:37 -0400

"Rank is only given you in the Army to enable you to
better serve those below you and those above you. Rank is not given for you to exercise
your idiosyncrasies."

- Gen. Bruce C. Clarke

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Mar 21 at 2014 10:50 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 10:50:23 -0400

USMC, Capt Haldane, Peleliu, 1944: Haldane approaches the men and greets them, taking off his pack and laying down his weapons. "Never run when you can walk. Never walk when you can stand. Never stand when you can sit. Never sit when you can lay down," he says with a grin. "And never pass a supply of clean water."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 12:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 12:51:43 -0400

"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often."
- Winston Churchill

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 2:50 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 14:50:43 -0400

"A good plan, violently executed now, is better than
a perfect plan next week." - General George S. Patton

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Mar 21 at 2014 6:33 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 18:33:53 -0400

This is a quote supposedly from a soldier to General Omar Bradley on Omaha Beach on D-day 6 June 1944;

Q "Who is in charge of this chicken shit operation?"

A "I don't know but they ought to shoot the son of a bitch."

General Bradley had lost his helmet and was wearing an unranked soldiers helmet he had picked up on the beach.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 8:48 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 20:48:01 -0400

"You are the product of your own ambition"

CPT Nicholas Glover Chang of Command Speech

"Leadership can be measured by the impact you have on others"

Jackie Robinson

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 11:37 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 23:37:03 -0400

Being a good Non-Commissioned Officer is a difficult job, if it were easy they would have given it to the Officer corps.

Response by MSG Jose Colon made Mar 23 at 2014 3:19 PM

MSG Jose Colon — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 15:19:23 -0400

"The more you bleed in training, the less you bleed in combat." Marcinko ( The rogue warrior)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 11:36 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 23:36:01 -0400

"Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead."

- Ben Franklin

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 11:57 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 23:57:14 -0400

"A man must know his destiny. If he does not recognize it, then he is lost. By this I mean, once, twice, or at the very most, three times, fate will reach out and tap a man on the shoulder. If he has the imagination, he will turn around and fate will point out to him what fork in the road he should take, if he has the guts, he will take it."

General George S. Patton, Jr.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 3:57 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 03:57:27 -0400

"The courage of a Soldier is heightened by his knowledge of his profession." - Flavius Renatus Vegetius, later Roman Period author of Epitoma rei militaris circa 430AD.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 10:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 10:58:13 -0400

These are my three favorite ones. Two were written by me.
"Love without expecting anything back, smile even to your enemies and you would live longer..."

"Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory." Ghandi

"LIVE YOUR LIFE ONE DAY AT THE TIME, LEARN AS MUCH FROM YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS YOU DO FROM YOUR FAILURES, AND ENJOY EACH DAY AS IT WAS YOUR LAST" AMON

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 7:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 19:42:30 -0400

"The man of tomorrow is forged by his battles today."- Lex Luthor

Response by SSgt James Stanley made Mar 25 at 2014 9:47 PM

SSgt James Stanley — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 21:47:04 -0400

This in response to an Iranian air defense stations threat to launch Iranian fighters if aircraft did not leave Iranian airspace.

"This is a United States Marine Corps F-18 Fighter jet, I'll wait".

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 12:53 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 00:53:58 -0400

"Leaders lead from the FRONT"

Response by COL Jonas Vogelhut made Mar 26 at 2014 9:00 PM

COL Jonas Vogelhut — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 21:00:57 -0400

In Germany, we used to have the LTs pull staff duty for the entire post on weekends. Job included checking buildings, units, etc. The Brigade Commander told me, as that young LT:

"When in charge, take charge."

I never forgot that quote and leadership advise.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Mar 26 at 2014 11:01 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 23:01:06 -0400

There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion.
Gen. William Thornson, U.S. Army

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 1:17 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 13:17:21 -0400

"I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, for vengeance, for desolation. War is hell."

-General William Tecumseh Sherman

This quote was recorded during Sherman's push to the sea. A dark offensive, but a great quote when the situation called for reason.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 2:57 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 14:57:31 -0400

"Be where you're supposed to be, do what you're supposed
to do, and if you don't know ask somebody"

- CSM Charlie Thorpe (when he was 2-325 AIR CSM, circa '93-'94)

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 10:07 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 22:07:36 -0400

"Don't confuse your rank with my authority, sir." Brand new Security Forces troop out of tech school

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2014 12:12 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 00:12:57 -0400

This is mine...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2014 3:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 15:29:02 -0400

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." -General Dwight D. Eisenhower. (and Mark Twain too, I guess.)

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2014 7:39 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 07:39:26 -0400

With an always growing number of military quotes, it is difficult
to distinguish between the quotes I like and the ones I love. I must say that
the quotes I enjoy the most are those every day, mix feelings of frustration
and submission, midpoint between ripping someone’s head off and prompt
obedience to lawful military authority.

Those quotes Soldiers say after listening a "high-speed"
individual come out with a "great idea" that feels like fragments of glass making
their way into the skull. Those quotes that make you want to flip a table,
punch a wall, and shout a one-syllable word are reminders of how emotionally
involved we are and that is the reason why we are the best fighting force on
Earth.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Mar 29 at 2014 4:40 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 16:40:43 -0400

Operation Just Cause in Panama - "People are going to die tonight! You've been training now go earn your paycheck!"

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 12:55 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 00:55:52 -0400

I love the smell of napalm in the morning, smells like...victory! Col. Kilgore

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 4:05 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 04:05:40 -0400

There are but two powers in the world, the sword and the mind. In the long run the sword is always beaten by the mind. -- Napoleon Bonaparte

Response by Cpl David Hall made Mar 30 at 2014 5:16 AM

Cpl David Hall — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 05:16:49 -0400

another favorite quote of mine is "if you sit by a river long enough, you will see the body of your enemy float by", what this means to me is that in almost all of your life you compete or strive to achieve something worthwhile. Be it a promotion, a lateral move, or a completely new career there will always be obstacles in your path, you must have the patience to achieve your goals, do not engage those obstacles as they will only cause stress and distract you, stay focused long enough on your goal and the obstacles will dissolve of their own accord.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 7:14 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 07:14:22 -0400

Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet - General James Mattis (Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq - 2006)

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 10:31 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 22:31:00 -0400

"Come on you son's a bitches, do you want to live forever?" Sargeant Major Dan Daly Battle of Belleau Wood WW1

Response by SGT Tim S. made Mar 31 at 2014 3:45 AM

SGT Tim S. — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 03:45:17 -0400

When I worked/assigned to EMS & ER @ Ft. Riley, KS IACH - Irwin Army Community Hospital...SFC Drummond, a good man, senior NCO and former SF Medic once said... "It's Golden" or "Rock Solid" instead of saying Hoah...or however "Hoah" is spelled these days. Anyways, our entire platoon element of Medics smoothly followed suit.

While I was in Korea, 2Lt. Miller was prior service, SF Medic as well. The entire Medical Platoon fully respected, and admired him. It was painful to all of us when he PCS'd. At any rate, he too would say, "It's Golden".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2014 9:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 09:00:00 -0400

The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army. It is possible to impart instruction and give commands in such a manner and such a tone of voice as to inspire in the soldier no feeling, but an intense desire to obey, while the opposite manner and tone of voice cannot fail to excite strong resentment and a desire to disobey. The one mode or other of dealing with subordinates springs from a corresponding spirit in the breast of the commander. He who feels the respect which is due to others cannot fail to inspire in them respect for himself. While he who feels, and hence manifests, disrespect towards others, especially his subordinates, cannot fail to inspire hatred against himself.

-LTG John M. Schofield

Response by SGT Brian Schell made Mar 31 at 2014 1:03 PM

SGT Brian Schell — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:03:30 -0400

"He joined way back when Jesus was a corporal."

-1LT Chris Perry - 277th EN CO (H) Executive Officer

I laughed pretty hard at this one, thought I would share.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2014 1:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:41:12 -0400

" There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter." - Ernest Hemingway

I love this quote. I feel that it reflects the mindset of those of us who have fought in combat arms, gotten our hands dirty enough and are now no longer doing it. I always find myself chasing that rush of kicking down doors and busting heads through extra curricular activities such as extreme sports and whatnot. Nothing is the same. Especially when you spend years training to do that single task. Then it is over, and you are stuck behind a desk in some office corner somewhere, crunching numbers in an Excel spreadsheet that really is not going to make a difference in anyones life...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2014 6:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 18:01:58 -0400

"Remarks Complete"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2014 8:48 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 20:48:52 -0400

"Pull the string and it will follow wherever you wish, push the string and it will go nowhere at all... its exactly that way when it comes to leading people"

-Gen. Eisenhower

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2014 8:49 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 20:49:51 -0400

"Inbred personnel stand up." - Every JM ever

Response by SSgt Eric B. Cole made Mar 31 at 2014 8:55 PM

SSgt Eric B. Cole — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 20:55:13 -0400

"Lead me, follow me, or get the hell outta of the way!" George S. Patton

This quote comes to mind as I follow what is going on in today's military. I often wonder who's doing what. (Who's on first?) On that note, why? How come, I am not reading about these kick ass military leaders until they get out. Is everyone a politician enlisted and officer alike? Why draw down, when there is obvious work to be done here at home and abroad?

Response by 1SG Frank Rocha made Mar 31 at 2014 9:36 PM

1SG Frank Rocha — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 21:36:13 -0400

My favorite quote was a poem my fathers shared with me.

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind" -

Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Listed as KIA February 7, 1978

Response by LtCol Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 4:53 AM

LtCol Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 04:53:36 -0400

The Man in the Arena by President Theodore Roosevelt.

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.

Response by SPC Randall Davis made Apr 1 at 2014 10:38 AM

SPC Randall Davis — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 10:38:26 -0400

"Work Smarter, Not Harder." I've tried to apply this to Civilian employment now as well.

Response by PFC Nathaniel Culbertson made Apr 1 at 2014 10:36 PM

PFC Nathaniel Culbertson — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 22:36:55 -0400

Sheepdogs Poem by Russ Vaughn and "My center is giving way, my right is retreating, situation excellent, I am attacking" Marshal Ferdinand Foch. also "in the absence of orders go find something and kill it." Rommel

Response by SSG Anthony Schoepp made Apr 2 at 2014 11:15 AM

SSG Anthony Schoepp — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 11:15:39 -0400

"1. Good men will die 2. Doc cannot save everyone 3. Doc will go through hell to break rules 1&2"

Response by SGT Lucas Serna made Apr 2 at 2014 11:04 PM

SGT Lucas Serna — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 23:04:03 -0400

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and
degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks, that nothing
is worth war, is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is
willing to fight; nothing he cares about more than his own personal
safety; is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless
made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. - John
Stuart Mill

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Apr 3 at 2014 1:05 AM

SGT Craig Northacker — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 01:05:54 -0400

“The Navy is a master plan designed by geniuses for execution by idiots. If you are not an idiot, but find yourself in the Navy, you can only operate well by pretending to be one. All the shortcuts and economies and common-sense changes that your native intelligence suggests to you are mistakes. Learn to quash them. Constantly ask yourself, "How would I do this if I were a fool?" Throttle down your mind to a crawl. Then you will never go wrong."

Herman Wouk, The Caine Mutiny

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made Apr 3 at 2014 9:04 AM

SPC Geoffrey Jenkins — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 09:04:15 -0400

Adapt and overcome obstacles!

Motivation is the key to Success!

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Apr 4 at 2014 11:21 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 11:21:50 -0400

In the military...if you find your niche and find you are really a really good supply chief, platoon leader, diesel mech...whatever... you MUST get promoted to the next rank within a set timeframe or face being unable to re-enlist. At some point, that promotion comes with a requirement to be more administrative than hands on... though you are really good at what you do and have no desire to be a 'coordinator' or 'supervisor' or planner' you're forced into those roles. More often than not, it works out. You grow, expand your experiences...etc... however, there are those who fall on their sword when they get away from their core competency. In the civilian world, you are more likely to have to apply for the next rung up the ladder at your own volition. That's why you see guys with 30 plus years working in the same jobs they had 20 years ago. Not so much they cannot handle a bigger role, but they chose to stay at their comfort level. Look at the services prior to the Korean War and you see it wasn't unusal to have sailors/soldiers/airmen and Marines in their 30's and 40's still at junior ranks because they were good at what they did and liked it that way.

Response by SGM(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 11:47 AM

SGM(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 11:47:17 -0400

People
sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do
violence on their behalf.-George Orwell

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 7:00 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 19:00:20 -0400

"We should all remember that nobody controls anything until there is a 19 year old private with a rifle standing on it."

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 9:53 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 21:53:09 -0400

"I always make it a rule to get there first with the most men" - Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest

Response by SFC Benjamin Harrison made Apr 6 at 2014 2:39 PM

SFC Benjamin Harrison — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 14:39:40 -0400

"Lead, Follow, or Get the Hell out of the way!" Not sure who said this first, but this is the mantra I have followed through my entire career... Once broken down it is a valuable quote. Lead- if you have the capabilities and skill set, own the mission and take the lead; Follow- if you are unsure of what actions to take, step to the left and follow the one who is most qualified to accomplish the mission, or if you are merely the subordinate, them do your duty and follow with honor and grandeur. Get the Hell out of the way- if you are clueless to what is going on, nit assigned the task, or in the process of mucking everything up, accept your failure and move aside, dont follow, just watch and take zero credit for the mission success.

Response by SFC Benjamin Harrison made Apr 6 at 2014 2:41 PM

SFC Benjamin Harrison — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 14:41:56 -0400

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 7 at 2014 11:06 AM

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 11:06:18 -0400

"Nuts!"

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 7 at 2014 11:08 AM

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 11:08:27 -0400

This is technically not a military quote per se, but it is from a movie about the military:

"Gentlemen! You can't fight in here, this is the war room!!!"

-Always makes me laugh :D

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Apr 7 at 2014 5:01 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:01:35 -0400

"SCOUTS OUT"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 12:41 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 00:41:06 -0400

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brothe

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 2:47 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 02:47:59 -0400

A boss creates fear, a leader confidence. A boss fixes
blame, a leader

corrects mistakes. A boss knows all, a leader asks
questions. A boss makes

work drudgery, a leader makes it interesting.

~Russell H Ewing

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 8 at 2014 4:28 PM

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 16:28:36 -0400

"Alea iacta est" or "Let the die be cast."

Spoken by Gaius Julius Caesar right before he led his legion across the Rubicon River, which kicked off a series of events that ultimately toppled the Republic and gave birth to the Roman Empire.

I consider this to be one of the most pivotal events in human history.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 9:31 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 09:31:41 -0400

"The Nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotton." - Calvin Coolidge

Response by Cpl John Sullivan made Apr 9 at 2014 10:52 AM

Cpl John Sullivan — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:52:34 -0400

"I offer neither pay, nor quarters, nor food; I offer only hunger, thirst, forced marches, battles and death. Let him who loves his country with his heart, and not merely with his lips, follow me." -Giuseppe Garibaldi

Response by PO3 Galon Miller made Apr 9 at 2014 11:44 AM

PO3 Galon Miller — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:44:42 -0400

Borrowing your popular discussion for a good cause... My employer, Target Corp, has a goal of hiring 25,000 transitioning Active Duty servicemen and women. If you know anyone who is actively looking for civilian employment, there is likely a Target Store near by. Please email me at [login to see] for assistance.

Response by LCDR Jeffery Dixon made Apr 9 at 2014 1:40 PM

LCDR Jeffery Dixon — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:40:14 -0400

Nuts

Response by SSG Michael Yannayon made Apr 9 at 2014 6:43 PM

SSG Michael Yannayon — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 18:43:18 -0400

FUBAR and BOHICA...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2014 11:31 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 11:31:20 -0400

I like that quote that SGT Dean Spaan put up from Gen Patton " never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their integrity!" But here is one that my PSG(SFC SIlva J.)from my first duty station told me and I still use this everyday with my soldiers; "Never mistake kindness for weakness!" Not a powerful quote but it made soldiers think twice of what type of NCO they are dealing with. "Fair and impartial when making recommending both rewards and punishments."

Response by SGT Charles Luther made Apr 12 at 2014 11:50 AM

SGT Charles Luther — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 11:50:52 -0400

Better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 12 at 2014 12:03 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 12:03:11 -0400

It is the soldier, above all others, that prays for peace. For it is he that must bear the wounds and scars of war" MacArthur

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 8:08 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 08:08:59 -0400

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure." - The very respected GEN Colin Luther Powell

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 3:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 03:15:40 -0400

General Patton's speech especially "But the real man never lets his fear of death overpower his honor, his sense of duty to his country, and his innate manhood." "We'll win this war, but we'll win it only by fighting and showing the Germans that we've got more guts than they have or ever will have. We're not just going to shoot the bastards, we're going to rip out their living goddamned guts and use them to grease the treads of our tanks. We're going to murder those lousy Hun cocksuckers by the bushel-fucking-basket."

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 14 at 2014 12:18 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 12:18:19 -0400

"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a
delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous
mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely
possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"

                                 

                                R.
J. Wiedemann LtCol. USMC Ret.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 4:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 16:38:17 -0400

"I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But
I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you f* with me, I’ll
kill you all."

General "Maddog" Mattis

USMC

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 12:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:56:09 -0400

"We fight where we are told, and we win where we fight" It was a quote I heard from a Sergeant Major at 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 11:42 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 11:42:10 -0400

One of my NCOs used to say "Suck it up, and Drive on", or, "Move Out, and Draw Fire". These are my two favorite quotes, and quite often, I use them.

Response by PFC Glen King made Apr 15 at 2014 3:13 PM

PFC Glen King — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 15:13:39 -0400

I had a Spec 4 that was on a detail with me. We had some people waiting to go through RIP, or have dropped with us doing the work.

At lunch he lined them all up in formation. He started off with a walk, then double time. Then he shouted "Triple Time, Motivate Me!!!!!!" I laughed my ass off.

He was the shortest and skinniest Ranger we had in RHQ.

Response by SPC(P) Bianca Embry made Apr 16 at 2014 4:24 AM

SPC(P) Bianca Embry — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 04:24:07 -0400

"There is a great deal of talk about loyalty from the bottom to the top. Loyalty from the top down is even more necessary and much less prevalent. One of the most frequently noted characteristics of great men who have remained great is loyalty to their subordinates."<div>-Gen. George Smith Patton Jr.</div>

Response by SPC Matthew Hershey made Apr 16 at 2014 9:24 AM

SPC Matthew Hershey — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 09:24:06 -0400

"I came in piece, I didn't being artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: if you fuck with me, I'll kill you all."

Gen. James "Maddog" Mattis, USMC

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 8:58 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 20:58:42 -0400

A favorite of mine is from the late Chief Justice and Civil War Veteran Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.:

"We have shared the incommunicable experiences of War. He have felt, we still feel, the passion of life to its top. In our youths, our hearts were touched with fire."

Response by SSgt Scott Benitez made Apr 17 at 2014 1:07 PM

SSgt Scott Benitez — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 13:07:02 -0400

From my first supervisor:
Shut up and color....

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2014 11:55 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 23:55:54 -0400

"I suggest that this is a good time to think soberly about our responsibilities to our descendents - those who will ring out the Fossil Fuel Age. Our greatest responsibility, as parents and as citizens, is to give America's youngsters the best possible education. We need the best teachers and enough of them to prepare our young people for a future immeasurably more complex than the present, and calling for ever larger numbers of competent and highly trained men and women." -Hyman George Rickover, Father of the Nuclear Navy

Response by PO2 Michael Campbell made Apr 18 at 2014 6:33 PM

PO2 Michael Campbell — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 18:33:08 -0400

“The consensus seemed to be that if really large numbers of men were sent to storm the mountain, then enough might survive the rocks to take the citadel. This is essentially the basis of all military thinking.”
― Terry Pratchett

Response by SGT Aaron Barbee made Apr 19 at 2014 12:29 AM

SGT Aaron Barbee — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 00:29:54 -0400

"The world has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without
conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We
know more about war that we know about peace, more about killing that we
know about living." (GEN Omar N. Bradley)

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 21 at 2014 12:22 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 12:22:24 -0400

Forth, and fear no darkness! Arise! Arise, Riders of Theoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered! A sword day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now! Ride now! Ride! Ride to ruin and the world's ending!

Or, 'Nuts!' Gen. McAuliffe's reply to the Germans at Bastogne.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 4:57 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 16:57:40 -0400

Gentleman, Prepare to defend yourselves!
CSM Basil L. Plumley

Response by PFC Nathaniel Culbertson made Apr 21 at 2014 7:30 PM

PFC Nathaniel Culbertson — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 19:30:07 -0400

a personal favorite. If you are able, save a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men feel safe to call war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 23 at 2014 4:02 PM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 16:02:40 -0400

Horse cost money, but I can always make more generals. Abraham Lincoln.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 12:47 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 00:47:23 -0400

Watch what people are cynical about, and one can often discover what they lack.
General George Smith Patton, Jr.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 8:40 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 08:40:45 -0400

This is from President Teddy Roosevelt...a military man and Rough Rider! I've always been partial to it and believe it speaks volumes about those who choose military service:

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

Response by TSgt Lynn Buquoi made Apr 25 at 2014 9:27 AM

TSgt Lynn Buquoi — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 09:27:03 -0400

My absolute favorite is Patton's "Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." That speaks volumes when it comes to men (and some women). Men need to figure things out on their own, not be told how to do it. You will get a lot better response and better work results when they take ownership of their task and do it their way. Only occasionally is it necessary to tell them how to do something.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 9:35 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 09:35:01 -0400

"Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." - Calvin Coolidge

Response by PO3 Rory O'Neill made Apr 25 at 2014 12:10 PM

PO3 Rory O'Neill — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 12:10:56 -0400

"Firepower for Freedom" USS New Jersey BB-62

Response by SFC Stephen Pointer made Apr 25 at 2014 12:51 PM

SFC Stephen Pointer — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 12:51:04 -0400

"War is evil, but it is often the lesser evil."
George Orwell

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 26 at 2014 10:32 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 22:32:27 -0400

This one comes to us from the movie Good Morning Vietnam:

Sergeant Major Dickerson "[Pointing to his rank insignia] What does three up and three down mean to you, airman?

Adrian Cronauer: End of an inning?

Please take no offense at this, I just think it is humorous and incredulous that he actually got away with it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 7:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 07:37:06 -0400

"Lead me, follow me, or get the hell out of my way". The late GEN George S. Patton, Jr. Someone many considered controversial in his era but the man could lead Soldiers and you never had to wonder where he was coming from or where he wanted to go. He was a straight shooter and seldom held his tongue. A sterling example of leading from the front and being true to one's self.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 7:38 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 07:38:39 -0400

Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base. All men are afraid in battle. The coward is the one who lets his fear overcome his sense of duty. Duty is the essence of manhood.
GEN George S. Patton

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Apr 28 at 2014 2:50 PM

SFC Stephen Carden — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:50:40 -0400

"Then there is nothing left for me to do but to go and see General Grant and I would rather die a thousand deaths."-
GEN R.E. Lee just before his surrender to GEN Grant at Appomattox Courthouse

"I am more afraid of an army of 100 sheep led by a lion than an army of 100 lions led by a sheep." -Talleyrand

"Any ship can be a minesweeper ... once."
- Admiral Hornblower

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - George Orwell

Response by SFC Ian Lumgair made Apr 29 at 2014 11:32 AM

SFC Ian Lumgair — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 11:32:54 -0400

"What are you the the fucking weatherman." CSM Basil Plumley

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Apr 30 at 2014 4:10 PM

MAJ Dallas D. — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 16:10:43 -0400

Suck it up and drive on!

Response by 1SG David Niles made Apr 30 at 2014 8:24 PM

1SG David Niles — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 20:24:28 -0400

embrace the suck

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Apr 30 at 2014 11:01 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 23:01:23 -0400

Easy choice:

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."

John Stuart Mill

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 11:45 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 23:45:44 -0400

"Because you told me to Drill Sergeant" Forrest Gump

Response by SGT Joshua Cohen made May 1 at 2014 12:10 AM

SGT Joshua Cohen — Thu, 01 May 2014 00:10:01 -0400

First, I didn't read them all so sorry if its a repeat.

"An army of sheep, led by a lion, is better than an army of lions, led by a sheep" - Alexander the Great

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 7:16 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 07:16:30 -0400

I agree with MAJ Parker - probably will be the best one word quote of all time!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 12:22 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 12:22:47 -0400

My favorite quote isn't from the military, but from a previous Commander In Chief.

“Our American values are not luxuries but necessities, not the salt in our bread, but the bread itself. Our common vision of a free and just society is our greatest source of cohesion at home and strength abroad, greater than the bounty of our material blessings.” (President Jimmy Carter)

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 2 at 2014 1:25 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 02 May 2014 01:25:26 -0400

I like this one from the movie, "Gladiator" when a General Officer, Commander of an entire Army faces his Commander-in-Chief.

Maximus: Five thousand of my men are out there in the freezing mud. Three thousand of them are bloodied and cleaved. Two thousand will never leave this place. I will not believe that they fought and died for nothing.

Response by CPT Marc Serrá made May 2 at 2014 3:26 AM

CPT Marc Serrá — Fri, 02 May 2014 03:26:25 -0400

Patton:

"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity."

I've been amazed at how true this is.

Response by SSgt Tully Duff Anderson made May 2 at 2014 9:28 AM

SSgt Tully Duff Anderson — Fri, 02 May 2014 09:28:05 -0400

Lead , Follow or get the hell out of the way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2014 6:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 May 2014 18:50:35 -0400

"Pull your head out of your ass and get with the program"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 2:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 May 2014 02:39:34 -0400

" A private gonna private." SFC Thomas lol

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 9:59 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 May 2014 09:59:39 -0400

BOHICA. Bend over, here it comes again.

-Unknown (has been repeated many times throughout my military career whenever something stupid or pointless is about to happen...again).

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 1:24 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 May 2014 13:24:56 -0400

Don't know if it's a military quote - but it's one I found and put in place of my name plate.

"EXPERT; (ex - formerly or belonging to; spurt - drip under high pressure) Consider this before you walk in this door and lay claim to ultimate knowlege."

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 3:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 May 2014 15:22:31 -0400

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."
Thomas Jefferson

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 8:35 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 May 2014 20:35:08 -0400

"To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace" - George Washington

I think we need to remember this sentiment from our founding father, especially during a time of force reduction.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 11:11 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 May 2014 23:11:52 -0400

"All the revision in the world will not save a bad first draft: for the architecture of the thing comes, or fails to come, in the first conception, and revision only affects the detail and ornament, alas!" --T.E. Lawrence, author 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom'

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 12:27 PM

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2014 12:27:09 -0400

"And He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
- Isaiah 2:4

A powerful reminder that the purpose of war should forever be the pursuit of peace.

Response by PO1 Delbert Fair made May 7 at 2014 1:12 AM

PO1 Delbert Fair — Wed, 07 May 2014 01:12:03 -0400

fubar

Response by SSG Marvin Vick made May 7 at 2014 2:00 AM

SSG Marvin Vick — Wed, 07 May 2014 02:00:49 -0400

one of mine is LEAD, FOLLOW OR GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY!

Response by SSG Marvin Vick made May 7 at 2014 2:02 AM

SSG Marvin Vick — Wed, 07 May 2014 02:02:59 -0400

YOU DON'T DIE FOR YOUR COUNTRY...........YOU MAKE THE OTHER S.O.B. DIE FOR HIS!!!

Response by Sgt Jon Johnson made May 7 at 2014 9:24 AM

Sgt Jon Johnson — Wed, 07 May 2014 09:24:51 -0400

I actually have two favorite quotes, the first is about Leadership:

Pull the string, and it will follow wherever you wish. Push it, and it will go nowhere at all.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

The second is about the Marine Corp:
“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.”
― Ronald Reagan

Response by PFC Glen King made May 7 at 2014 11:12 AM

PFC Glen King — Wed, 07 May 2014 11:12:20 -0400

"The greatest happiness is to scatter your enemy, to drive him before you, to see his cities reduced to ashes, to see those who love him shrouded in tears, and to gather into your bosom his wives and daughters."

Genghis Khan

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made May 7 at 2014 1:43 PM

SFC Stephen Carden — Wed, 07 May 2014 13:43:11 -0400

Khitan General: Wrong! Conan, what is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women!
-Conan the Barbarian

Do you smell that? ...Napalm, son. Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of napalm in the morning."
- Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore (Robert Duvall) in Apocalypse Now

"We all end up dead, the question is how and why."
- William Wallace (Mel Gibson) in Braveheart

"What I mean, sir, is if you was to put me with this here sniper rifle anywhere up to and including one mile from Adolf Hitler... with a clean line of sight... well, pack your bags, boys. War's over."
- Private Jackson (Barry Pepper) in Saving Private Ryan

“War is too important to be left to politicians. They have neither the time, the training, nor the inclination for strategic thought.”
- Dr. Strangelove (1964) – General Jack D. Ripper (Sterling Hayden)

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made May 7 at 2014 1:44 PM

SFC Stephen Carden — Wed, 07 May 2014 13:44:33 -0400

WESTMORELAND. O that we now had here
But one ten thousand of those men in England
That do no work to-day!

KING. What's he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;
If we are mark'd to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.
God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour
As one man more methinks would share from me
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made,
And crowns for convoy put into his purse;
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
-Henry V, Act 4, Scene 3 - William Shakespeare

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 7 at 2014 2:45 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Wed, 07 May 2014 14:45:11 -0400

Si vis pacem, para bellum is a Latin adage translated as, "If you want peace, prepare for war"

I fail to see how we are wanting peace when our great nation is going through a draw down in forces. Doing this only keeps us from preparing for war. Oh well, what else should we expect from Washington D.C. and the Pentagon? I guess it is true that you can't fix stupid and that region is loaded with it.

Response by SSgt Steven Saile made May 7 at 2014 4:40 PM

SSgt Steven Saile — Wed, 07 May 2014 16:40:12 -0400

Not sure if it's up here yet, but here is one from one of the greatest orators of the 20th century.

"If you're going through hell, keep going." ~Winston Churchill

Response by MSgt Michael Larabie made May 8 at 2014 6:30 AM

MSgt Michael Larabie — Thu, 08 May 2014 06:30:53 -0400

hurry yp and wait

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made May 8 at 2014 7:51 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Thu, 08 May 2014 19:51:14 -0400

This from a movie
This is my weapon this is my gun

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 10:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 May 2014 10:53:41 -0400

This is not a favorite quote, but it is a favorite word that I had never heard so much until I joined the Army. "Behoove" I hear it every single day and as annoying as the word can be after hearing it multiple times in the same conversation, briefing, closeout formation, ect. To this day it still makes me smile on the inside.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 12:54 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 May 2014 12:54:52 -0400

"In the absence of leadership, take charge" - unknown

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made May 10 at 2014 1:51 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Sat, 10 May 2014 13:51:52 -0400

"NOTHING HAPPENS UNTIL IT MOVES!" Transportation School Fort Eustis, VA.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 10 at 2014 2:27 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 10 May 2014 14:27:56 -0400

"Make no mistake about it, this is my island"

MG Rick Baccus, commander 43rd MP Bde, RI Army NG May 2002, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during his welcome speech to us upon our arrival on station. MG Baccus was the first NG GO to command a joint task force - JTF-160. We guarded the "detained" JTF-170 did the info gathering. Both eventually merged into JTF-GTMO.

Later on during the tour, I joked with him over the his slight "bending" of facts. I said, "Sir, its really Castro's island, but its definitely your base."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 9:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 May 2014 09:34:29 -0400

Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way! GEN Patten

Response by MSgt David Mata made May 12 at 2014 8:14 PM

MSgt David Mata — Mon, 12 May 2014 20:14:32 -0400

"You can't shine a turd..." there are SO many that come to mind, however, they are very innappropriate now of days...

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 9:24 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 May 2014 21:24:54 -0400

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made May 13 at 2014 12:20 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Tue, 13 May 2014 00:20:51 -0400

"nuts" I know its not Marine, but short and to the point.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 5:11 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 05:11:12 -0400

"Hurry up and wait" is not particularly my "favorite" quote but I hear it a lot when dealing with the Veterans Administration.I have use it quite a few times with my clients when they ask me "Do you know about how long that's going to take?" I usually have to tell them "Well we both know we ARE dealing with the United States government and unfortunately it's motto is "hurry up and wait" unless you owe them something."

Response by SSG Terrence Reed made May 15 at 2014 8:49 AM

SSG Terrence Reed — Thu, 15 May 2014 08:49:43 -0400

I still live by this saying today "False mmotivation is better than no motivation at all". This quote has helped me get through a lot of things that I didnt want to.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2014 4:04 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 May 2014 16:04:03 -0400

Father Denis Edward O‘Brien, Sergeant, USMC

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protestor to burn the flag."

Although the quote uses "soldier" it can go for all those that serve. This quote captures the reality that it is those who are willing to fight and die for our freedom that keep us free.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2014 12:24 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 May 2014 12:24:23 -0400

"Let's Roll!"

Response by PO2 Robert Hunter made May 17 at 2014 1:51 PM

PO2 Robert Hunter — Sat, 17 May 2014 13:51:57 -0400

WESTMORELAND. O that we now had here
But one ten thousand of those men in England
That do no work to-day!

KING. What’s he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;
If we are mark’d to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God’s will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.
God’s peace! I would not lose so great an honour
As one man more methinks would share from me
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made,
And crowns for convoy put into his purse;
We would not die in that man’s company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is call’d the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam’d,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say “To-morrow is Saint Crispian.”
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say “These wounds I had on Crispian’s day.”
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he’ll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb’red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne’er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs’d they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.

Response by MAJ G. Brett Miller made May 17 at 2014 2:05 PM

MAJ G. Brett Miller — Sat, 17 May 2014 14:05:01 -0400

If you find yourself in a fair fight, you didn't plan it properly. - GEN Colin Powell

Response by PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner made May 17 at 2014 5:11 PM

PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner — Sat, 17 May 2014 17:11:43 -0400

Hurry Hurry and Wait !!
Horse play leads to Sick Bay!!

Response by MSgt Paul D. Williams made May 17 at 2014 11:39 PM

MSgt Paul D. Williams — Sat, 17 May 2014 23:39:51 -0400

"Among all the Honors, among all the Postings, Promotions
and Medals that have been awarded me, the one in which
I take most Pride is to be able to say, I am a Marine."

-- General John A. LeJeune, USMC

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2014 12:22 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 May 2014 00:22:45 -0400

Not really military related, but a favorite none the less:

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but do whatever you have to do to keep moving forward." -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2014 12:25 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 May 2014 00:25:55 -0400

Here is another one, which came from a great NCO and friend from my assignment with the Eighth Army Wightman NCO Academy in Korea...he said:
"Sometimes second chances will not result in redemption or success...you have to seize the opportunity the FIRST time." -Lavar L. Dorsey, SSG, US Army

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2014 10:19 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 May 2014 10:19:52 -0400

There are a few but this is my favorite: "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." --- John Stuart Mill

Response by TSgt Mike Bouchard made May 19 at 2014 2:13 PM

TSgt Mike Bouchard — Mon, 19 May 2014 14:13:46 -0400

Good enough for Government work.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 19 at 2014 8:41 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Mon, 19 May 2014 20:41:36 -0400

I would rather be a dope on a rope, than a poop in a chute. This has been overheard by more than one soldier, between air assault and airborne troopers.

"There are only 3 things that fall out of the sky one is bird shit, fools, and foul ups. You don't look like you fell out of a birds ass, you may be foolish, but you are definitely a foul up. Were you born stuck on stupid, or did it develop naturally?" 1st Sergeant to soldier applying for airborne school.

Response by MSG Tim Cates made May 19 at 2014 10:34 PM

MSG Tim Cates — Mon, 19 May 2014 22:34:48 -0400

Admiral Zumwalt - When asked what to do when turned down for training you would like to receive in the military simply said.. "MAKE THEM SAY NO...NINE TIMES"

Response by MSG Tim Cates made May 19 at 2014 10:42 PM

MSG Tim Cates — Mon, 19 May 2014 22:42:30 -0400

General George S Patton; "When I want my men to remember something important, to really make it stick, I give it to them double dirty. It may not sound nice to some bunch of little old ladies at an afternoon tea party, but it helps my soldiers to remember. You can't run an army without profanity; and it has to be eloquent profanity. An army without profanity couldn't fight its way out of a piss-soaked paper bag. ... As for the types of comments I make, sometimes I just, By God, get carried away with my own eloquence."

Response by SgtMaj Michael Lillie made May 19 at 2014 11:23 PM

SgtMaj Michael Lillie — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:23:49 -0400

Inspiration. Motivation. Manipulation.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 12:01 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 May 2014 12:01:34 -0400

"Plans are worthless, but planning is everything." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

Response by LTC Jonathan Howell, CSEP, PMP made May 20 at 2014 3:22 PM

LTC Jonathan Howell, CSEP, PMP — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:22:20 -0400

"War is a racket." Major General Smedley Butler.

Response by SFC K. E. Woolfork made May 21 at 2014 1:11 PM

SFC K. E. Woolfork — Wed, 21 May 2014 13:11:46 -0400

"Everyday when my feet hit the floor I ask myself this question, 'What's it gonna be today, sh!tbag or commando?' Most days it's commando." - Retired Special Forces Colonel whose name I can't remember for the life of me.

Response by Sgt Joshua Barkley made May 21 at 2014 6:37 PM

Sgt Joshua Barkley — Wed, 21 May 2014 18:37:29 -0400

Be polite be professional but have a plan to kill everyone you meet. Gen Mattis

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2014 10:12 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 May 2014 22:12:52 -0400

"When life throws lemons, I return fire with a M16 and a few live grenades" My CW5 father said that one a few times

Response by SGT Leigh Barton made May 23 at 2014 5:52 AM

SGT Leigh Barton — Fri, 23 May 2014 05:52:18 -0400

Actually I can think of some I haven't seen among this thread, the first being one I heard in basic from my D I, a 13 year Marine veteran that transferred to the Army. "Remember the five P's. Prior planning prevents poor performance". The next is in one of the multitude of Robert Heinlein books I've read, "Your best weapon in the fight for survival is in between your ears and underneath your scalp, PROVIDED IT'S LOADED". And there's the conversation between the officer and the NCO after exiting the latrine, the NCO hadn't stopped at the sink before leaving and the officer approached him and said "at OCS they taught us to wash after using the latrine" to which the NCO replied "at the NCO Academy they taught us not to piss on our hands". There so many good one liner Quotes out there it's hard to imagine picking JUST ONE, and saying this is my favorite.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 23 at 2014 9:24 AM

SGT Craig Northacker — Fri, 23 May 2014 09:24:24 -0400

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 23 at 2014 12:57 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Fri, 23 May 2014 12:57:18 -0400

Everyone here brings happiness - some by coming in, others by leaving. I thought it was pretty honest, but others were not nearly so sure.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2014 9:59 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 May 2014 09:59:07 -0400

While at Fort Benning in infantry basic training, my DI called me a D.I.C.K: Dedicated Infantry Commi Killer

Response by CPO Michael Butler made May 24 at 2014 4:03 PM

CPO Michael Butler — Sat, 24 May 2014 16:03:17 -0400

The Marines are looking for a few good men................and got them with Navy Corpmen.

Response by PO2 Tiffany Taylor made May 25 at 2014 4:44 AM

PO2 Tiffany Taylor — Sun, 25 May 2014 04:44:17 -0400

“You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all costs. Victory in spite of all terrors. Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.”

- Sir Winston Churchill

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 10:00 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 10:00:51 -0400

“With or without helmet, death knows when it is your turn.”
-Lt. Colonel Dimitri Amilakvari
French Foreign Legion, June, 1942

Response by SFC Steven Renner made May 25 at 2014 8:17 PM

SFC Steven Renner — Sun, 25 May 2014 20:17:37 -0400

"That is as Fkd up as a soup sandwich"

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 11:59 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 23:59:58 -0400

"LS by title. SK by heart."
LSC Melendez (I know I have seen many others use it, but this is the one that stands out)

I say this is my favorite because it is very true. We as submariners are Sk's, not LS's. When the merge was created between SK's and PC's, it really only affected the surface guys. On submarines, we do not handle mail. The Yeomen do it just as they always have. Our job has not changed at all. The only difference it has made for us is to add questions onto our advancement exam, that do not apply to us. I will never forget when I got a call on the boat when we pulled into a foreign port. Someone said, "Hey, they are asking for an LS on the phone." I went and answered it, only to be surprised by another LS telling me that they have our mail ready at the post office. I was like, "Ummmmm...you need to talk to a Yeomen. Let me go get one for you." "A Yeomen?" he asked. "Yes!" I replied. "We do not handle mail on submarines as LS's. The Yeomen do it." I am sure he was very surpised as well, and who knows what he thinks now about how submarines operate. LOL

Response by C/SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2014 1:31 AM

C/SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 May 2014 01:31:15 -0400

"To handle tragedy may indeed be the mark of an educated man, for one of the principal goals of education is to prepare us for failure.... The test of character is not 'hanging in there' when you expect light at the end of the tunnel, but the performance of DUTY and the persistence of EXAMPLE when you know no light is coming."
-VADM James B. Stockdale, USN

Response by SGT John McFerrin made May 26 at 2014 7:59 PM

SGT John McFerrin — Mon, 26 May 2014 19:59:55 -0400

My favorite military quote is, DO IT RIGHT THE 1st TIME.

Response by MAJ Paul Fison made May 26 at 2014 10:09 PM

MAJ Paul Fison — Mon, 26 May 2014 22:09:56 -0400

"If you don't know where you're going, then it really doesn't matter how you get there does it?"

James G. Firestine - One of my friends and mentors on numerous occasions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2014 12:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 May 2014 00:27:48 -0400

Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.
-Norman Schwarzkopf-

Response by MAJ Robert Payne made May 28 at 2014 12:01 PM

MAJ Robert Payne — Wed, 28 May 2014 12:01:09 -0400

Duty, Honor, Country

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2014 1:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 May 2014 13:09:15 -0400

"America shall win the war. Therefore, I will work. I will save. I will sacrifice. I will endure. I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the whole issue of the struggle depended on me alone."-PVT Martin Treptow, 1918, 168th INF, 42nd "Rainbow" Division

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2014 5:06 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 May 2014 17:06:55 -0400

I salute all the great inspirational and meaningful quotes on leadership, pride, valor, etc.

BUT I'm a photographer and I lean towards a personal favorite from Full Metal Jacket.

Animal Mother: You a photographer?
Private Joker: (tough guy voice) I'm a Combat Correspondent.
Animal Mother: Well you seen much Combat?
Private Joker: (tough guy voice) WELL I've seen a little on TV.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2014 8:54 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 May 2014 20:54:46 -0400

If a man does his best, what else is there? It's a simple quote from GEN George S. Patton, about doing your best at all times.

Response by MSgt Lancia Stewart made May 28 at 2014 11:10 PM

MSgt Lancia Stewart — Wed, 28 May 2014 23:10:29 -0400

"Hindsight is 20/20. When it becomes even clearer, over time, it's 20/10."

That's from one of my former Airmen. It's true.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2014 11:47 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 May 2014 23:47:37 -0400

Can it be from a movie?

"Beautiful morning Sergeant Major!"
"What are the F***in weather man now?"

In all seriousness though, I've been in leadership positions in my civilian life where I have recalled what Lt Gen Ira Eaker once said:

"If you find the need for a leader and have to coax or urge your selection, you'll be well advised to pass him over. He's not the man you need."

And I have passed many people up when offering leadership jobs because I've always kept this idea of Eaker's in the back of my mind. If I ask "would you like this job" and they are not sure, I move on until I find someone more enthusiastic, even if they have a little less experience. What I've found is an experienced but unwilling leader will fail barely putting an effort in. An inexperienced but eager leader may fail too, but at least they will put the effort in, boosting moral, keeping record and attempting new things. Confidence is key.

Response by MSgt Patrick Mower made May 29 at 2014 11:38 AM

MSgt Patrick Mower — Thu, 29 May 2014 11:38:18 -0400

Retreat Hell!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2014 3:17 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 May 2014 15:17:35 -0400

"nuts" Bastogne, 1944

Response by SFC Laura Whitehead made May 29 at 2014 10:03 PM

SFC Laura Whitehead — Thu, 29 May 2014 22:03:43 -0400

“I am a soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight.”

General George S. Patton quotes (American General in World War I and II, 1885-1945)

Response by 1SG Robert Branch made May 29 at 2014 11:14 PM

1SG Robert Branch — Thu, 29 May 2014 23:14:20 -0400

Head down, power dry!

Response by Sgt Randy Hill made May 30 at 2014 11:08 AM

Sgt Randy Hill — Fri, 30 May 2014 11:08:59 -0400

We will do the difficult first because the impossible just takes a little longer.

Response by Sgt Dan Carney made May 30 at 2014 2:31 PM

Sgt Dan Carney — Fri, 30 May 2014 14:31:07 -0400

above my pay grade

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 30 at 2014 2:43 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Fri, 30 May 2014 14:43:59 -0400

Not my department has always been my favorite.

Response by LCpl Rick Ponton made May 30 at 2014 2:48 PM

LCpl Rick Ponton — Fri, 30 May 2014 14:48:24 -0400

OURS IS NOT TO QUESTION WHY? OURS IS JUST TO DO OR DIE!!!!!! SEMPER FIDELUS ALWAYS FAITHFULL TO GOD FIRST THEN THE MARINES!!

Response by CPT Kyle Schembechler made May 30 at 2014 2:59 PM

CPT Kyle Schembechler — Fri, 30 May 2014 14:59:04 -0400

“Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons.”

- General MacArthur

Response by SFC Larry Wheeler made May 31 at 2014 7:15 PM

SFC Larry Wheeler — Sat, 31 May 2014 19:15:14 -0400

When one of my Sergeants asked me what he needed to do to get us motivated, I replied "Nothing." He immediately came back with, "I already tried that, it didn't work!"

Response by SFC Laura Whitehead made Jun 1 at 2014 2:52 AM

SFC Laura Whitehead — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 02:52:43 -0400

Land Navigation: Stand straight; shoot straight; Walk straight

Person carrying extra supplies for squad: The weak get weaker and the strong get stronger

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 12:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:35:25 -0400

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." -Ronald Reagan

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 5:51 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 05:51:52 -0400

"The guy you don't see will kill you." Brig Gen Robin Olds

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 5:54 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 05:54:08 -0400

Another one I like..."If a man does his best, what else is there?"
- General George Patton Jr

Response by SFC Stephen Tryon made Jun 2 at 2014 12:17 PM

SFC Stephen Tryon — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:17:02 -0400

A phrase drilled into our heads back in the 80s. The Mission, The Men, Then Me.

Response by PO3 Candace Gracik made Jun 2 at 2014 5:16 PM

PO3 Candace Gracik — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 17:16:39 -0400

"I was just following orders"

This is a phrase you normally hear when there was miss communication between management and the staff.

Response by SPC Rick Harris made Jun 3 at 2014 1:14 AM

SPC Rick Harris — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 01:14:39 -0400

“True courage is being afraid, and going ahead and doing your job anyhow, that’s what courage is.”
General 'Stormin Norman' Schwarzkopf

Response by SN Derrick Johnson made Jun 3 at 2014 12:06 PM

SN Derrick Johnson — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 12:06:27 -0400

I have no idea who said it first, but when I transferred to the Engineering department in the Oil Lab, my CPO had a saying that has stuck with me ever since.

Proper planning prevents piss poor performance. This was our motto for our PMS cycles, especially with our potable water supply and our fuel oil. Has never failed me yet.

Response by 1SG Robert Branch made Jun 3 at 2014 1:04 PM

1SG Robert Branch — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:04:25 -0400

What's not inspected is neglected.

Response by SSgt Michael Hacker made Jun 3 at 2014 11:16 PM

SSgt Michael Hacker — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 23:16:21 -0400

I have several from different sources ranging from "Art of War" to "Book of Five Rings." Also, many things said by Gen Mattis resonate (e.g. “Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.”)

But one of the phrases that keeps coming back to me (for some reason) was "uttered" by my sergeant in basic training: "Tact is the art of telling someone to go f*ck themselves and having them thank you for it."

Response by MSgt Ediberto L. made Jun 4 at 2014 6:21 PM

MSgt Ediberto L. — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 18:21:06 -0400

My favorite quote comes from Robert E. Lee.

One of my favorite military quotes is from the American Civil War era specifically at the Battle of Telegraph Hill at Fredericksburg Va. Dec 1862 . Gen Robert E. Lee allegedly stated this to Gen. James Longstreet.

"It is well that war is so terrible-lest we should grow too fond of it."

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 3:21 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 15:21:05 -0400

Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.

One of the rules Maj. Gen. James Mattis gave his Marines to live by in Iraq, as quoted in Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq (2006) by Thomas E. Ricks; as excerpted in Armed Forces Journal (August 2006)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 11:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 23:07:58 -0400

" Those that are lost are never forgotten; those that forget will always be lost." - Robert "Bob" Burk

At the end of my 1st deployment in 04'; after being separated from each other for the entire year our PLT ( INF Medics) finally got to see each other again. As we were not lucky enough to see the "PX in the sky" during that one we were enjoying the fact that we could enjoy an ice cold beverage on a boardwalk and just sit.
As we sat and reflected on the differences of our experiences one of our best NCO's Robert "Bob" Burk said it best as it was realized that not all of brothers were going to get to sit and reminisce with friends like we were in that moment and so it should never be forgotten the they are why we get to do what we do.

Never Forgotten

SPC Kyle Ka Oe Fernandez
CPL Jacob R. Fleischer
SPC Dale E. Fracker Jr.
SSG Brian S. Hobbs

Good post MAJ Burns thanks for letting me share that.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2014 12:01 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 00:01:56 -0400

The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.
George S. Patton

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jun 7 at 2014 9:47 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 09:47:33 -0400

This is a CLASSIC:

"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons.”

― Douglas MacArthur

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2014 8:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 20:25:57 -0400

"We're not surrounded, we're in a target rich environment!"

Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jun 7 at 2014 8:47 PM

MSG(P) Michael Warrick — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 20:47:29 -0400

Suck it up Soldier or you are moving like pond water and pond don't move. Move like you have a purpose !

Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jun 7 at 2014 9:04 PM

MSG(P) Michael Warrick — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 21:04:37 -0400

Suck it up Soldier!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2014 11:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 23:21:34 -0400

Embrace the suck!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2014 11:39 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 23:39:49 -0400

My Chief at 2nd Medical Battalion always said "Trying is failing, doing is succeeding." I still live by it.

Response by SSG Andrew Berger made Jun 8 at 2014 12:27 AM

SSG Andrew Berger — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:27:10 -0400

"Brave rifles! Veterans! You have been baptized in fire and blood and have come out steel!"
Winfield Scott

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2014 5:46 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 17:46:44 -0400

"Do not pray for easy lives, but to be better men."

Response by Sgt Seth Busse made Jun 9 at 2014 12:13 AM

Sgt Seth Busse — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 00:13:25 -0400

War is the only venture where the profits are measured in dollars and the loses in lives.
Smedley Butler

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2014 12:54 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 00:54:13 -0400

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - George Orwell

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2014 2:35 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 02:35:27 -0400

Shut up and color troop!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2014 9:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 09:22:09 -0400

“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.”

Not sure if this was posted yet, but I whole-heartedly believe this to be true. The vast majority of Americans enjoy their freedom under the blanket of protection that U.S. service members provide.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2014 5:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 17:31:01 -0400

Sir,
One of my 1SGs always said:
A standard will only be a standard as long as the oldest NCOs enforce them.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2014 11:21 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 23:21:14 -0400

"Quit doing stupid shit."

A Sergeant at "Beast" week during AF BMT. Essentially you go out in groups and learn first aid, security, and the basics of being in a hostile environment. We kept screwing up as many groups do and that line was delivered to us multiple times during our time there. It's something I hold true to this day, best advice I've ever gotten as well.

Response by SFC Richard M. made Jun 10 at 2014 10:53 AM

SFC Richard M. — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 10:53:57 -0400

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." - Gen George Patton

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 1:48 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 13:48:46 -0400

"Some people live an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference in the world, Marines don't have that problem." ~ President Ronald Regan

"Marines are about the most peculiar breed of human beings I have ever witnessed. They treat their service as if it was some kind of cult, plastering their emblem on almost everything they own, making themselves up to look like insane fanatics with haircuts to ungentlemanly lengths, worshipping their Commandant almost as if he was a god, and making weird animal noises like a band of savages. They'll fight like rabid dogs at the drop of a hat just for the sake of a little action, and are the cockiest SOB's I have ever known. Most have the foulest mouths and drink well beyond man's normal limits, but their high spirits and sense of brotherhood set them apart and , generally speaking, of the United States Marines I've come in contact with, are the most professional soldiers and the finest men I have had the pleasure to meet."
~ An Anonymous Canadian Citizen

"The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!" ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

and my personal favorite

"They told (us) to open up the Embassy, or "we'll blow you away." And then they looked up and saw the Marines on the roof with the really big guns, and they said in Somali, "Igaralli ahow," Which mean "Excuse me, I didn't mean it, my mistake." ~ Karen Aquilar, in the U.S. Embassy; Mogadishu, Somalia

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Jun 10 at 2014 3:25 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 15:25:42 -0400

This is a hard one to name just one quote and I have read so many good ones here. I would have to say any thing uttered by Chesty Puller or R. Lee Ermy since I probably should not use the language that Ermy uses here is one of my favorite from Chesty.

“They are in front of us, behind us, and we are flanked on both sides by an
enemy that outnumbers us 29:1. They can’t get away from us now!”
- Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, USMC
When the Marines were cut off behind enemy lines and the Army had written
the 1st Marine Division off as being lost because they were surrounded by 22
enemy divisions. The Marines made it out inflicting the highest casualty
ratio on an enemy in history and destroying 7 entire enemy divisions in the
process. An enemy division is 16500+ men while a Marine division is 12500 men.

Response by Cpl Westin Sandberg made Jun 10 at 2014 11:56 PM

Cpl Westin Sandberg — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 23:56:09 -0400

"Of the Marines on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue" ~ Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Iwo Jima WWII

Response by Capt Jeff Quinn made Jun 11 at 2014 6:27 PM

Capt Jeff Quinn — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 18:27:02 -0400

What a charlie foxtrot.
Well- I guess it's time to fire off the brown star cluster.
Private- head over to COMM and sign for a PRC-E7 and over to supply to sign for 4 grid squares.
-Anonymous or spoken by about every Marine I can remember from the past".

" A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago - there's no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and you're in a different phase of your life. But you'll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego or the hills of Quantico. There's no such thing as a former Marine."

General James F. Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Jun 11 at 2014 7:21 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 19:21:17 -0400

Charlie Foxtrot - covers so much ground...

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Jun 11 at 2014 7:23 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 19:23:36 -0400

"It's OK - you don't have to jump" to a paratrooper frozen in the door, so when he turned around to confirm what he heard it was easier for the Jumpmaster to push him out.

Response by Cpl Westin Sandberg made Jun 12 at 2014 6:44 AM

Cpl Westin Sandberg — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 06:44:21 -0400

"Rock, Paper, Rank!, I win." -Every senior enlisted ever.

Response by MSgt Ediberto L. made Jun 12 at 2014 10:29 PM

MSgt Ediberto L. — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 22:29:49 -0400

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety" Benjamin Franklin

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2014 12:26 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 00:26:32 -0400

"You'll always be uncomfortable in the Army because as soon as you get good at your job you will be moved into a position that you know nothing about." CPT Samuel Galyk

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2014 11:57 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 11:57:45 -0400

"There are no extraordinary men... just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men are forced to deal with"

Admiral William "Bull" Halsey

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Jun 13 at 2014 3:46 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 15:46:08 -0400

You are about to become the first person assigned to dig a two man foxhole in Alaska!

Response by SSG(P) Drew Hunnicutt made Jun 14 at 2014 12:16 PM

SSG(P) Drew Hunnicutt — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 12:16:34 -0400

No combat-ready unit ever passed inspection.

Response by SGT Bobby F. made Jun 15 at 2014 4:37 AM

SGT Bobby F. — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 04:37:39 -0400

I've always stuck with two quotes when it comes to signing off or needing some inspiration in a particularly tough day. First:

"Do your duty as you see it and damn the consequences." - George S. Patton

Followed by:

"Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear." - George Adair

Response by SFC Michael Faircloth made Jun 15 at 2014 10:32 AM

SFC Michael Faircloth — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 10:32:01 -0400

Unless you do your best, the day will come when, tired and hungry, you will halt just short of the goal you were ordered to reach, and by halting you will make useless the efforts and deaths of thousands." - Gen. George S. Patton

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 10:56 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 10:56:24 -0400

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety is a miserable creature, and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. ~John Stuart Mills

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Jun 15 at 2014 5:45 PM

Maj Walter Kilar — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 17:45:01 -0400

My favorite military quote has always been, "HUA!" Source: every ate up Air Force NCO or CGO. Those wise words have guided me through many difficult times.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 6:58 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 06:58:44 -0400

"The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle." Gen. Pershing, U.S. Army

Response by Capt Jason Gannon made Jun 16 at 2014 10:48 PM

Capt Jason Gannon — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 22:48:48 -0400

"With your help, we kicked the shit out of the biggest asshole regime in the world!" Gen. Tommy Franks delivered to 5th Bomb Wing AEF while deployed to RAF Fairford for OIF (Mar-Jun 2003).

Response by PO1 Charles Cunningham made Jun 17 at 2014 12:35 AM

PO1 Charles Cunningham — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 00:35:15 -0400

You never know when you need a pistol, until you really, really need a pistol....

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 1:40 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 13:40:33 -0400

They are in front of us, behind us, and we are flanked on both sides by an enemy that outnumbers us 29:1. They can't get away from us now! -Chesty Puller

Response by LCpl Rick Ponton made Jun 17 at 2014 6:14 PM

LCpl Rick Ponton — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 18:14:25 -0400

IF YOU CAN MAKE THINGS BETTER DO IT IF YOU CANNOT MAKE THINGS BETTER DO NOT DO IT BUT FOR THE SAKE OF GOD AND COUNTRY DO NOT MAKE THINGS WORSE!!

Response by LCpl Rick Ponton made Jun 17 at 2014 6:19 PM

LCpl Rick Ponton — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 18:19:02 -0400

IAM A HARD CHARGER AND I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO PACE MYSELF AND IF I WANTED TO PACE MYSLEF AND NOT GIVE MY ALL I WOULD OF JOINED A DIFFERENT BRANCH OF SERVICE. SEMPER FI!!!!

Response by SSG Jack Williamson made Jun 17 at 2014 11:44 PM

SSG Jack Williamson — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 23:44:35 -0400

IF IT AIN'T RAINING, YOU AIN'T TRAINING!

Response by SPC Russell Terry made Jun 18 at 2014 8:33 PM

SPC Russell Terry — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 20:33:10 -0400

"Never in the history of the world has any soldier sacrificed more for the freedom and liberty of total strangers than the American soldier." Zell Miller

Response by SFC Brian Bourque made Jun 19 at 2014 1:13 PM

SFC Brian Bourque — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 13:13:34 -0400

My favorite is the first one I read when I started my military career 19 years ago: "War is… a test of character. It makes good men better and bad men worse." MG Chamberlain, US Civil War.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 2:38 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 14:38:10 -0400

"ass hat/clown" my rdc in boot used to call us that when we were acting like idiots. Then i used it when i had my junior soldiers in bct. It was a great time to use it up because they would ask em were i got it from and i could tell them where i got it from and helped open the door for them to ask me more questions. I was able to share a lot of my experience on the use of one silly combination.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 5:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 17:22:13 -0400

This is not a military quote but it's a good one to live by. Sorry hard to see.

"Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one."

Bruce Lee

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 5:23 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 17:23:22 -0400

"Leadership is solving problems. The day Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Marines stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership." - Colin Powell

Response by LCpl Rick Ponton made Jun 21 at 2014 8:36 AM

LCpl Rick Ponton — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 08:36:45 -0400

MAINTAIN YOUR IDIVIDUALITY WITHOUT BECOMING AND INDIVIDUAL!!

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 22 at 2014 3:27 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:27:39 -0400

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
- Winston Churchill

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 22 at 2014 3:28 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:28:30 -0400

"If you're going through hell, keep going."
Winston Churchill

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 22 at 2014 3:30 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:30:24 -0400

"In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies."
Winston Churchill

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 22 at 2014 3:33 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:33:22 -0400

"Although prepared for martyrdom, I preferred that it be postponed."
Winston Churchill

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 22 at 2014 3:43 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:43:50 -0400

"Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result."
Winston Churchill

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 22 at 2014 3:44 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:44:43 -0400

"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."
Napoleon Bonaparte

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 22 at 2014 3:47 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:47:58 -0400

"One should never forbid what one lacks the power to prevent."
Napoleon Bonaparte

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 22 at 2014 3:49 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:49:36 -0400

"I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion."
Alexander the Great

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 22 at 2014 3:50 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:50:42 -0400

"The best weapon against an enemy is another enemy."
Friedrich Nietzsche

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 22 at 2014 3:55 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:55:02 -0400

"Remember, God provides the best camouflage several hours out of every 24."
David M. Shoup

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 22 at 2014 3:57 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:57:26 -0400

"To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace."
George Washington

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2014 5:46 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 17:46:37 -0400

" Sometimes you just got to get some"

Response by SPC Phillip Ludlow made Jun 23 at 2014 12:27 AM

SPC Phillip Ludlow — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:27:57 -0400

"...an imperfect plan implemented immediately and violently will always succeed better than a perfect plan." -- Gen. George S. Patton

Response by LCpl Rick Ponton made Jun 24 at 2014 8:53 AM

LCpl Rick Ponton — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 08:53:04 -0400

NOT A DEVIL DOG BUT RATHER A WHITE KNIGHT THINK NOBILITY

Response by LCpl Rick Ponton made Jun 24 at 2014 8:56 AM

LCpl Rick Ponton — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 08:56:36 -0400

HERES A QUOTE, STOP YOUR CRYING WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE

Response by Capt Keenan Lee made Jun 24 at 2014 6:45 PM

Capt Keenan Lee — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 18:45:57 -0400

When you're working on something and can't figure it out, I was told "RTFM". Read the F'n manual. I remember that every time I can't figure a machine out. Words to live by wisely.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 10:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 22:22:31 -0400

General Patton Sir! Anything that man said was truth and wisdom. We need more like him. Hold them accountable.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jun 24 at 2014 11:24 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 23:24:49 -0400

"I don't care if your report is done in crayon on the back of an MRE box. Just make it timely, accurate, and relevant!!" - LtGen Patrick Hughes

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 1:07 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 01:07:48 -0400

What lies before us and what lies behind us is nothing compared to what lies within us.

Response by CSM Guy R. Niles made Jun 26 at 2014 2:41 PM

CSM Guy R. Niles — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 14:41:57 -0400

From the Crusades amidst the Massacre at Béziers, from one of the Christian Knight Commanders: "Kill them all, God will know his own!".

Response by SGT Ashley Gaona made Jun 27 at 2014 2:44 AM

SGT Ashley Gaona — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 02:44:28 -0400

"Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way. " General George S. Patton

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 9:32 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 09:32:20 -0400

"I don't care if a gnat is humping the shit out of your eyeball! You do not move at the position of attention!" - Air Force MTI

It's not really an inspirational quote per say. Just some fond memories.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Jun 28 at 2014 5:53 PM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 17:53:04 -0400

Then Cornal John N. Abrams "We came to train shit happens so deal with it"

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Jun 30 at 2014 10:33 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 22:33:10 -0400

Don't know how military it is, it is one I usually tell people. "Be smarter that what your working with."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2014 11:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 23:30:22 -0400

"The reason the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices it on a daily basis."
- from a post-war debriefing of a German General

Response by SrA Amanda Opdyke made Jul 3 at 2014 1:56 AM

SrA Amanda Opdyke — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 01:56:28 -0400

We upped our standards, so up yours!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2014 5:48 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 17:48:20 -0400

Keep it simple " do the do's and don't do the don'ts"

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Jul 4 at 2014 9:50 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 21:50:40 -0400

"Salute the rank, not the man!" Band of Brothers

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jul 6 at 2014 10:24 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 22:24:41 -0400

This may not be very original, but I first heard it from an old 1st Sergeant of mine in Korea. "If you see him before he sees you shoot first, if he survives ask him a few questions, if he raises his hand with a weapon in it shoot to kill and then ask the questions."

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 8 at 2014 6:26 AM

COL Randall C. — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 06:26:04 -0400

“Liberty is never unalienable; it must be redeemed regularly with the blood of patriots or it always vanishes. Of all the so-called natural human rights that have ever been invented, liberty is least likely to be cheap and is never free of cost.”

Robert A. Heinlein, Starship Troopers (the book, not the movie)

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jul 8 at 2014 11:12 AM

MAJ Jim Woods — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 11:12:04 -0400

Teddy Roosevelt

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

I keep the JFK shortened version of this in my wallet. He gave it at the Special Warfare Center in 1962.

Response by SPC Kirreck Williams made Jul 9 at 2014 11:37 AM

SPC Kirreck Williams — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 11:37:48 -0400

From a drill sergeant to one of my platoon members, "You weren't born, you were created! Your father jerked off in his hand, threw it against and the wall and said 'Be somebody!' And there you were!"

Response by SGT Anthony Mason made Jul 13 at 2014 6:27 AM

SGT Anthony Mason — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 06:27:06 -0400

Do not call me Top do you see me spinning on my head !!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 7:59 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 07:59:52 -0400

Adapt over come and improvise!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 2:34 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:34:06 -0400

"When Leader Fail..... Soldiers Suffer!" Been my favorite quote since i became a Sergeant in 2000.

Response by Capt Richard Desmond made Jul 15 at 2014 2:39 PM

Capt Richard Desmond — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 14:39:22 -0400

"The only fingerprints that last in any organization are the ones that you leave on your people"

General Mark Welsh, current CSAF

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 3:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 15:31:06 -0400

The Charge of the Light Brigade

Alfred, Lord Tennyson

1.
Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
"Forward, the Light Brigade!
"Charge for the guns!" he said:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.

2.
"Forward, the Light Brigade!"
Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Someone had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.

3.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred.

4.
Flash'd all their sabres bare,
Flash'd as they turn'd in air,
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army, while
All the world wonder'd:
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right thro' the line they broke;
Cossack and Russian
Reel'd from the sabre stroke
Shatter'd and sunder'd.
Then they rode back, but not
Not the six hundred.

5.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro' the jaws of Death
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.

6.
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wondered.
Honor the charge they made,
Honor the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred.

Poems of Alfred Tennyson,
J. E. Tilton and Company, Boston, 1870

To me, there is nothing that embodies the idea of being a Soldier than trusting the men around you and charging forth to do your mission; "Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of Hell..."

So many times we are tasked with the impossible and we do not hesitate nor consider the danger. Instead, (as enlisted and NCOs): Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die..."

Response by SGT Greg Miller made Jul 15 at 2014 3:34 PM

SGT Greg Miller — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 15:34:06 -0400

That's what she said.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 11:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 23:13:39 -0400

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and a lot of bitching."- don't know

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jul 16 at 2014 2:02 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:02:15 -0400

I would have to say "keep your head on a swivel" that is my favorite quote.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 11:29 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 23:29:35 -0400

After Japan defeated Russia in the Russo-Japanese war (1904-05), President Theodore Roosevelt wanted to send the navy on a world tour to show the flag (and remind Japan that we were the dominant naval power in the Pacific).

Teddy politely asked congress to authorize funding for the trip, which they promptly refused.

Teddy then asked the secretary of the navy if enough coal was on hand to send the fleet and bring it home, for which the answer was either or (enough for a one-way trip to Japan).

Teddy sent the fleet to Japan, then politely asked congress to authorize funding to bring the navy home.

The moral and my favorite Teddy quote......, "Speak softly, but carry a big stick"

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2014 2:55 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 02:55:46 -0400

“It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.”

-- Father Denis Edward O‘Brien, Sergeant, USMC

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2014 7:31 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 07:31:08 -0400

"Because you told me too drill sergeant!" ~Forest Gump

Response by PO1 Robert Gasser made Jul 17 at 2014 12:48 PM

PO1 Robert Gasser — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 12:48:35 -0400

Always be ready!

Response by Sgt Tyrus Deal made Jul 17 at 2014 12:57 PM

Sgt Tyrus Deal — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 12:57:18 -0400

We're surrounded.... that simplifies our problem

Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 11:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 23:22:20 -0400

I'm not sure if it's an actual quote or just something made up and falsely attributed to GEN Patton, but one of my favorites - and I use it often - is "Don't bother ducking, the shots you hear have already missed you."

It sure sounds like something he would say.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2014 2:47 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 02:47:31 -0400

Sir, I'm a huge General George S. Patton fan. Most of my favorite quotes from him:

"By perseverance, study, and eternal desire, any man can become great." This is a great quote that I love for my studies in pursuing my civilian education and reading different military books.

"I am a soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight." Add that to the Soldier's Creed.

In OSUT when we were allowed to start reading books during the end of Blue Phase and into Black and Gold Phases I bought a book called "Brothers, Rivals, Victors" that talk about Generals Eisenhower, Patton, and Bradley. Great look at these great generals and military leaders.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2014 1:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:18:19 -0400

"No one steals in the Army, they are just trying to get their shit back."

Response by SrA Jeff Campbell made Jul 23 at 2014 7:13 AM

SrA Jeff Campbell — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 07:13:57 -0400

Your momma is not here to take care of you!!!! GET RIGHT or GET OUT!!!

Response by SrA Jeff Campbell made Jul 24 at 2014 8:32 AM

SrA Jeff Campbell — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 08:32:18 -0400

LEAD....FOLLOW....or GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY!!!!!

Response by SrA Jeff Campbell made Jul 24 at 2014 8:34 AM

SrA Jeff Campbell — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 08:34:17 -0400

if the Military wanted you to have a wife/husband...They would have issued you one!!! I still laugh about that......

Response by SrA Jeff Campbell made Jul 24 at 2014 8:35 AM

SrA Jeff Campbell — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 08:35:13 -0400

Ok...Last one..and one of my favorites

"WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR MALFUNCTION SOLDIER?"

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 12:17 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 12:17:29 -0400

Maybe I'm biased towards the navy but:

"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.'" President John F. Kennedy

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2014 7:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 19:03:34 -0400

At this last BA, my Platoon Sergeant was explaining the finer points of being a Military Postal Platoon, such as "Good Morning, Sergeant Major, we have your care package of yellow Starburst!"

Response by SGT Leigh Barton made Jul 27 at 2014 5:41 PM

SGT Leigh Barton — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 17:41:32 -0400

"It is far easier to whisper advice from cover than risk dismerit at the point of attack"

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Jul 28 at 2014 1:27 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 13:27:40 -0400

A Commander I had, telling soldiers that he needed the bad news as well as the good, and how important it was to keep him informed basically stated. "If you want me on board when the plane goes down, ensure I am onon when it takes off"! Makes sense to me. I also liked Patton's "If we are all thinking alike, no one is thinking at all"!

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Jul 28 at 2014 1:30 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 13:30:04 -0400

Also, we were receiving Chain Briefings in Korea, one month the CSM briefed something, and the next month he briefed the 180 degree opposite. I approached the CSM and asked him how last month it was A, now it is B? His response..."Chief, the Army never lied to you, the truth changed"!

Response by CDR Thomas Gatliffe made Jul 28 at 2014 8:25 PM

CDR Thomas Gatliffe — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 20:25:01 -0400

Here are a few attributed (rightly or wrongly, I don't know) to former CENTCOM Commander Marine General James "Mad Dog" Mattis (now Retired);
1. “I don’t lose any sleep at night over the potential for failure. I cannot even spell the word.” (San Diego Union Tribune)
2. “The first time you blow someone away is not an insignificant event. That said, there are some assholes in the world that just need to be shot.” (Business Insider)
3. “I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I’ll kill you all.” (San Diego Union Tribune)
4. “Find the enemy that wants to end this experiment (in American democracy) and kill every one of them until they’re so sick of the killing that they leave us and our freedoms intact.” (San Diego Union Tribune)
5. “Marines don’t know how to spell the word defeat.” (Business Insider)
6. “Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.” (San Diego Union Tribune)
7. “The most important six inches on the battlefield is between your ears.” (San Diego Union Tribune)
8. “You are part of the world’s most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon.” (Mattis’ Letter To 1st Marine Division)
9. “There are hunters and there are victims. By your discipline, cunning, obedience and alertness, you will decide if you are a hunter or a victim.” (Business Insider)
10. “No war is over until the enemy says it’s over. We may think it over, we may declare it over, but in fact, the enemy gets a vote.” (Defense News)
11. “There is nothing better than getting shot at and missed. It’s really great.” (San Diego Union Tribune)
12. “You cannot allow any of your people to avoid the brutal facts. If they start living in a dream world, it’s going to be bad.” (San Diego Union Tribune)
13. “You go into Afghanistan , you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn’t wear a veil. You know, guys like that ain’t got no manhood left anyway. So it’s a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them. Actually it’s quite fun to fight them, you know. It’s a hell of a hoot. It’s fun to shoot some people. I’ll be right up there with you. I like brawling.” (CNN)
14. “I’m going to plead with you, do not cross us. Because if you do, the survivors will write about what we do here for 10,000 years.” (San Diego Union Tribune)
15. “Demonstrate to the world there is ‘No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy’ than a U.S. Marine.” (Mattis’ Letter To 1st Marine Division)
16. “Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit” (Mattis’ Letter To 1st Marine Division)

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Jul 29 at 2014 11:24 AM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 11:24:06 -0400

Semper Gumby, Always Flexible

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 11:37 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 23:37:02 -0400

Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.
Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 11:38 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 23:38:50 -0400

Marines I see as two breeds, Rottweilers or Dobermans, because Marines come in two varieties, big and mean, or skinny and mean. They're aggressive on the attack and tenacious on defense. They've got really short hair and they always go for the throat.
RAdm. "Jay" R. Stark, USN; 10 November 1995

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2014 11:40 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 23:40:49 -0400

The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!
Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, 1945

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Aug 4 at 2014 9:28 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 09:28:53 -0400

Marine Col and Chief of Staff: "Seems to me that when I hear, "With all due respect, Sir...." it is usually followed by something less than that."

Response by SSG(P) Thai Starkovich made Aug 5 at 2014 12:11 PM

SSG(P) Thai Starkovich — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 12:11:21 -0400

My personal favorite -

“I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested. Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents.”
― Smedley D. Butler, War is a Racket: The Antiwar Classic by America's Most Decorated Soldier

Response by SGM Jeff Bullard made Aug 6 at 2014 11:46 PM

SGM Jeff Bullard — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 23:46:17 -0400

“I am a soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight.” General George S. Patton

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Aug 7 at 2014 7:05 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 19:05:02 -0400

“The guy you don't see will kill you.”
― Robin Olds

Response by 1stSgt Jd Guse made Aug 9 at 2014 9:10 AM

1stSgt Jd Guse — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 09:10:26 -0400

My TI in basic: "I don't like to yell, but I love to write -- and if you piss me off, I'll write you right out of the Air Force."

Response by SPC Richard White made Aug 9 at 2014 7:48 PM

SPC Richard White — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 19:48:04 -0400

•As I walk through the valley of death I fear no one, for I am the meanest mother fucker in the valley! -Patton

Have used this one since high school

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 9 at 2014 9:07 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 21:07:28 -0400

"There's no doubt in my military mind that we're in deep sh@# ....A little prayer at this stage of the game might not be a bad idea. I pray to Buddha, Mohammad, Mr. Jesus H Christ and any other religious honchos I can think of. There's no such thing as an atheist in a combat situation"-----SGM Haffner (played by R Lee Ermey) in The Siege of Firebase Gloria.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 20 at 2014 4:14 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 16:14:08 -0400

"We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender"

Sir Winston Churchill, before the House of Commons, 4 June 1940

Response by SSgt Brycen Shumway made Aug 21 at 2014 1:00 AM

SSgt Brycen Shumway — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 01:00:45 -0400

"There's the Right Way. There's a Wrong Way. Then there's the Shumway."

- Nearly EVERYONE who has ever worked alongside me, and most likely any other Shumway.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2014 3:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 03:24:41 -0400

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 13 at 2014 5:02 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 17:02:38 -0400

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers—for whoever sheds his blood with me today shall be my brother"........

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Sep 13 at 2014 5:42 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 17:42:13 -0400

I see the two I like (GEN Patton quotes) are already posted, so I will go with quotes by my hero - GEN Bradly:

"Leadership is intangible, and therefore no weapon ever designed can replace it."

and

"Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death."

Response by Cpl Peter Martuneac made Sep 13 at 2014 6:15 PM

Cpl Peter Martuneac — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 18:15:24 -0400

"You cannot exaggerate about Marines. They are convinced, to the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious fighters on earth- and the amusing thing about it is that they are."

-Father Kevin Keaney, 1st Marine Division Chaplain, Korean War.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Sep 13 at 2014 8:49 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 20:49:01 -0400

The line in "hamburger Hill"..."un-ass my AO!"...... told to the stupid reporter in the slick new utilities by an officer coming off the hill for the umpteenth time

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Sep 13 at 2014 11:05 PM

LTC Paul Heinlein — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 23:05:26 -0400

"If you got to explain it more than once, it is not clear!" ...MG Cucolo, Commanding General, 3rd Infantry Division

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Sep 13 at 2014 11:05 PM

LTC Paul Heinlein — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 23:05:40 -0400

"I'm driving on the Autobahn and your still on the donkey path!"..LTC Paul D. Heinlein, June 2009

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 11:16 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 23:16:21 -0400

“Do what is right, not what you think the high headquarters wants or what you think will make you look good.”

Norman Schwarzkopf died today at age 78. Born in Trenton, NJ, Schwarzkopf graduated from West Point and rose through the ranks of the US Army eventually becoming a four-star General. Schwarzkopf commanded Operation Desert Storm, successfully driving out Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi forces from Kuwait in 1991. While he was known to many as “Stormin Normin”, the men under his command simply called Schwarzkopf “The Bear”.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 3:04 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:04:21 -0400

"I'm a country boy. Just give it to me simply." - MG Lynch, 3rd Infantry Division Commander (2007) when given information by CAPT (Navy) McMahon.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2014 1:31 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 01:31:57 -0400

Response by PO2 Michael Berry made Sep 17 at 2014 1:40 AM

PO2 Michael Berry — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 01:40:41 -0400

When I was in the Coast Guard it was drilled into our being that we had to go out but we did not have to return from a Search and Rescue mission.

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Sep 17 at 2014 11:05 AM

SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 11:05:51 -0400

Flush twice! It's a long way to the mess hall.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2014 7:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 19:42:02 -0400

FIDO, F*** IT DRIVE ON

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Sep 22 at 2014 1:07 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 01:07:49 -0400

"I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you f* with me, I’ll kill you all." -- Gen James Mattis, USMC

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Sep 22 at 2014 1:12 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 01:12:21 -0400

“Our Country won’t go on forever, if we stay soft as we are now. There won’t
be any AMERICA because some foreign soldiery will invade us and take our
women and breed a hardier race!”

- Lt. Gen. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, USMC

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Sep 22 at 2014 11:35 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 11:35:47 -0400

Klaattu Barada Nikto

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2014 1:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 13:13:28 -0400

"Come on, you apes! You wanta live forever?" -Starship Troopers

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2014 3:11 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 15:11:49 -0400

Lest I continue my complacent way. Help me to remember that a man died for me today. As long as there be war, I must ask and answer. Am I worth dying for?
-unknown

Response by BG Robert Enzenauer made Sep 24 at 2014 12:04 PM

BG Robert Enzenauer — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 12:04:05 -0400

EASY BUTTON for me on this one. I include T. Roosevelt's quote at the end of many of my talks.
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."
THEODORE ROOSEVELT (Paris Sorbonne, 1910)

Response by SPC(P) Cody Patterson made Sep 28 at 2014 5:10 PM

SPC(P) Cody Patterson — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 17:10:22 -0400

"Sucks to suck nerd."

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 12:17 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 00:17:26 -0500

I like your quote!

V/r

1SG Haro

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 8:19 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:19:17 -0500

"The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!"
-Eleanor Roosevelt

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 9 at 2015 3:57 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 15:57:28 -0500

What goes up, must comes down!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2015 1:22 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 13:22:54 -0500

Ok, I have a few:

1. In the absence of leadership, take charge!
2. High speed low drag
3. Charlie don't surf!

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made Jan 11 at 2015 1:22 PM

MSgt Rob Weston — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 13:22:40 -0500

Take care of what you can control, don't waste energy on things you don't"

Response by SSG John M. made Jan 14 at 2015 10:20 AM

SSG John M. — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 10:20:55 -0500

Go to the Sound of the Guns and Kill anyone that doesn't look like you

In absence of orders attack...Go find something and kill it

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 7:24 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 19:24:40 -0500

"... anything that you do that is extraordinarily difficult, and that you have to press up against your limits and go beyond those limits... if you don't come away from that broken, then you are stronger, and more mature, more sure of yourself, more humble, more compassionate for others."

-Robert B. Rheault
Green Beret with tours
in Vietnam and Korea

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 29 at 2015 8:10 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 08:10:58 -0500

Denied resubmit in 30 days for further disapproval.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 3:25 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 15:25:55 -0500

My favorite military quote is "...Supposed to....", seems like this has replaced Hooah!!!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 10:42 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 22:42:00 -0500

Not a military quote, but my favorite quote speaks to what a leader should be/do...

Pay it forward.......do something for others that they cannot do for themselves..specifically MENTORSHIP!!!!

Response by CWO4 David Zimmerman made Feb 5 at 2015 11:25 AM

CWO4 David Zimmerman — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 11:25:43 -0500

I have many "philosophy's" one of my favorite quotes is: " You have to be fluid because flex able is to rigid ". One more for the old SALTS out ther: " you never appreciate the anchor until you have experienced the storm ". Enjoy. Please offer feedback.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 11:55 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 11:55:31 -0500

"The defining characteristic of a warrior is the willingness to close with the enemy." SFC Matt Larsen

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 11:06 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 23:06:24 -0500

I've always loved Colin Powell's quote "Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier" because I believe attitude is everything.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 4:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 04:13:59 -0500

"For those who have fought for it, Freedom has a taste the protected will never know"

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 6 at 2015 2:08 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 14:08:55 -0500

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 6 at 2015 2:09 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 14:09:10 -0500

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 6 at 2015 2:09 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 14:09:24 -0500

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 6 at 2015 2:09 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 14:09:38 -0500

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 6 at 2015 2:09 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 14:09:52 -0500

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 6 at 2015 2:10 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 14:10:06 -0500

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 6 at 2015 2:10 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 14:10:20 -0500

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 6 at 2015 2:10 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 14:10:35 -0500

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 12:12 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 00:12:49 -0400

"Beat your face!" -every nco i had

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 17 at 2015 9:47 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 21:47:02 -0400

Red this is Red1, fire at will on my command.

Response by CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 10:13 PM

CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 22:13:32 -0400

"It’s the unconquerable soul of man, not the nature of the weapon he uses, that insures victory."

General George S. Patton

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 19 at 2015 11:15 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 11:15:37 -0400

Every man for himself!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 11:32 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 11:32:18 -0400

"The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools." --Thucydides

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 11:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 11:38:43 -0400

"Fail to plan, plan to fail"
Benjamin Franklin

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 19 at 2015 12:06 PM

SFC Stephen King — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 12:06:34 -0400

"I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces after he hits bottom." Gen. George S. Patton Jr.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 19 at 2015 12:10 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 12:10:09 -0400

Col Private RallyPoint Member, here's one that's often overlooked, and the story behind it is extraordinary as well.
"These are my credentials." - from MG Charles D. W. Canham, now the motto of the 8th Infantry Division.

"At the time (1944), then BG Canham was the Assistant Division Commander of the 8th Infantry Division. It was in this capacity during the surrender of the German garrison at the Port of Brest that Canham unknowingly gave the 8th Infantry Division its motto. Upon entering the headquarters of Generalleutnant (Lieutenant General) Hermann-Bernhard Ramcke, a famed leader of German paratroops, Ramcke demanded to know the lower ranking Canham's credentials as a condition of surrender. Unruffled, Canham pointed to the dirty and tired American soldiers he had brought with him to witness the surrender and said, 'These are my credentials.' The account of this event, which was reported in the New York Times, saw in this spontaneous statement of a combat leader the greatest tribute ever paid to the real power of the American Army, the individual soldier."
CPT Private RallyPoint Member, as an infantryman, I thought you'd like this.
SFC Private RallyPoint Member, what do you think of this mustache?!

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 6:07 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:07:17 -0400

I have a few "Stay in your lane", "suck it up", "shut up and color".

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 9:12 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 21:12:18 -0400

We should remember that one man is much the same as another, and that he is best who is trained in the severest school.
-Thucydides

Response by MSG David Chappell made Apr 19 at 2015 10:25 PM

MSG David Chappell — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 22:25:00 -0400

I say we blastoff and nuke the planet from orbit it's the only way to be sure

Response by Cpl Irma Garcia Brandon Holloway made Apr 19 at 2015 10:45 PM

Cpl Irma Garcia Brandon Holloway — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 22:45:46 -0400

For those who have not fought and died for it...freedom has a taste the protected will never know. ~unknown.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Apr 19 at 2015 10:54 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 22:54:16 -0400

I've always liked, "Put your 'I want' in one hand, but the bullshit in the other hand and see which one gets fuller faster."

I've also loved a pair from Patton: "If everyone's thinking the same thing, somebody isn't thinking."

And, "God save us from our friends. We can handle the enemy."

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 19 at 2015 11:33 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 23:33:29 -0400

If the enemy is range... so are you.

Response by SGT Michael Touchet made Apr 19 at 2015 11:54 PM

SGT Michael Touchet — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 23:54:10 -0400

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2015 9:58 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 09:58:04 -0400

"There are two kinds of Airmen: outstanding and outprocessing. I can help you to be either." - MSgt Jeff Ross

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Apr 21 at 2015 7:15 AM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 07:15:04 -0400

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Apr 21 at 2015 7:19 AM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 07:19:10 -0400

Every man dies. Not every man truly lives.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 21 at 2015 7:21 PM

SFC Stephen King — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 19:21:00 -0400

"If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack."

Winston Churchill

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 7 at 2015 4:45 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 07 May 2015 16:45:04 -0400

FIX BAYONETS!

Response by SGT James Elphick made May 13 at 2015 1:11 PM

SGT James Elphick — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:11:37 -0400

I'm not sure any of the funny quotes I heard in the military are appropriate to post here

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 13 at 2015 1:16 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:16:11 -0400

“No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country.
He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.”
– Attributed to General George Patton Jr

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 13 at 2015 1:40 PM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:40:12 -0400

“I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.”

~John F Kennedy

Response by SGT Michael Corujo made May 13 at 2015 1:55 PM

SGT Michael Corujo — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:55:31 -0400

I learned about the Seven P's: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. To this day I introduce myself to my IT Staff's by introducing this saying and connecting the with "Get with the Program!"

Response by CSM David Heidke made May 13 at 2015 2:03 PM

CSM David Heidke — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:03:30 -0400

This one

Response by 1LT Richard C. made May 13 at 2015 2:06 PM

1LT Richard C. — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:06:09 -0400

Heraclitus
Out of every one hundred men, ten shouldn't even be there, eighty are just targets, nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back.

I see RallyPoint as common ground for those Real Fighters and Warriors.

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 13 at 2015 2:11 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:11:04 -0400

Currently, my favorite Military quote is this one....

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 2:12 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:12:30 -0400

"Grows by the inch, dies by the foot!... Get off my grass!!!" ...spoken (or paraphrased) by pretty much every post Sergeant Major everywhere!!

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 13 at 2015 2:14 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:14:18 -0400

"A pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood". Gen. Patton

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 13 at 2015 2:26 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:26:02 -0400

Chaplain cadence:

We love pluralism yes we do!
Protestant, Catholic, Buddhist and Jew.

AR 165-1 we carry in our rucksack instead of a gun!

Army Chaplain Corps is heading your way,
With spiritual guidance, teaching you to pray.

Advise, protect, provide and perform
Standing strong beside you is our norm!

Religious matter experts is our claim to fame,
Advising the Commander is not a game.

If you need assistance, give your UMT a call,
We welcome your religion,
One and all.

Sound off, one two
Sound off, three four
Bring it on down
One two
One two
One two
Three four!!

(Christian verses follow...)

David slew Goliath with one of five smooth stones,
Ezekiel had a vision in a
Valley of Dry Bones.

John the Baptist lived in a cave,
Jesus came to heal us and to save.

BY CHAPLAIN BEAVER

Response by PO1 Joseph Frazier made May 13 at 2015 2:30 PM

PO1 Joseph Frazier — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:30:39 -0400

"Old soldiers never die they just fade away. Like that old I am just going to fade away." General Douglas MacArthur to a Joint Session of Congress upon retiring.

Response by SCPO John Croix made May 13 at 2015 3:19 PM

SCPO John Croix — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:19:22 -0400

A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both. General Dwight Eisenhower

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 3:29 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:29:33 -0400

Our strategy in going after this army is very simple. First we are going to cut it off, and then we are going to kill it......GEN (Ret) Colin Powell (Desert Storm)

Response by Capt Ron Sherlock made May 13 at 2015 5:04 PM

Capt Ron Sherlock — Wed, 13 May 2015 17:04:38 -0400

“If I see that the Russians are amassing their planes for an attack, I’m going to knock the s*** out of them before they take off the ground.”

-General Curtis Lemay

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 5:16 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 17:16:00 -0400

"Don't give up the ship."

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 14 at 2015 5:19 AM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 14 May 2015 05:19:54 -0400

"The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.” Norman Schwarzkopf

“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without strategy.” Norman Schwarzkopf

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 7 at 2015 9:13 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 21:13:33 -0400

We will dine in hell tonight!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 14 at 2015 1:25 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 13:25:50 -0400

We are surrounded, now we can attack from any direction!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2015 2:24 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 14:24:19 -0400

It is a proud privilege to be a soldier – a good soldier … [with] discipline, self-respect, pride in his unit and his country, a high sense of duty and obligation to comrades and to his superiors, and a self confidence born of demonstrated ability.”
― George S. Patton Jr.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2015 5:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 17:32:36 -0400

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 18 at 2015 1:36 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 13:36:38 -0400

I am more afraid of the French Army behind me than the Nazis in front of me.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 20 at 2015 2:46 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 14:46:28 -0400

Custer the largest tribe I have ever seen is beyond that hill. - Unknown Scout

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 24 at 2015 9:07 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 21:07:33 -0400

I was watching Apocalypse Now last night and their are a bunch of dandy quotes.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 27 at 2015 2:50 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 14:50:07 -0400

I got chased by an effing tiger!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2015 2:54 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 14:54:20 -0400

"Among the Americans serving on Iwo island, uncommon valor was a common virtue." Admiral Nimitz after the Battle of Iwo Jima

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Jun 27 at 2015 3:36 PM

SPC George Rudenko — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 15:36:03 -0400

I should have kissed the bastard.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 27 at 2015 3:51 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 15:51:32 -0400

COL Chamberlain, I know your regiment is tired and weary, so we will put it on the safest part of the defensive line.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2015 4:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 16:07:13 -0400

"Travis, if you don't figure this shit out; I am going to Blair Witch your ass across this whole f*cking state!" -1SG Robert Whiteley

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2015 9:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 21:09:04 -0400

FUBAR & FIDO, FRAGED UP, SNAFU.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 22 at 2015 9:25 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:25:54 -0400

Sir that bomb is getting bigger!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 11:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 23:34:01 -0400

Two favorite quotes from Will Rogers:
"Ain’t it funny how many hundreds of thousands of soldiers we can recruit with nerve. But we can’t find one politician in a million with a backbone"
"We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 6:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 18:16:25 -0400

"Courage is fear holding on a minute longer."
General George S Patton Jr.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Jul 31 at 2015 6:25 PM

LTC Ed Ross — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 18:25:17 -0400

“No foreign power should mistake disagreement for disunity. Those who are tempted to do so should reflect on our national character—on our record of littering history with the wreckage of regimes who made the mistake of underestimating the will of the American people, their love of freedom, and their national valor." President Ronald Reagan, April 22, 1986 Statement to the press after the Libyan Bombing.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 31 at 2015 6:27 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 18:27:30 -0400

The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.

George S. Patton

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 31 at 2015 6:30 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 18:30:02 -0400

If you tell people where to go, but not how to get there, you'll be amazed at the results.

George S. Patton

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 6 at 2015 5:09 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 17:09:58 -0400

Fixed bayonets!: COL Chamberlain's was out of ammunition and his regiment conducted a bayonet charge and won. This action prevented the Union army from being outflanked.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 10 at 2015 3:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:40:51 -0400

General Lee, what division, I have no division left.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 5:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 17:17:52 -0400

"squared away"

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 17 at 2015 3:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 15:31:48 -0400

Shoot when you can see the whites of their eyes.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 18 at 2015 8:02 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 20:02:29 -0400

If they are walking in a file, you might be able to shoot 2 at one time.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 20 at 2015 11:46 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 11:46:21 -0400

Six Guns Don't Miss

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 21 at 2015 8:02 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 20:02:26 -0400

Shit Panzers!!!!!!!!!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 23 at 2015 2:03 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 14:03:27 -0400

"Teamwork is essential - it gives the enemy someone else to shoot at."

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 28 at 2015 1:16 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:16:00 -0400

"Our bombs are smarter than the average high school student. At least they can find Kuwait."

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 21 at 2015 2:28 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:28:12 -0400

We don't retreat, we displace!

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 21 at 2015 5:36 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 17:36:53 -0400

"Kill 'em. Kill 'em all!" Stonewall Jackson

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Sep 22 at 2015 2:26 PM

Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 14:26:54 -0400

"The Soldier above all other people prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." - Gen of the Army Douglas MacArthur, At West Point for his Duty, Honor, Country speech, 1962

My father was there as a Senior Cadet back then. 50 years later we visited West Point for his 50 year Reunion, when I got to stand in the exact spot where my father watched the speech.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 3:50 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 15:50:54 -0400

Lt Col Mark W. Burns,
Granted it was not from a man in uniform, but from the Commander-and-Chief. "Ask not what your Country can do for you, Ask what you can do for your Country" - JFK

Response by SFC Christopher Springs made Sep 22 at 2015 10:49 PM

SFC Christopher Springs — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 22:49:46 -0400

I have two:
1. Life's most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for other? -MLK
2. I never once saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A bird will fall frozen from a branch of a tree without every having felt sorry for itself. DHL

Response by SSG John Gillespie made Sep 22 at 2015 11:52 PM

SSG John Gillespie — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 23:52:31 -0400

Service in the name of the People is its own reward.
- Me

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 6:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 18:41:32 -0400

"The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his." - George S. Patton

Response by SSgt James Howerton made Sep 24 at 2015 2:08 PM

SSgt James Howerton — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 14:08:39 -0400

Another of mine is, "Uncommon valor was a common virtue." This quote was of course from Admiral Nimitz, after the Battle of Iwo Jima concerning the Marines and Sailors who fought and died in that battle. That quote is on the base of the Iwo Jima Memorial, which is on my bucket list of places to visit. Nimitz, who was kind of a quote machine, also once told his son, "A ship is always referred to as "she" because she costs so much to keep in paint and powder." A very intelligent, great leader that America was fortunate to have although his views on the use of the A-Bomb and mine differ greatly.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 28 at 2015 5:25 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 17:25:01 -0400

Father have I missed the battle? Son you missed the war.

Response by SFC Michael W. made Nov 5 at 2015 1:14 PM

SFC Michael W. — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 13:14:38 -0500

"Retreat, Hell! We just got here!" quote by Capt. Lloyd W. Williams...Way to go, sir! :D

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 8 at 2015 3:18 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 15:18:31 -0500

On my mark, unleash hell.

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Nov 12 at 2015 12:42 PM

PO2 John Crutchfield — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 12:42:06 -0500

Not really a quote but...the Law of the Seven P's: "Proper Previous Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance!"

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 8:36 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 20:36:42 -0500

One of our flag officers said during change of command ceremonies, "When you think you are indispensable (to the military), put your hand in a bucket of water and take it out.
You will notice that the bucket didn't fall over or sustain a hole." Given the transient nature of the organization, that is how it must be.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 8:48 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 20:48:02 -0500

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation." -- George Washington

Response by Sgt Misty Dillon made Nov 19 at 2015 12:41 PM

Sgt Misty Dillon — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 12:41:11 -0500

Good to go!

Response by 1st Lt Alan Blakeborough "F3 Zorro" made Nov 20 at 2015 8:03 AM

1st Lt Alan Blakeborough "F3 Zorro" — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 08:03:27 -0500

Lead, follow or die in place.

Response by MSG Dan Foster made Nov 29 at 2015 8:22 AM

MSG Dan Foster — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 08:22:12 -0500

"Lead, Follow, or Get the Hell Out Of The Way"

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 4 at 2015 3:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 15:40:01 -0500

En Fuego!

Response by PFC Greg Mason made Dec 4 at 2015 9:46 PM

PFC Greg Mason — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 21:46:02 -0500

one shot one kill

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 12:43 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 12:43:45 -0400

"Sgt. Ernie Savage: Good morning, Sergeant Major.
Sergeant Major Basil Plumley: How do you know what kind of goddamn day it is?

Response by PO3 Ricky Foster made Sep 10 at 2016 11:18 AM

PO3 Ricky Foster — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 11:18:53 -0400

So many good ones, I believe this first was referenced in "Art of War" not 100% on it: "The best laid battle plans are only good until the first shot is fired"

Response by PO3 Ricky Foster made Sep 10 at 2016 11:26 AM

PO3 Ricky Foster — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 11:26:12 -0400

"The most dreaded and beloved words that a Marine could hear: Corpsman Up!" - Unknown

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Sep 10 at 2016 11:32 AM

1SG Bill Farmerie — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 11:32:33 -0400

In God we trust. all others we check

Response by PO2 Kristy Williams made Sep 10 at 2016 12:44 PM

PO2 Kristy Williams — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 12:44:15 -0400

If you're early, you're on time, if you're on time you're late and if you're late you're screwed.

Response by SSG Edward Joy made Sep 10 at 2016 1:04 PM

SSG Edward Joy — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 13:04:42 -0400

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition. ( From a Navy Chaplin during the bombing of pearl harbor)

Response by SSgt Terry Snyder made Sep 10 at 2016 2:45 PM

SSgt Terry Snyder — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 14:45:54 -0400

" IF YOU ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH YOU HAVE NOTHING TO REMEMBER" MARK TWAIN.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2016 2:48 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 14:48:02 -0400

Two is one, one is none.

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 10 at 2016 3:10 PM

SFC George Smith — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 15:10:36 -0400

Indecision ... is the Key to Flexibility...

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 12 at 2016 8:11 PM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 20:11:44 -0400

“Our Country won’t go on forever, if we stay soft as we are now. There won’t be any AMERICA because some foreign soldiery will invade us and take our women and breed a hardier race!”
– Lt. Gen. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, USMC

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Sep 15 at 2016 1:47 PM

1SG Bill Farmerie — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 13:47:14 -0400

Retired Army General Bernard Rogers “This is a volunteer force. Soldiers volunteer to meet our standards. If they don’t meet them, we should thank them for trying and send them home.”

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Sep 22 at 2016 1:14 PM

PO2 John Crutchfield — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:14:45 -0400

I learned the Laws of the Seven P's, from my first DIV-O on The USS Enterprise: "Proper Previous Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance" It's served me well over the past 25 years.

Response by PO3 Matthew Thompson made Sep 22 at 2016 4:00 PM

PO3 Matthew Thompson — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 16:00:41 -0400

My last Divo in the Navy said in his first muster "Proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance". I recognize he is not the originator, but that is one that sticks with me 20 years later.

Response by SPC Russell Terry made Oct 3 at 2016 12:25 AM

SPC Russell Terry — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 00:25:59 -0400

"Never in the history of the world has any soldier sacrificed more for the freedom and liberty of total strangers than the American soldier." Zell Miller

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2016 10:15 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 10:15:53 -0400

A Russian General once said the American people are the laziest people on the planet but if you make them mad there is no hardship they will not go through to get you

Response by SA Matthias Sartor made Dec 28 at 2016 12:35 AM

SA Matthias Sartor — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 00:35:42 -0500

"I'm the juggernaut bitch." From my sea dad to CSC one morning on crews mess.

Response by SFC Thomas Twigg made Dec 30 at 2016 9:31 AM

SFC Thomas Twigg — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 09:31:52 -0500

Never really cared for this movie, but this was the best scene from it. https://youtu.be/-aeNmupIYQk

U.S. Military - D.B.A.

Death By Acronyms Clip from Renaissance Man starring Danny DeVito.

Response by MSgt Ediberto Leal made Jan 8 at 2017 12:48 AM

MSgt Ediberto Leal — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 00:48:36 -0500

Some historian debate whether Gen Lee actually spoke these words however I feel it is one of my favorite "alleged" military quotes. lol!

"It is well that war is so terrible otherwise we should grow too fond of it."
- General Robert E. Lee
Battle of Fredericksburg 1862

Response by MSG Frederick Otero made Jan 10 at 2017 1:42 PM

MSG Frederick Otero — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:42:07 -0500

"The calm courage in tumult, that serenity of a soul in danger which is the greatest gift of nature for command." Voltaire ? From "The Guns at Last Light"

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Jan 10 at 2017 9:46 PM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 21:46:38 -0500

"Lead me, follow me, or get the HELL out of my way" - George S. Patton

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Jan 10 at 2017 9:48 PM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 21:48:28 -0500

"Be polite, be professional, be prepared to kill everyone you meet" - Gen Maddog Mattis (you know I had to throw some Maddog out there, right?)

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Jan 10 at 2017 10:51 PM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 22:51:39 -0500

I just thought of two more, I don't know who originally said them, if anyone does, please let me know.
"A f*#K up on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part."
"Nobody ever drowned in sweat"

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jan 11 at 2017 8:05 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 08:05:26 -0500

Not a quote attributed to any individual, but uttered by virtually every Inspection Team I encountered: We are only here to help.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Jan 11 at 2017 9:42 AM

MSgt George Cater — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 09:42:10 -0500

Why in hell can't the Army do it if the Marines can. They are the same kind of men; why can't they be like Marines.

John J. Pershing, General of the Armies

Response by MSgt George Cater made Jan 11 at 2017 9:44 AM

MSgt George Cater — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 09:44:25 -0500

A Marine should be sworn to the patient endurance of hardships, like the ancient knights; and it is not the least of these necessary hardships to have to serve with sailors.

Field Marshal Sir Bernard Law Montgomery

Response by MSgt George Cater made Jan 11 at 2017 9:50 AM

MSgt George Cater — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 09:50:52 -0500

Any officer can get by on his sergeants. To be a sergeant you have to know your stuff. I'd rather be an outstanding sergeant than just another officer.
SgtMaj Daniel Daly, USMC,
MOH x 2

Response by MSgt George Cater made Jan 11 at 2017 9:57 AM

MSgt George Cater — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 09:57:33 -0500

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Jan 13 at 2017 11:29 AM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 11:29:27 -0500

"A soldier who won't fuck, won't fight". George S. Patton

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made Jan 19 at 2017 11:35 AM

SFC Stephen Carden — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 11:35:01 -0500

I have two more:
1. No good decision was ever made in a swivel chair. - George S. Patton
2. Out of every one hundred men, ten shouldn't even be there, eighty are just targets, nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back. - Heraclitus

Response by MSgt Gregory Moon made Jan 24 at 2017 8:18 AM

MSgt Gregory Moon — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:18:15 -0500

"We have no plan... And By God were sticking to it!"

Response by SGT Walter Lester made Jan 26 at 2017 7:58 PM

SGT Walter Lester — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 19:58:58 -0500

Our PLT SGT told us on the first day in basic training to; " Keep your mouth shut, do what you are told, and don't volunteer for anything".

Response by Sgt Bob Leonard made Feb 1 at 2017 10:30 AM

Sgt Bob Leonard — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 10:30:19 -0500

"It became necessary to destroy the town to save it."

followed closely by

"Good luck is the residue of good planning."

The first one from an 8 Feb, 1968 AP article about Ben Tre. The second from a surgeon I worked with in civilian life who had been a MASH surgeon.

Response by CPL Leslie Andrews made Feb 1 at 2017 9:10 PM

CPL Leslie Andrews — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 21:10:57 -0500

Death before dishonor & You can't get a Purple Heart hiding in a fox hole.

Response by CPL Bill Siggelow made Mar 14 at 2017 9:50 AM

CPL Bill Siggelow — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 09:50:31 -0400

"Be advised. I'm mean, nasty and tired. I eat concertina wire and piss napalm and I can put a round in a flea's ass at 200 meters. So why don't you go hump somebody else's leg, mutt face, before I push yours in." ~ Gunny Highway

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2017 10:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 10:37:43 -0400

"The reason the American Army does so well in wartime, is that war is chaos, and the American Army practices it on a daily basis."
- from a post-war debriefing of a German General

Response by Sgt William Kelley made Mar 14 at 2017 11:15 AM

Sgt William Kelley — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 11:15:58 -0400

"Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet." - Gen. Mattis

Response by CPO John Dupee made Mar 16 at 2017 1:13 PM

CPO John Dupee — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 13:13:47 -0400

"Don't flinch from the fire, boys! There's a hotter fire than that waiting for those who don't do their duty! GIVE THAT RASCALLY TUG ANOTHER SHOT!"
-CAPT David G Farrugut as is ships were being threatened by Confederate fire barges (tugs) as he was attempting to get past Forts Jackson and St. Frederick

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Mar 16 at 2017 3:01 PM

CW2 Michael Mullikin — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 15:01:04 -0400

Niccolo Machiavelli: Gold won't always get you goog soldiers, but good soldiers can always get you gold.

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Mar 16 at 2017 3:06 PM

CW2 Michael Mullikin — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 15:06:33 -0400

General Charles LaSalle, legendary Napoeonic Hussar commander, when he needed to motivate his troops, would post them on a hillside under artillery fire (with himself at the front, of course): Soldiers! Sit up straight! Those are cannonballs, not turds!

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Mar 16 at 2017 3:08 PM

CW2 Michael Mullikin — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 15:08:52 -0400

The real difference between the Army and Marines? The Marines to their killing retail, the Army does their wholesale.

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Mar 16 at 2017 4:30 PM

PO1 Donald Hammond — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 16:30:29 -0400

It is funny that this quote is attributed to Patton, but was only in the movie "No man ever won a war by dying for his country. Wars were won by making the other poor bastard die for his."

And most of us think Patton was a great man. No. He was a great General but as a man, well how about this quote from him? "In the second place, Harrison and his ilk believe that the Displaced Person is a human being, which he is not, and this applies particularly to the Jews, who are lower than animals."

So here is one of my favorites.
“Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons.”
― Douglas MacArthur

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Mar 16 at 2017 5:41 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 17:41:32 -0400

Sp4 Byron Skinner. "Find the Bastards and pile on." ALLONS Brothers and Sisters

Response by MSG Michael McEleney made Mar 16 at 2017 6:35 PM

MSG Michael McEleney — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 18:35:00 -0400

' We are not retreating we're attacking in a different direction"
-Major General O.P. Smith USMC during the Chosin Campaign

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Mar 17 at 2017 1:43 AM

MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 01:43:12 -0400

A couple of things come to mind...we will never know what words were said, but the cannon shot fired from The Alamo when Santa Anna sent a surrender demand spoke volumes; second, this may merely be a movie script line, but in one of the movies about The Korean War, the line goes, "Retreat hell, we're just advancing in the other direction!".

Response by GySgt David Weihausen made Mar 17 at 2017 1:53 PM

GySgt David Weihausen — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 13:53:04 -0400

One of my favorites is from Sands of Iwo Jima, "Life's tough enough already. It's even tougher when you're stupid!" - Sgt Striker (John Wayne)

Response by LT Richard Mondak made Mar 21 at 2017 11:12 AM

LT Richard Mondak — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 11:12:00 -0400

The quote I used most often during my career and in the 22 years since I retired has been, "Have a FINE NAVY DAY". But one(s) that I am told that I will be remembered for are during my Instructor days at the SFIDC Program at NSHS, Portsmouth: "Common things occur more commonly" and "if you're not the Lead Dog, the scenery Never changes. Strive to become the Lead Dog".
I am proud of how many of the (then) young Petty Officers rose to Leadership positions, especially the several who were appointed as MCPOC and even CO status!

Response by Sgt Den OBrien made Mar 21 at 2017 1:58 PM

Sgt Den OBrien — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:58:03 -0400

WHAT THE FECK WAS THAT ??!! Tojo Beni Haha, Mayor of Hiroshima.

Response by Sgt Heriberto Salinas made Mar 25 at 2017 3:08 PM

Sgt Heriberto Salinas — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 15:08:34 -0400

Gunny Sargeant Highway - "I hear the United States Marines are looking for a few good men, unfortunately you ain't it!

Response by SGT Glen Barr made Mar 28 at 2017 11:12 AM

SGT Glen Barr — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 11:12:41 -0400

Get out of that hole, private! What's the matter? You want to live forever?

Response by Sgt Wayne Wienke made Jul 25 at 2017 12:24 PM

Sgt Wayne Wienke — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 12:24:23 -0400

Anything from Chesty Puller.

Response by PFC Eric Parrish made Jul 25 at 2017 12:38 PM

PFC Eric Parrish — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 12:38:30 -0400

"We're surrounded. That simplifies the problem."

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Jul 27 at 2017 1:02 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 13:02:09 -0400

Sp4 Byron Skinner I see to many movies being watched and not enough reading. The answer top the question is "Nuts" December 1944. The exact right word in that situation, this one word represents all that the US Army stands for.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey S. made Aug 3 at 2017 2:06 PM

PO2 Jeffrey S. — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 14:06:30 -0400

The Navy is very old and very wise.

Rudyard Kipling

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Aug 3 at 2017 11:45 PM

MAJ Don Bigger — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 23:45:50 -0400

The only difference between the Boy Scouts and the Marines is the Boy Scouts have adult leadership (my 1SG told me this when I was promoted to LCPL)

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Aug 4 at 2017 12:25 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 00:25:36 -0400

Pain is good; pain is just weakness leaving the body. -- Series Commander 1LT Winter, Fox Company, 2nd RTBN, MCRD SAN Diego.

(He probably heard it somewhere else and borrowed it.)

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Aug 4 at 2017 12:51 AM

SGT Eric Knutson — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 00:51:21 -0400

Random troop retreating through Bastonge " You will be surrounded" Maj (still Cpt at the time I think) Dick Winters, "we're Airborne, that is our default position" My other favorite is Gen Patton stating " Your job is not to die for your country, but to make the other poor bastard die for his"

Response by CPT Chase Sanger made Apr 5 at 2018 3:17 PM

CPT Chase Sanger — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 15:17:45 -0400

Reporter: “What keeps you awake at night?” GEN (Ret) “Chaos” Mattis: “Nothing, I keep people awake at night.” That was the most epic quote of all time. He didn’t even pause when answering

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Jul 11 at 2018 10:01 AM

CPT Larry Hudson — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 10:01:55 -0400

Old soldiers never die, they just fade away. Duty honor country

Response by Samantha S. made Aug 11 at 2018 3:43 PM

Samantha S. — Sat, 11 Aug 2018 15:43:56 -0400

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 11 at 2018 7:19 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 11 Aug 2018 19:19:21 -0400

Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 13 at 2018 8:48 PM

SrA John Monette — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 20:48:08 -0500

you want the truth? YOU CAN"T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 14 at 2018 3:16 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:16:58 -0500

If you maneuver quickly, it's an ambush. Our mission is to destroy the enemy, not defeat them.

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 14 at 2018 9:16 PM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 21:16:26 -0500

It is probably military myth, but here it is... [Vulgarity Alert]

When an anonymous Marine marching out of the Chosin Reservoir was asked what was the worst thing about fighting in extreme cold weather, he told the female war correspondent;

"Pissing through six inches of clothes with four inches of dick."

It was cold, there was shrinkage!

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Nov 16 at 2018 11:27 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 23:27:06 -0500

There is nothing like the smell of napam in the morning. Good morning vietnam.

Response by SSG Randy Talbot made Nov 19 at 2018 8:32 AM

SSG Randy Talbot — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 08:32:50 -0500

No battle plan survives contact with the enemies main force-- Helmut von Moltke

Live each day as though it was your last, and one day you shan't be wrong - Harry Harbord Morant, on his way to be executed.

When asked how he could remember such detail after 40 years from WWII, U.S. Army paratrooper SGT Donald Burgett remarked, "how can I forget."

Response by COL Brian Shea made Nov 19 at 2018 11:30 AM

COL Brian Shea — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 11:30:07 -0500

I believe it was GEN Schwarzkopf who said: "90 percent of what I learned in the military I learned by screwing it up the first time". Underscores the need to make those mistakes in training. And from GEN Powell's Rules: "Being responsible means sometimes pissing people off". I am sad that our Army has gone from senior leaders such as these to a group that seemingly spends most of their time figuring out new Class A's and how to complicate the APFT.

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Apr 2 at 2019 4:14 PM

PO1 Richard Nyberg — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 16:14:55 -0400

My favorite was from Gen Patton"no poor avatars ever won a war by dying for his country.He won it by making the other bastards die for his.

Response by PO3 Michael L made Apr 23 at 2019 2:18 PM

PO3 Michael L — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 14:18:45 -0400

Never again volunteer yourself

Response by CSM Stuart Fuller made Jun 19 at 2019 10:38 PM

CSM Stuart Fuller — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 22:38:30 -0400

Armies are for fighting

Response by Sgt Robert M Roush made Jun 20 at 2019 1:02 AM

Sgt Robert M Roush — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 01:02:19 -0400

Chesty! We are surrounded on all sides.
Those Bastards can't get away from us now!

Response by PO3 Doug Threadgill made Jun 21 at 2019 2:35 PM

PO3 Doug Threadgill — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 14:35:02 -0400

"Damn the torpedo's, full speed ahead!"
"Bravery is being scarred to death, but you saddle up anyway!" The Duke, John Wayne.
"We have nothing to fear, but fear itself!" Franklin D. Roosevelt.
"Ain't no body better than me, but I ain't no better than anyone else!" My Granddaddy J C. Threadgill

Response by 2LT Earl Dean made Jun 26 at 2019 9:58 AM

2LT Earl Dean — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 09:58:01 -0400

If you something wrong and do nothing about it, you have just set a new standard! Gen Kenneth Himpsle, 38th infantry division

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 28 at 2019 6:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 18:31:40 -0400

On my command, unleash hell!

A good plan violently executed right now is far better than a perfect plan executed next week.

Accept the challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.

May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won’t.

Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.

No poor bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making other bastards die for their country.

The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.

Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.

If a man does his best, what else is there?

Response by LCpl Steve Zupan made Jul 5 at 2019 9:45 PM

LCpl Steve Zupan — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 21:45:45 -0400

“Thousands of combat veterans earned medals for bravery every day. A few were even awarded.”

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 17 at 2019 11:35 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:35:48 -0400

Trump: I am a military genius.

Response by SGT Ron Swinchock made Jul 31 at 2019 7:53 PM

SGT Ron Swinchock — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 19:53:29 -0400

The problem with civilians is nobody is in charge of them.

"My basic training drill sergeant." Staff Sergeant Hassett, Fort Jackson, SC 1966

Response by SN R. E. Burgoyne made Jul 31 at 2019 8:01 PM

SN R. E. Burgoyne — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:01:12 -0400

Hurry up and wait.

Response by SSgt Robert Hakes made Jul 31 at 2019 8:08 PM

SSgt Robert Hakes — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:08:24 -0400

I Shall Return !! General Douglas Macarthur

Response by PFC Joshua Dill made Jul 31 at 2019 8:16 PM

PFC Joshua Dill — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:16:16 -0400

"Wrap your sapper before you go into the breach." - Spc. James Johnson during weekend safety brief. Solid advice.

Response by LCpl Dennis Lorenz made Jul 31 at 2019 8:18 PM

LCpl Dennis Lorenz — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:18:46 -0400

Bagdad Bob bragging how great of a job the Iraqi military was doing

Response by Sgt Ed Matthews made Jul 31 at 2019 8:26 PM

Sgt Ed Matthews — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:26:08 -0400

" The Difficult We Can Do Now, The Impossible Takes A Little Longer"

Response by Sgt Charles lINDSAY made Jul 31 at 2019 8:28 PM

Sgt Charles lINDSAY — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:28:02 -0400

LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY!

Response by CPL Tom Walker made Jul 31 at 2019 8:37 PM

CPL Tom Walker — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:37:50 -0400

As Commander in Chief, this from President Lincoln should count as a military quote. In fact, different versions of the story can be found over time, but here's the one I like best: "When some one charged Gen. Grant, in the President’s hearing, with drinking too much liquor, Mr. Lincoln, recalling Gen. Grant’s successes, said that if he could find out what brand of whisky Grant drank, he would send a barrel of it to all the other commanders."

Response by A1C David Land made Jul 31 at 2019 8:38 PM

A1C David Land — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:38:27 -0400

Hurry up and wait

Response by SGT Chuck Pelletier made Jul 31 at 2019 8:40 PM

SGT Chuck Pelletier — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:40:13 -0400

Act like you’re got a purpose in life! First Sargent Sercy

Response by LCpl Efrom Clark made Jul 31 at 2019 8:57 PM

LCpl Efrom Clark — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:57:46 -0400

Semper Fidelis

Response by Lt Col Melinda Morrell made Jul 31 at 2019 8:58 PM

Lt Col Melinda Morrell — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:58:06 -0400

"Only in a B-52." Bruce W. German, former Tehran Embassy hostage upon being asked if he'd ever return to Iran.

Response by CPO Heidi Cermak made Jul 31 at 2019 8:58 PM

CPO Heidi Cermak — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:58:39 -0400

Praise the lord and pass the ammo

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Jul 31 at 2019 8:59 PM

Sgt Ivan Boatwright — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:59:10 -0400

ONE SHOT, ONE KILL.

Response by 1LT Arne Dahl made Jul 31 at 2019 9:05 PM

1LT Arne Dahl — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:05:35 -0400

When I was in OCS at FT BENNING , an officer pointed to the "FOLLOW ME " statue ,outside of INFANTRY HALL, and said , 'THERE ARE NO STATUES FOR" AFTER YOU" .... SO TRUE!

Response by PFC Jody Roberts made Jul 31 at 2019 9:07 PM

PFC Jody Roberts — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:07:05 -0400

Trainee trainee don't be blue Jody's in the army too

Response by Cpl Gary Carlson made Jul 31 at 2019 9:09 PM

Cpl Gary Carlson — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:09:52 -0400

“Be polite and kind to everyone you meet, but have a plan to kill them all” by general mattis

Response by MSgt Ronald Margulski made Jul 31 at 2019 9:11 PM

MSgt Ronald Margulski — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:11:13 -0400

aim high

Response by SGT Justin Luther made Jul 31 at 2019 9:12 PM

SGT Justin Luther — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:12:26 -0400

Don't be a dickface.

Response by Capt Vernon Tabor made Jul 31 at 2019 9:18 PM

Capt Vernon Tabor — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:18:44 -0400

“All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us…they can't get away this time”
--Chesty Puller, USMC

Response by MSG Billy Summers made Jul 31 at 2019 9:22 PM

MSG Billy Summers — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:22:43 -0400

It is not for glory nor riches, neither is it for honors we fight.
But it is for the sake of liberty alone which no man loseth but at the cost of his life.
Edinburgh Castle
Royal Scots Regiment of Foot

Response by CPT Scott Jennings made Jul 31 at 2019 9:30 PM

CPT Scott Jennings — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:30:25 -0400

The situation is hopeless but not serious.

Response by CPL Michael Simmons made Jul 31 at 2019 9:48 PM

CPL Michael Simmons — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:48:02 -0400

Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds. Colon Powell

Response by Sgt Deloyd Cook made Jul 31 at 2019 9:48 PM

Sgt Deloyd Cook — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:48:09 -0400

Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead

Response by GySgt Richard Nolasco made Jul 31 at 2019 9:49 PM

GySgt Richard Nolasco — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:49:05 -0400

You shit heads

Response by PO3 Robert Christensen made Jul 31 at 2019 9:55 PM

PO3 Robert Christensen — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 21:55:09 -0400

Give me a wrench! What size? I don’t care I’m using it as a hammer. Jeeze!

Response by LT Suz Macey made Jul 31 at 2019 10:00 PM

LT Suz Macey — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:00:52 -0400

We (The United States of America) is second to none, and if you don’t believe it we will be happy to prove it. Author unknown

Response by MSgt Brian Lawler made Jul 31 at 2019 10:08 PM

MSgt Brian Lawler — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:08:07 -0400

Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
-Dwight D. Eisenhower

Response by SGM Joe McCormack made Jul 31 at 2019 10:09 PM

SGM Joe McCormack — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:09:32 -0400

Soldiers are soldiers, only the color of the buttons changes.
Fredrick the Great

Response by LT Suz Macey made Jul 31 at 2019 10:14 PM

LT Suz Macey — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:14:59 -0400

My father (while in the Air Force) played hard, but worked harder.
During my career, I didn’t expect anyone to work harder than I was willing to work. My surgical techs were often asked by new techs to my OR room, who is the nurse. The answer was either the one running the buffer, scrubbing the OR table, or whatever needed doing. I think that came from being on the line side enlisted, and knowing what it was about. I trusted my techs, and they knew I had their backs. GOD BLESS THEM ALL!!!!

Response by SPC Janice Stewart made Jul 31 at 2019 10:26 PM

SPC Janice Stewart — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:26:43 -0400

Stay alert, stay alive!!

Response by SPC David Headrick made Jul 31 at 2019 10:40 PM

SPC David Headrick — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:40:01 -0400

Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!

Response by SP5 Paul Merrell made Jul 31 at 2019 10:56 PM

SP5 Paul Merrell — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:56:19 -0400

I'll offer my own wisdom from 27 months "service" in RVN:

"When you find yourself part of an invading force in a foreign land fighting patriots, it's time for a reality check on your world view."

Response by CPT George Hupp made Jul 31 at 2019 11:01 PM

CPT George Hupp — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 23:01:21 -0400

Don't write checks that your can't cash.

Response by CPT George Hupp made Jul 31 at 2019 11:02 PM

CPT George Hupp — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 23:02:11 -0400

Don't write checks that your body can't cash.

Response by Sgt Ben Rodriguez-Catter made Jul 31 at 2019 11:32 PM

Sgt Ben Rodriguez-Catter — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 23:32:48 -0400

I have two favorites, both from Hollywood:
(From Band of Brothers)
Ronald Spiers: “The only hope you have is to accept the fact that you're already dead. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you'll be able to function as a soldier is supposed to function: without mercy, without compassion, without remorse. All war depends upon it.”
(From The Four Feathers)
Jack Durrance: “You may be lost, but you are not forgotten. For those who have travelled far, to fight in foreign lands, know that the soldier's greatest comfort is to have his friends close at hand. In the heat of battle it ceases to be an idea for which we fight. Or a flag. Rather we fight for the man on our left, and we fight for the man on our right. And when armies are scattered and the empires fall away, all that remains is the memory of those precious moments that we spent side by side.”

Response by Sgt Gene Riesebeck made Jul 31 at 2019 11:56 PM

Sgt Gene Riesebeck — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 23:56:20 -0400

"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't" Gen. George S. Patton, Jr.

Response by SP5 Terry Wolcott made Aug 1 at 2019 12:04 AM

SP5 Terry Wolcott — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:04:32 -0400

There is the right way and the wrong way or the Army way!

Response by AN John Blevins made Aug 1 at 2019 12:09 AM

AN John Blevins — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:09:09 -0400

Loyalty to my country always.

Response by AA Gregory Boyd made Aug 1 at 2019 12:12 AM

AA Gregory Boyd — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:12:56 -0400

WAR IS HELL By William T. Sherman

Response by CPL Lynda Wade made Aug 1 at 2019 12:33 AM

CPL Lynda Wade — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:33:12 -0400

1 of my favorite quotes come from my 1978 US Army Basic Training Drill Sergeant are: "You left your mother and father at home and now we are your mother and father.

Response by Col Lyman Faith made Aug 1 at 2019 12:58 AM

Col Lyman Faith — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:58:02 -0400

If I had my choice I would kill every reporter in the world, but I am sure we would be getting reports from Hell before breakfast.
William Tecumseh Sherman

Response by CPL Merwin Stapp made Aug 1 at 2019 12:59 AM

CPL Merwin Stapp — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:59:16 -0400

"Retreat Hell we just got Here "

Response by PO2 Harrison Barton made Aug 1 at 2019 1:07 AM

PO2 Harrison Barton — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 01:07:11 -0400

The difficult we do immediately, the impossible may take a little while longer.

Response by SGT Jay Holland made Aug 1 at 2019 1:43 AM

SGT Jay Holland — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 01:43:35 -0400

When I was still in the Corps (I am split service), I heard the saying: "We the willing, led by the unknowing, do the impossible, for the ungrateful. We have done so much, for so long, with so little, we can now accomplish anything, with nothing."

Response by SGT Justin Luther made Aug 1 at 2019 1:53 AM

SGT Justin Luther — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 01:53:14 -0400

I always found this succinct, "Don't let the bastards grind you down." Probably seen me through a lot I shouldn't been seen through.

Response by Capt Richard Chason made Aug 1 at 2019 2:26 AM

Capt Richard Chason — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 02:26:16 -0400

NUTS (Battle of the Bulge Commanding General's reply to German Commander request for surrender of US troops)

Response by MSgt Fred Moore made Aug 1 at 2019 4:25 AM

MSgt Fred Moore — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 04:25:45 -0400

We are a Military Family

Response by SP5 David Buchanan made Aug 1 at 2019 5:36 AM

SP5 David Buchanan — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 05:36:17 -0400

From one of the DI's at Basic, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO: If the good lord had intended you to smoke, he would have built a chimney out your ass.

Response by Sgt John Slevin made Aug 1 at 2019 5:40 AM

Sgt John Slevin — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 05:40:33 -0400

Suck it up Marine

Response by PO3 Troy Stutsman made Aug 1 at 2019 5:51 AM

PO3 Troy Stutsman — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 05:51:58 -0400

From Boot Camp...
“Nut to Butt, Nut to Butt...
Make Your Buddy Smile”...!
Every time I think of this it still
cracks me up...!

Response by SPC Bill Taylor made Aug 1 at 2019 7:01 AM

SPC Bill Taylor — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 07:01:59 -0400

My drill sergeant at Ft. Leonard Wood once told me (for no apparent reason) "I'd rather have a sister in a whorehouse than a brother like you" Hilarious! I have also always loved the one liners from R Lee Ermey in Full Metal Jacket

Response by 2ndLt Melissa Molfetas made Aug 1 at 2019 7:34 AM

2ndLt Melissa Molfetas — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 07:34:47 -0400

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
--George Orwell

Response by PO3 Gary Kubicki made Aug 1 at 2019 8:06 AM

PO3 Gary Kubicki — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:06:51 -0400

"Aviation of itself is not inherently dangerous, but it is mercilessly unforgiving of human error."
A quote hanging on the wall in Aviation "A" school in Memphis Tenn. back in the early 1980's that I always remembered.

Response by A1C Paul Wind made Aug 1 at 2019 8:34 AM

A1C Paul Wind — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:34:28 -0400

Don't tread on me.

Response by 1LT Neil Plain made Aug 1 at 2019 8:36 AM

1LT Neil Plain — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:36:43 -0400

“Vietnam a bad trip all expenses paid!” Don’t know if I heard it or made it up myself but I use it all the time. That said, as an adviser to the RF & PF I found the Vietnamese to be very friendly and the country very beautiful.

Response by Col Arthur Van Houten made Aug 1 at 2019 8:44 AM

Col Arthur Van Houten — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:44:33 -0400

With regards to leadership it would have to be: "Involvement!" MGen Rondal Smith
https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105623/major-general-rondal-h-smith/

MAJOR GENERAL RONDAL H. SMITH U.S. Air Force Biography Display

Major General Rondal H. Smith is commander, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. The center is one of the Air Force's five air logistics centers and is Georgia's largest industrial complex. The general is responsible for,

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 1 at 2019 8:46 AM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:46:55 -0400

"Be All That You Can Be" -
The Navy Says - Its not a JOB! Its an Adventure

Response by PO3 Daniel Thomas made Aug 1 at 2019 8:49 AM

PO3 Daniel Thomas — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:49:25 -0400

Haze gray and underway!

Response by SPC Vincent A Cartelli made Aug 1 at 2019 8:54 AM

SPC Vincent A Cartelli — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:54:03 -0400

HURRY UP & wait

Response by PO2 Richard Murlless made Aug 1 at 2019 8:57 AM

PO2 Richard Murlless — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:57:36 -0400

Never tell a soldier he does not know the cost of war.
From the movie, "Eye In The Sky".

Response by PO1 Joseph Collins made Aug 1 at 2019 9:14 AM

PO1 Joseph Collins — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 09:14:54 -0400

“I have not yet begun to fight!” John Paul Jones battle of Jones’ Bonhomme Richard against the British vessel Serapis. With his ship on fire, severely damaged and sinking, Jones was asked “Has your ship struck?” (to “strike”or haul down your “colors”/flag to indicate your surrender) to which he responded with the famous reply above. At the end of the battle the Serapis commander, Captain Pearson, struck HIS colors. Jones and his men seized the Serapis as the Bonhomme Richard sank.

Response by MSgt LaMoyne Darnall made Aug 1 at 2019 9:15 AM

MSgt LaMoyne Darnall — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 09:15:00 -0400

Can do easy

Response by SP5 Steven Feuer made Aug 1 at 2019 9:29 AM

SP5 Steven Feuer — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 09:29:21 -0400

You take care of your equipment and your equipment will take care of you

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 1 at 2019 9:33 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 09:33:53 -0400

Been there, done that (BTDT)...my next younger brother had one to USMMA Kings Point, I commissioned him when he finished and went USNR, I was in then, he told me that's one of their favroties, apparently....

Response by Sgt Gary Marsh made Aug 1 at 2019 9:34 AM

Sgt Gary Marsh — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 09:34:11 -0400

Hurry up - and wait.

Response by SPC James Lewis made Aug 1 at 2019 9:34 AM

SPC James Lewis — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 09:34:59 -0400

Remember; your M-16 was made by the lowest bidder.

Response by CPL Matthew Hurtt made Aug 1 at 2019 9:38 AM

CPL Matthew Hurtt — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 09:38:06 -0400

“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”
― Douglas MacArthur

Response by PO1 Charles Smith made Aug 1 at 2019 9:38 AM

PO1 Charles Smith — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 09:38:54 -0400

Eisenhower;"Plans may be useless, but planning is priceless."

Response by Cpl Diana Thompson made Aug 1 at 2019 9:42 AM

Cpl Diana Thompson — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 09:42:20 -0400

"Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet." - James Mattis, GEN USMC (Ret). It just doesn't get any more profound, does it?

Response by CWO4 Ray Fairman made Aug 1 at 2019 10:03 AM

CWO4 Ray Fairman — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 10:03:12 -0400

"Commanders have subordinates and lead by virtue of authority, while leaders have followers and command by virtue of respect." I learned this from an old CWO4 I used to know back in 1964 he also said, "There are too damn many commanders in today's military and not enough leaders." followed by, " Commanders are quick to remind their subordinates that they are subordinate, while leaders are quick to realize that they are as likely to be trampled beneath the feet of those they oppress as they are to be carried to victory on the shoulders of those they serve."
That is why I loved it when I was finally honored with the title "Gunner"

Response by SSG Ricky Downing made Aug 1 at 2019 10:13 AM

SSG Ricky Downing — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 10:13:36 -0400

I have two
1. Alert and Alive Drill Sergeant Alert and Alive
2. Put it in the box get out of here ( linen change in supply)

Response by SGT Athony P Ventola made Aug 1 at 2019 10:20 AM

SGT Athony P Ventola — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 10:20:59 -0400

syanding tall looking good

Response by SPC Shayne Emerson made Aug 1 at 2019 10:41 AM

SPC Shayne Emerson — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 10:41:23 -0400

Move like you have a purpose soldier.

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made Aug 1 at 2019 10:48 AM

CW2 Michael Bodnar — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 10:48:18 -0400

"Never tell someone how to do something, tell them what you want done and then let them surprise you with their ingenuity." GEN George S. Patton Jr.

Response by PO1 Tera Saucedo made Aug 1 at 2019 12:37 PM

PO1 Tera Saucedo — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:37:57 -0400

Hurry up and wait!

Response by CDR John Crowley made Aug 1 at 2019 1:13 PM

CDR John Crowley — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 13:13:13 -0400

When war comes, they call the sunsabitches. ADM Ernie King

Response by A1C John Difonzo made Aug 1 at 2019 1:53 PM

A1C John Difonzo — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 13:53:57 -0400

FUBAR

Response by LCpl Dayton Guinee made Aug 1 at 2019 2:21 PM

LCpl Dayton Guinee — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:21:55 -0400

Marines are like Flies, they eat sit and bother people!

Response by SGT David Briner made Aug 1 at 2019 5:04 PM

SGT David Briner — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 17:04:35 -0400

dd mow

Response by CPL Donn Jeffrey made Aug 1 at 2019 6:04 PM

CPL Donn Jeffrey — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 18:04:41 -0400

If you needed a family the army would of issued you one

Response by PO3 Michael Marceau made Aug 1 at 2019 6:54 PM

PO3 Michael Marceau — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 18:54:57 -0400

"I don't want you to die for your country. I want that other poor bastard to die for his!" George Patton .

Response by Sgt Gary Stevens made Aug 1 at 2019 7:40 PM

Sgt Gary Stevens — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 19:40:03 -0400

You may the love the Marine Corps, but she doesn't always love you back.

Response by SFC Ronald Eaton made Aug 1 at 2019 8:20 PM

SFC Ronald Eaton — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:20:08 -0400

As fuc*ed up as a soup sandwich

Response by CPL Chris Capehart made Aug 1 at 2019 9:18 PM

CPL Chris Capehart — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 21:18:17 -0400

The best quote ever "When you put your hand into a bunch of goo that a moment before was your best friend's face, you'll know what to do."

Response by CPL Chris Capehart made Aug 1 at 2019 9:24 PM

CPL Chris Capehart — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 21:24:07 -0400

Sir Winston Churchill “Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous states have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”

Response by SSG David Phetteplace made Aug 1 at 2019 9:27 PM

SSG David Phetteplace — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 21:27:01 -0400

Also from General Mattis:
‘Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.’

Response by SPC Patrick Fitzgerald made Aug 1 at 2019 11:51 PM

SPC Patrick Fitzgerald — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 23:51:56 -0400

Get there first with the most!

General Nathan Bedford Forrest

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2019 12:51 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 00:51:47 -0400

Guess I can't just copy and paste Patton's whole speech to the Third Army, so here's a couple of my favorite lines:

"No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country."

"An army is a team. It lives, eats, sleeps, and fights as a team. This individual hero stuff is bullshit."

"We're not just going to shoot the bastards, we're going to rip out their living goddamned guts and use them to grease the treads of our tanks. We're going to murder those lousy Hun cocksuckers by the bushel-fucking-basket."

"When shells are hitting all around you and you wipe the dirt from your face and you realize that it's not dirt, it's the blood and gut of what was once your best friend, you'll know what to do."

"I don't want any messages saying 'I'm holding my position.' We're not holding a goddamned thing. We're advancing constantly and we're not interested in holding anything except the enemy's balls."

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2019 9:14 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 09:14:15 -0400

I am partial to Gen Mac; and it is a bit unpopular I know since he is portrayed as pompous, however, the entire speech to the Corps of Cadets in 1962 upon his acceptance of the Sylvanus Thayer Medal/Award, is a quote. If you have never taken the time to listen to it, do so; as the man stood up after introductions and spoke from the heart with not a single prepared remark. The intellect is truly amazing. Do we even have that in this day in time? Here is the quote - and still relative today with all of the nonsense swirling around, the military must stay focused on our one true purpose "And through this welter of change and development, your mission remains fixed, determined, inviolable--it is to win our wars" he goes on to say that, "in war there is no substitute for victory; that if you lose the nation will be destroyed; that the very obsession of your public service must be Duty-Honor-Country."

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2019 9:18 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 09:18:49 -0400

The 30 minute + speech
https://www.americanrhetoric.com/mp3clips/speeches/douglasmacarthurthayeraward.mp3

douglasmacarthurthayeraward.mp3

Response by PO2 Brian Hoadley made Aug 2 at 2019 9:39 AM

PO2 Brian Hoadley — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 09:39:07 -0400

FUBAR - I've looked back through this board and only saw 1 mention but i've heard this quote/term used by all branches, in all kinds of situations as far back as I can remember. Surprised it wasn't used here more.

Response by SFC David S made Aug 2 at 2019 12:16 PM

SFC David S — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 12:16:18 -0400

Dig a hole soldier, until I am tired....

Response by Capt Russell Mosher made Aug 2 at 2019 2:45 PM

Capt Russell Mosher — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 14:45:14 -0400

Hurry up and wait!

Response by PO1 Edward Speary made Aug 2 at 2019 6:57 PM

PO1 Edward Speary — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 18:57:38 -0400

the favarite quote from ehg.dept.on the carrior was 'Fuck'em and feed'hotdogs"

Response by Sgt Robert Shea made Aug 3 at 2019 8:51 AM

Sgt Robert Shea — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 08:51:48 -0400

When no other remedies are available, ENDURE. USMC

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 3 at 2019 9:56 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 09:56:49 -0400

One of many from the DESERT STORM era. GEN Schwartzkof, USCINCCENT, in Execute Order starting US attack, “We are going home, through Kuwait.”

Response by SP5 Charles Gould made Aug 3 at 2019 12:23 PM

SP5 Charles Gould — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 12:23:04 -0400

Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.

Response by Cpl Robert Hannan made Aug 3 at 2019 12:35 PM

Cpl Robert Hannan — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 12:35:56 -0400

THE MARINE PHILOSOPHY; To Find Us You Must Be Good,
To Catch Us You Must Be Fast,
To Beat Us You Must Be Kidding.......

Response by SP5 Charles Gould made Aug 3 at 2019 12:57 PM

SP5 Charles Gould — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 12:57:30 -0400

Not sure this went through..do trying again.
"Start where you are; use what you have; do what you can."
My Recon Platoon Leader in 'Nam.

Response by PFC Dan Savage made Aug 3 at 2019 5:07 PM

PFC Dan Savage — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 17:07:09 -0400

We are unwilling led
by the unqualified
to do the impossible
for the ungrateful

Response by SrA Glenn Willis made Aug 3 at 2019 5:59 PM

SrA Glenn Willis — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 17:59:09 -0400

No battle plan survives contact with the enemy.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 3 at 2019 10:35 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 22:35:47 -0400

Aviation’s most useless things: runway behind you, altitude above you, and fuel in the truck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2019 11:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 23:31:33 -0400

"Starts by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible " by Francis of Assissi

Response by CPL Theodore Moore made Aug 4 at 2019 3:26 AM

CPL Theodore Moore — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 03:26:13 -0400

But honest drill Sgt. I didn't think it was loaded. by anonymous private

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 4 at 2019 9:13 AM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 09:13:00 -0400

Jack Nicholson played a Colonel in the USMC - When he said, You Can't Handle The Truth to Tom Cruise! This might be very realistic in today's society?

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Aug 4 at 2019 12:02 PM

Cpl Bernard Bates — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 12:02:03 -0400

I like Chesty Puller at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea, When over 100.000 Chinese soldiers crossed into north Korea. They surrounded the Americans on the boarder by the Yalu River that separates Manchuria from north Korea. Chesty said " The Chinese have us surrounded, BY God they wont get away this time. Semper Fi

Response by CW3 Michael Clifford made Aug 4 at 2019 5:53 PM

CW3 Michael Clifford — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 17:53:01 -0400

I had a four-star General once told me that second lieutenants were nothing more than privates with college degrees.

Response by MSgt Glenn Bindley made Aug 4 at 2019 6:37 PM

MSgt Glenn Bindley — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 18:37:28 -0400

I learned this from CFMSGT Jerry Land: "Remain, Ridgely, Flexible"

Response by MSG David King made Aug 5 at 2019 8:36 AM

MSG David King — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 08:36:21 -0400

"A civil servant is sometimes like a broken cannon - it won't work and you can't fire it." GEN George S. Patton

Response by Sgt Dale Layton made Aug 5 at 2019 8:15 PM

Sgt Dale Layton — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 20:15:52 -0400

NOT ON MY WATCH.

Response by PO3 Gary Shobe made Aug 6 at 2019 2:14 PM

PO3 Gary Shobe — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 14:14:51 -0400

Seabees can do!!!!

Response by Cpl Robert Matt made Aug 7 at 2019 11:32 AM

Cpl Robert Matt — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 11:32:59 -0400

LUCK.... WHEN PREPARATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY....Painted on the wall in our squadron at 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point Mag-14, VMA-542 Tigers

Response by Cpl Robert Matt made Aug 7 at 2019 11:46 AM

Cpl Robert Matt — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 11:46:26 -0400

LUCK.... WHEN PREPARATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY... painted on the wall at our squadron at 2nd MAW Cherry Point MAG-14 VMA-542

Response by SGT Jeff Donohue made Aug 7 at 2019 5:17 PM

SGT Jeff Donohue — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 17:17:53 -0400

Hurry up ........ amd Wait!

Response by PFC James Durfee made Aug 7 at 2019 6:48 PM

PFC James Durfee — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 18:48:27 -0400

Ward Bond in western movie , Stagecoach or Wagon Train , Ft Apache , whichever , ordering cavalry troop
" Mount up and let's get out amongst them " , hostile Indians of course and go out and whup their asses after they had kidnapped women and children

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 8 at 2019 8:56 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 08:56:17 -0400

Been there, done that (BTDT)....

Response by CSM Larry Mazzuchetti made Aug 11 at 2019 6:56 PM

CSM Larry Mazzuchetti — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 18:56:47 -0400

No mission to difficult no sacrifice too great

Response by Capt Mark Rieger made Aug 13 at 2019 11:55 PM

Capt Mark Rieger — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 23:55:59 -0400

"check your six" and "press on"

Response by MSG Chuck Pewsey made Aug 16 at 2019 7:32 PM

MSG Chuck Pewsey — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 19:32:03 -0400

I don't know if Patton actually said it or if it was just in the movie; "you don't win wars by dying for your county, you win wars by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his."

Response by CPT Jerry Lucas made Aug 18 at 2019 10:39 PM

CPT Jerry Lucas — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 22:39:09 -0400

"Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way." Gen. George S. Patton

Response by SN Donald Hoffman made Aug 22 at 2019 3:34 PM

SN Donald Hoffman — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 15:34:22 -0400

All ahead flank cavitat! This is a term we used in submarines, it speaks for itself. I try to live my civilian life by it.

Response by PO2 Kevin Egan made Aug 28 at 2019 10:32 AM

PO2 Kevin Egan — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:32:08 -0400

"Don't worry, there ain't no soap in the water"....

Response by SPC Randell Pendley made Aug 28 at 2019 3:41 PM

SPC Randell Pendley — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:41:13 -0400

KISS Keep it simple stupid.

Response by CAPT Robert Weinberger made Sep 4 at 2019 4:23 AM

CAPT Robert Weinberger — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 04:23:21 -0400

" I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way."
John Paul Jones

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Sep 4 at 2019 1:28 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 13:28:07 -0400

Can't remember if I've already responded to this, but as a PAO, one of my favorite quotes was by GEN Honore'. When a reporter tried pulling a fast one on GEN Honore', his reponse was, "You're stuck on stupid reporter. Don't get stuck on stupid." Definitely the wrong person to try to trip up.

Response by SSG Jerry Carter made Sep 4 at 2019 8:39 PM

SSG Jerry Carter — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 20:39:06 -0400

Get Squared away. !!!!!!

Response by PO2 Patrick Dwyer made Sep 4 at 2019 9:10 PM

PO2 Patrick Dwyer — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 21:10:13 -0400

Believe none of what you hear and only some of what you hear. Or Sailor if we wanted you to have a wife she would have been issued.

Response by SSG Fernando Valencia made Sep 4 at 2019 11:08 PM

SSG Fernando Valencia — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 23:08:35 -0400

"I joined the Army in 1955. The Army was my home. I was born again. My second birth was in a tank." - Colonel Yanosh Ben Gal, Commander of the 7th Armored brigade during the Yom Kippur War.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Sep 5 at 2019 10:36 AM

CH (LTC) Robert Leroe — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 10:36:58 -0400

"At any time you may be anticipating, experiencing, or recovering from a major change" (sometimes all three).

Response by SP5 Dimitri Theophano made Sep 5 at 2019 11:06 AM

SP5 Dimitri Theophano — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:06:07 -0400

Dont believe everything you hear and only half of what you see

Response by TSgt George Austin made Sep 5 at 2019 2:12 PM

TSgt George Austin — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 14:12:42 -0400

There is no problem that cannot be overcome with the right amount of high explosives.

Response by CW5 Randall Hirsch made Sep 5 at 2019 7:50 PM

CW5 Randall Hirsch — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 19:50:34 -0400

Semper Fidelios

Response by CW5 Randall Hirsch made Sep 5 at 2019 7:51 PM

CW5 Randall Hirsch — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 19:51:17 -0400

Semper Fidelis!

Response by SFC Carlton Parkhurst made Sep 6 at 2019 8:53 AM

SFC Carlton Parkhurst — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 08:53:49 -0400

Response by PO3 Walter Martin made Sep 6 at 2019 12:42 PM

PO3 Walter Martin — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 12:42:44 -0400

"If you don't know what it does, don't f*@% with it." Especially critical if you're working around jet engines, aircraft hydraulics and or ejection seats.

Response by MAJ Glenn Lasater made Sep 6 at 2019 8:32 PM

MAJ Glenn Lasater — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 20:32:00 -0400

Adapt, Innovate, and Overcome

Response by SGT Derek Wynne made Sep 7 at 2019 3:36 PM

SGT Derek Wynne — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 15:36:02 -0400

I will pop out your eye and skull fuck you, private!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2019 3:42 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 15:42:57 -0400

One of General Funks rules "Never waste good coffee" lol

Response by SGT Derek Wynne made Sep 7 at 2019 3:53 PM

SGT Derek Wynne — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 15:53:13 -0400

Never say you're sorry unless you meant to do it.

Response by Cynthia Starks made Sep 7 at 2019 8:44 PM

Cynthia Starks — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 20:44:54 -0400

The one from "A Few Good Men:" You need us on that wall. :)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2019 2:49 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 02:49:10 -0400

"The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. That hard part is doing it." - GEN (ret.) Norman Schwarzkopf

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2019 2:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 14:28:39 -0400

Another quote I like is from a mentor and former section sergeant SSG Renzulli. "Your favorite two duty stations will always be the one you're heading to next, and the one you just left." He said that you always want to think the grass is greener on the other side so you can't wait to get to that new unit. Once you get there and have that dream crushed, you'll realize how much your last assignment meant to you. I'm paraphrasing, but that's basically the conversation he had with us.

Response by CPT Paul Weiss made Sep 8 at 2019 10:12 PM

CPT Paul Weiss — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 22:12:30 -0400

"It is the unconquerable nature of man and not the nature of the weapon he uses that insures victory."

George S. Patton

Response by PFC William Waha made Sep 9 at 2019 4:08 AM

PFC William Waha — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 04:08:09 -0400

"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character . If you must be without one then be without the strategy ." --- Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf

Response by SPC Mike Schredl made Sep 9 at 2019 1:35 PM

SPC Mike Schredl — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 13:35:12 -0400

Too many to pick one favorite. Here's only a few.

"Hurrah, boys! We've caught them napping!" -Last known words of LTC George Custer, 25 June 1876, and a lesson in the dangers of underestimating your enemy.

"Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius." (“Kill them all, for God will surely know his own.”)
-Arnaud Almaric, original proponent of the "Kill 'em all, let God sort 'em out" philosophy.

"We laugh at honour and are shocked to find traitors in our midst." -C.S. Lewis

"Kerels, wollt ihr den euwig leben?" ("Rascals! Would you live forever?") -Frederick the Great, 150 years before Dan Daly's line.

and three quotes about coming under direct fire:

"I heard the bullets whistle, and, believe me, there is something charming in the sound." -GEN George Washington, French and Indian War, 1754

"Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result." -Winston Churchill, Malakand, Pakistan, 1897

"Where the $%&# did that come from?" -me, Iraq, 2007

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Sep 9 at 2019 5:01 PM

MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 17:01:04 -0400

This quote from an American figure is kind of ancient, but it's one thing that has stuck with me since I was about 9 or 10 and read a biography of Davy Crockett, so almost 65 years of remembering. There are variations of this quote, possibly made during his time as a U.S. Congressman, but the way I read and learned it was, "First be sure you're right...then go ahead." In today's selfish political and even social/cultural atmosphere of "I'm right, you're wrong", it seems to me that no one is first, making sure they ARE right before they act. When you do make sure that you're right, then go ahead, it shows that you have learned some valuable lessons along the way and are using those lessons on your journey forward helping others, whether it is in business, politics, education or just everyday life.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2019 8:08 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 20:08:09 -0400

USMC Gen. “Chesty” Puller on being told that his unit was completely surrounded: “Great. Now we can shoot at those bastards from every direction.“

Response by SGT Kevin Dorsey made Sep 9 at 2019 11:22 PM

SGT Kevin Dorsey — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 23:22:17 -0400

The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.
Gen Patton.

Response by CPT Robert Downey made Sep 10 at 2019 12:02 AM

CPT Robert Downey — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 00:02:58 -0400

“One day my grandson said to me, grandpa were you a hero in the war? And i said to him no I'm not a hero, but I have served in a company full of them.”
― Dick Winters, Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters

Response by SP5 Clarence Bultema made Sep 10 at 2019 12:40 PM

SP5 Clarence Bultema — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 12:40:48 -0400

What is your malfunction?

Response by Sgt Jay Neubauer made Sep 11 at 2019 9:53 AM

Sgt Jay Neubauer — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 09:53:19 -0400

"The best form of welfare for troops is first class training." Field Marshall Erwin Rommel

Response by Capt Thomas Weber made Sep 11 at 2019 11:34 PM

Capt Thomas Weber — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 23:34:40 -0400

While serving as a Gov't Civilian in Iraq I heard, "Sit down, shut up and color!" from an unnamed Army Major.

Response by LCpl Michael Harrell made Sep 12 at 2019 2:08 AM

LCpl Michael Harrell — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 02:08:30 -0400

I’ll paraphrase here,
General Sheridan said
“A soldier who won’t f$&)(, won’t fight.”

Response by 1SG Reginald Puana made Sep 12 at 2019 12:38 PM

1SG Reginald Puana — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:38:21 -0400

“Gentlemen, you must pardon me. I have grown old in the service of my country and now find that I am growing blind.”
-General George Washington, 15 March 1783, Newburgh New York.

Response by CPT Bill Coleman made Sep 12 at 2019 5:00 PM

CPT Bill Coleman — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 17:00:45 -0400

“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.”

Response by CPT Lawrence Cichelli made Sep 27 at 2019 12:51 PM

CPT Lawrence Cichelli — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 12:51:03 -0400

By far the best one I think is LTG Honore's comment during a press conference. He was asked a question and he answered it. Then asked if there were more questions, and pointed to someone else and that person asked the very same question. LTG Honore said," I just answered that question. Are you stuck on stupid?" In my opinion, CLASSIC!

Response by LTC George Morgan made Oct 4 at 2019 12:56 PM

LTC George Morgan — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 12:56:27 -0400

“From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs’d they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.”
― William Shakespeare, Henry V

Response by SGT Felicia King made Oct 6 at 2019 12:53 AM

SGT Felicia King — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 00:53:30 -0400

Wow. I was just going to quote my old 1SG, “Hurry UP”, or ‘drink water drive on’, or ‘make sure you’re ten minutes prior to the ten minutes prior’. Or just simply put Hooah for emphasis to make sure it is understood.

Response by SPC Jacob Viano made Oct 6 at 2019 12:22 PM

SPC Jacob Viano — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 12:22:18 -0400

“Specialist Rovy, STOP PISSING ON YOUR ROOMMATE!! That is a direct fucking order. Dismissed!”

Response by SPC Jacob Viano made Oct 6 at 2019 12:29 PM

SPC Jacob Viano — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 12:29:20 -0400

“You don’t win a war dying for for country. You won a war but making the other poor little bastard die for his country” Gen George Patton

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Oct 6 at 2019 12:32 PM

CPT Brad Wilson — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 12:32:34 -0400

“Do something. Either lead, follow or get the hell out of the way”. Teddy Roosevelt

Response by SFC Kenneth Kreps made Oct 6 at 2019 12:51 PM

SFC Kenneth Kreps — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 12:51:37 -0400

Those who have fought for freedom, have a taste that the protected will never know.
Author unknown.

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Oct 6 at 2019 2:28 PM

CPT Robert Boshears — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 14:28:10 -0400

He who seized the initiative deserves the right to be in charge of the situation, rather than being subordinate to it.

LtCol Ivan Babich, Soviet helo Pilot, Beat to death when his Hind crashed in Afghanistan.

Response by PO1 Doc Dennis made Oct 6 at 2019 3:31 PM

PO1 Doc Dennis — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 15:31:51 -0400

“THE EVEN HANDED LEADERSHIP OF MEN IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT. AND IT CAN ONLY COME WITH EVERY SENIOR LEADING EVERY JUNIOR. IT IS NOT A PUSH TO THE FAR EDGE OF THE UNTRIED I AM SUGGESTING, GENTLEMAN. IT IS A RETURN TO OUR OLDEST AND MOST PROVEN TRADITION. COMMAND BY LEADERSHIP.” Admiral Elmo Zumwalt Jr. CNO (1970-1974)

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Oct 6 at 2019 7:54 PM

LCpl Michael Cappello — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 19:54:02 -0400

Why in hell can't the Army do it if the Marines can. They are the same kind of men; why can't they be like Marines.
Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, USA; 12 February 1918

Response by SGT Rick Moss made Oct 6 at 2019 8:50 PM

SGT Rick Moss — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 20:50:12 -0400

My favorite was “ok private...you hold the tail, I’ll do the fucking”

Response by CPL Adam Gerischer made Oct 6 at 2019 9:26 PM

CPL Adam Gerischer — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 21:26:25 -0400

I am torn between 2. "This space intentionally left blank." And "Rock or something."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 12:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 12:21:53 -0400

This has been quoted more times than I can remember and the original speaker is lost to time: "Do something: Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way."

Response by TSgt Robert Wayne made Oct 7 at 2019 4:01 PM

TSgt Robert Wayne — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 16:01:01 -0400

Business is business and bullshit is bullshit. Don't confuse the two.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2019 5:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 17:29:29 -0400

Unknown greeting card, " If it moves, salute it. If it don't move, paint it. If it cant be painted, dig a hole and bury it!

Response by TSgt Tommy Amparano made Oct 8 at 2019 6:18 PM

TSgt Tommy Amparano — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 18:18:03 -0400

"You're about as sharp as a tic tac" -TI in Basic 1993. I still laugh at that one.

Response by MSgt Robert Windhorst made Oct 9 at 2019 1:21 PM

MSgt Robert Windhorst — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 13:21:05 -0400

The SEALS say this but, they don't have a patent on it. "The only easy day was yesterday"
I'm not sure of the origin of my other favorite comment " Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet".

Response by PO2 Greg Behnke made Oct 9 at 2019 5:15 PM

PO2 Greg Behnke — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 17:15:32 -0400

"Recruit, you are the worst swimmer I have ever had the misfortune of testing. My advise to you is, if you are ever on a ship that starts to go down, take a deep breath, sink to the bottom, and run as fast as you can."
Unknown RTC CC to me, 1984

Response by CPT Bobby Fields made Oct 9 at 2019 7:59 PM

CPT Bobby Fields — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 19:59:11 -0400

"Soldiering is an affair of the heart" from GEN Dennis Reimer, Chief of Staff of the Army in the late '90s. This made a huge impression on me as a new LT, and is something I still reflect on. I got to meet General (Ret.) Reimer at the AUSA annual meeting in DC a few years ago, what an honor!

Response by SMSgt Vince Politte made Oct 9 at 2019 9:43 PM

SMSgt Vince Politte — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 21:43:10 -0400

Lead, Follow or Get the Hell out of the way!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2019 1:25 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 01:25:13 -0400

"Your job is not to die for your country. You job is to make the other son of a bitch die for his." - Gen George S. Patton

Response by SFC Cheryl McElroy US ARMY (RET) made Oct 10 at 2019 9:57 AM

SFC Cheryl McElroy US ARMY (RET) — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 09:57:02 -0400

"At the end of the day, the only service that can do decisive combat is the Army. You can bomb all the bunkers you want with aircraft. You can do all the beach assaults you want with marines. But until you stand at the center square of the other guy’s capital and run up your flag, you ain’t won!"---marine general John J. Sheehan

Response by SFC Cheryl McElroy US ARMY (RET) made Oct 10 at 2019 9:57 AM

SFC Cheryl McElroy US ARMY (RET) — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 09:57:32 -0400

"I am a Soldier. I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight."
- General George S. Patton Jr

Response by SPC Nazareth Berlanga made Oct 10 at 2019 10:11 AM

SPC Nazareth Berlanga — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 10:11:27 -0400

"Holy shit!" - me

Response by SSgt Dan Vander Meer made Oct 10 at 2019 10:57 AM

SSgt Dan Vander Meer — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 10:57:37 -0400

to my marine brothers. Rats ass, cats ass, dirty old twat, 69 douch bags tied in a knot. cock suck, mother f#@k, Tim buck two, I’m a US Marine who the f#%k are you

Response by Frederick King made Oct 10 at 2019 1:51 PM

Frederick King — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 13:51:42 -0400

" Kill em all, let god sort them out."

Response by Frederick King made Oct 10 at 2019 1:52 PM

Frederick King — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 13:52:50 -0400

"Kill em all, let god sort them out", or " Death from Below."

Response by MSgt Larry Sims made Oct 10 at 2019 5:29 PM

MSgt Larry Sims — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:29:13 -0400

Lead, follow or get the help out of the way...I think is what General Patton.

Response by SP5 Thomas Jameson made Oct 12 at 2019 6:41 PM

SP5 Thomas Jameson — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 18:41:19 -0400

Gen.Halftrack while haranguing the troops: “You’re not here to think, you’re here to follow orders!”

Zero to Gen. Halftrack: “General, is not thinking good how we get to be general?”

Response by SPC Don O'Connor III made Oct 13 at 2019 10:40 AM

SPC Don O'Connor III — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 10:40:39 -0400

No dumb bastard ever won a war by going out and dying for his country. He won it by making some other dumb bastard die for his country.”

Response by PO2 John Zodun made Oct 14 at 2019 1:45 AM

PO2 John Zodun — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 01:45:13 -0400

I remember when we had about 15 ARPB floating side by side waiting on our orders to start our mission up the river When the order came through all of us throttled up at the same time we weren’t running fast just setting up so when we started we would have about 200 yards between us. Well the way things happen there were several of us at the mouth and we bottleneck. About that time it came over the radio PUSH PULL BUT GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY where I was situated when a couple of the boats backdown a little in open up in front of my self and the boat to my port side he hesitated I didn’t and I opened full throttle and we were on our way my crew hollered at me are we in that big of a hurry. I laughed and hollered back hell no I knew y’all were getting hot so I put so wind in your faces so man the guns a keep a good lookout for anything you see and if there’s not an American flag attached to it that’s one of our targets. I’m almost reliving it here we were 17-18 -19 and one 21 year old on a million dollar boat fixing to face our enemy but one thing was for sure we were ready to do what it was going to take. And at the end of the day they made me promise I wouldn’t lead again

Response by CPO Robert Turner made Oct 14 at 2019 9:15 AM

CPO Robert Turner — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 09:15:42 -0400

I was in Ghana working as a Training Team Leader for the Expeditionary Training Command. I had just come from Dakar, Senegal in Western Africa and was talking with a Ghanese Navy Chief about what I experienced in Senegal. I told him how impressed I was with the Ghana Navy and how well maintained they kept their maintenance shop and boat repair facility compared with the mess I experienced in Senegal. I even mentioned how well the Ghanese Navy looked in their uniforms compared to the Senegalese Navy. He said to me, " Of course, we are English and they are French."

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Oct 14 at 2019 9:51 PM

LTJG Richard Bruce — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 21:51:20 -0400

Not enough sailors answering.

John Paul Jones, "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way."

Traditional US Coast Guard saying, "“Regulations say we have to go out. They say nothing about coming back.”

Tiled at the US Coast Guard Academy quarterdeck, ""Who lives here reveres honor, honors duty."

Response by SSG Paul Mulvany made Oct 15 at 2019 12:04 AM

SSG Paul Mulvany — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 00:04:57 -0400

To all soldiers entering the army...”There’s only one person in this world that loves you and that’s your mother and she may have been lying!”

Response by PO1 Steven Siepp made Nov 2 at 2019 4:42 AM

PO1 Steven Siepp — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 04:42:56 -0400

Not a quote but my ships motto. "Results, Not Excuses" we were a Sub Tender AS-33 USS Simon Lake.

Response by PO3 Paul Lowrey made Nov 2 at 2019 6:48 PM

PO3 Paul Lowrey — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 18:48:13 -0400

When I was at Camp Coronado Marine amphibious base taking my Sere training to go to Vietnam there was a sign above our barracks door that said "to say I can't means to say I won't". I have no idea who the author was but I always thought there was some kind of twisted logic to it.

Response by Sgt Jude Eschete made Nov 4 at 2019 3:20 PM

Sgt Jude Eschete — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 15:20:18 -0500

"PowerPoint makes us stupid." - GEN (Ret.) Mattis USMC

Response by SGM Thomas Adderley made Nov 14 at 2019 6:40 AM

SGM Thomas Adderley — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 06:40:35 -0500

"Lead or get the hell out of the way" was always one of my favorites.

Response by SSgt Kathy Ragsdale made Nov 14 at 2019 7:52 PM

SSgt Kathy Ragsdale — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 19:52:14 -0500

"IYAAYAS"

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Nov 24 at 2019 8:03 AM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 08:03:16 -0500

"War is a racket", MGen Smedley Butler, USMC, two-time MOH recipient. warisaracket.com

Response by MSG Warren Neill made Dec 14 at 2019 3:28 PM

MSG Warren Neill — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 15:28:01 -0500

My favorite is a quote from the The Officer's Guide of 1894 -
"Enlisted men are stupid but extremely cunning and sly and bear considerable watching!"

Response by CWO3 Warren Gaudreau made Dec 20 at 2019 7:33 AM

CWO3 Warren Gaudreau — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 07:33:50 -0500

SNAFU or FUBAR

Response by Sgt Bob Wilburn made Dec 21 at 2019 2:32 PM

Sgt Bob Wilburn — Sat, 21 Dec 2019 14:32:05 -0500

War is hell but actual combat is a motherfucker.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Dec 29 at 2019 7:16 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 07:16:12 -0500

When I was in 1-4 Avn Regt, my Company Commander at the time, CPT Van Lerop liked to say:"Put Steel on target."

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jan 17 at 2020 3:08 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 15:08:58 -0500

"I have just begun to fight." Capt. John Paul Jones to the British captain of HMS Ranger.

Response by SP5 John Scheper made Jan 19 at 2020 8:40 AM

SP5 John Scheper — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 08:40:30 -0500

Benjamin Franklin once said: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Response by SCPO William Akin made Jan 19 at 2020 3:22 PM

SCPO William Akin — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 15:22:53 -0500

Please Mr. Custer, I don't wanta go

Response by LTC Joe Anderson made Jan 23 at 2020 3:24 PM

LTC Joe Anderson — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 15:24:52 -0500

Tom Highway: Why don't you just sit there and bleed awhile before you taste some real pain.

"Swede" Johnson: I'm gonna rip off your head and shit down your neck.

Tom Highway: It's my will against yours, and you will lose.

COL Kilgore: I love the smell of napalm in the morning... The smell, you know that gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smelled like, (Pause) victory.

COL Kilgore: Charlie don’t surf!

General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur: “A general is just as good or just as bad as the troops under his command make him.”

Military Leader Quotes: Good leaders trust their teams to execute. Being a dictator is a poor way to lead. You miss out on the critical thinking skills of the people executing your orders or instructions, and you kill their drive and motivation.

Military Leader Quotes: Give people some ownership in how they do their work and you’ll get better results as most generals and Presidents knew so well.

General George S. Patton: “All of the real heroes are not storybook combat fighters either. Every single man in this Army play a vital role. Don’t ever let up. Don’t ever think that your job is unimportant. Every man has a job to do and he must do it. Every man is a vital link in the great chain.”

General George S. Patton: “Always do everything you ask of those you command.”

General Norman Schwarzkopf: The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.”

General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur: “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.”

Response by LTC Joe Anderson made Jan 23 at 2020 3:49 PM

LTC Joe Anderson — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 15:49:07 -0500

Our Backs they ache, our feet they hurt, we bust our a$$ to make this class. If your $hits sweet well fall asleep, if your $hits straight we'll stay awake Echo 2-2 Headhunters, AAAAAAHHHHHHRRRRR

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jan 25 at 2020 7:19 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 19:19:27 -0500

Admiral Chester Nimitz reflected on the incredible sacrifice of the Marines who fought at Iwo Jima by saying, “Uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

Response by Sgt John Slevin made Jan 25 at 2020 7:44 PM

Sgt John Slevin — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 19:44:49 -0500

Good to go

Response by CPL Johnnie White made Jan 26 at 2020 5:23 PM

CPL Johnnie White — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 17:23:25 -0500

Retreat he’ll we are just advancing in a different direction! That is one of my favorite Marine saying.

Response by SPC Leonard Burkhart made Jan 27 at 2020 9:07 AM

SPC Leonard Burkhart — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:07:28 -0500

Response by Maj Pete Siegel made Jan 27 at 2020 10:48 AM

Maj Pete Siegel — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:48:07 -0500

I like this one from a fellow mule-headed Missourian: “I am convinced that the best service a retired general can perform is to turn in his tongue along with his suit and to mothball his opinions.”
Omar N. Bradley
General of the Army

Response by SP5 James Driggers made Feb 7 at 2020 11:56 AM

SP5 James Driggers — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 11:56:19 -0500

Dont worry about the mule just load the dam wagon.

Response by Capt Elmer Lupton made Feb 9 at 2020 11:49 AM

Capt Elmer Lupton — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 11:49:16 -0500

From my COL Division Chief "If you want it bad, you'll get it bad."

Response by SGT John Lawrence made Feb 13 at 2020 11:41 AM

SGT John Lawrence — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 11:41:09 -0500

It is spot on and can not be said any better.

Response by SSG Bob Teachout made Feb 15 at 2020 10:53 PM

SSG Bob Teachout — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 22:53:37 -0500

"Specialist Teachout - We have no Problems - we overcome challenges!" Cpt Phil Hennen, My OIC at Automotive & Weapons Division, USA Matcom, Eur (Zweibruecken, Gy)- 1972.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 10:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 22:57:10 -0500

“Nothing ruins a good combat story like an eye witness” Duke 7

Response by MSG Robert Ashton made Feb 20 at 2020 8:00 PM

MSG Robert Ashton — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 20:00:35 -0500

In Special Forces (Green Berets) the saying is HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU.....

Response by PO1 M. Chandler made Feb 22 at 2020 9:20 PM

PO1 M. Chandler — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 21:20:51 -0500

"I have not yet begun to fight!" This was the immortal retort of Captain John Paul Jones to a request to surrender as he and his crew engaged in a desperate battle with a British frigate off the northern coast of England during the American Revolution.
Ballz before there was even a country behind him to back his play.

Response by LTC Warren Miller made Feb 23 at 2020 9:51 PM

LTC Warren Miller — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 21:51:15 -0500

“A Soldier’s purpose is a double paradox. He keeps the peace by continually preparing for war, yet he serves his country best by not being needed.”

Response by SGT Harold Watson made Mar 6 at 2020 7:06 PM

SGT Harold Watson — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 19:06:53 -0500

In the latrine I saw a sign that written on the wall that read "flush twice, it's a long way to the mess hall"...

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2020 11:31 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 11:31:58 -0400

"I'm sick, drunk, pissed off, got the clap and no pay due. I have the shits and 1stSgt wants to see me after formation...and some SOB yells re up for the bennies". Mostly likely a Marine. After hitting a few islands. Or before.

Response by PO3 Karen McNeal made Mar 12 at 2020 3:07 AM

PO3 Karen McNeal — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 03:07:20 -0400

Attention on Deck!!
Call me weird but I got into that kinda thing.

Response by SGT Harold Watson made Mar 13 at 2020 2:55 PM

SGT Harold Watson — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 14:55:37 -0400

In cadence : "I wanna be an Airborne Ranger, I wanna live the life of danger, I wanna go to Vietnam"

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2020 3:51 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:51:26 -0400

A Rakkasan Air Assault is a lot like sex. When it's good, it's great. When it's bad, it's still pretty good. COL Mike Steele.
Rakkasan!

Response by CDR Jerry Womack made Mar 17 at 2020 11:49 AM

CDR Jerry Womack — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 11:49:33 -0400

"Gimme a minute and you can talk to them!" Audie Murphy on the radio when asked "how close are enemy troops?"

Response by SFC Terry Bryant made Mar 23 at 2020 11:47 AM

SFC Terry Bryant — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 11:47:42 -0400

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ― Edmund Burke. The Military has used this many times in the past. It is as true today as it was when an Irish Statesman said it centuries ago. This is why we fight my friends. Because there will always be evil in the world.

Response by SFC Patricia Tucker made Mar 31 at 2020 12:54 PM

SFC Patricia Tucker — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:54:56 -0400

1. An ordnance technician at a dead run outranks everybody.

2. sergeant in motion outranks a lieutenant who doesn't know what's going on

-The Seventy Maxims of Maximally Effective Mercenaries”
― Howard Tayler
.
"

Response by CW2 Charles Head made Apr 16 at 2020 5:52 AM

CW2 Charles Head — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 05:52:15 -0400

"There are old pilots and there are bold pilots but there are no old, bold pilots"

Response by SgtMaj Robert Burke made Apr 19 at 2020 9:34 PM

SgtMaj Robert Burke — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 21:34:37 -0400

If it's difficult we do it immediately.
If it's impossible it takes a little longer !
(unknown)

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Apr 19 at 2020 11:25 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 23:25:06 -0400

Chesty Puller at Chosin Reservoir comes to min: "We've been looking for the enemy for some time now. We've finally found him. We're surrounded. That simplifies things."

Response by COL Victor Hagan made Apr 20 at 2020 2:41 PM

COL Victor Hagan — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 14:41:02 -0400

Yours is the profession of arms, the will to win, the sure knowledge that in war there is no substitute for victory; that if you lose, the nation will be destroyed; that the very obsession of your public service must be: Duty, Honor, Country.
- Douglas MacArthur

Response by MSgt Billy Underwood made Apr 21 at 2020 9:00 PM

MSgt Billy Underwood — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 21:00:15 -0400

beware of an old man in a profession where men die young

Response by Sgt Francis Santa-Teresa made Apr 27 at 2020 2:02 PM

Sgt Francis Santa-Teresa — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 14:02:04 -0400

We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way.
-General George S. Patton

Response by SrA Jason Jozaitis made Apr 27 at 2020 5:47 PM

SrA Jason Jozaitis — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 17:47:16 -0400

IT WAS A STATEMENT MADE BY GENERAL SCHWARKOPF BUT I'M NOT GOING TO QUOTE IT BECAUSE I DON'T REMEMBER THE EXACT WORDS USED BUT IT GOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS. GENERAL NORMAN SCHWARKOPF- ( A REPORTER ASKED THE GENERAL IF HE FORGIVES HIS ENEMIES FOR WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN IRAQ, HE REPLIED, THAT'S BETWEEN THEM AND GOD, I'M SIMPLY JUST HERE TO ARRANGE THEIR MEETING)...

Response by CPT Tommy Curtis made May 9 at 2020 8:11 PM

CPT Tommy Curtis — Sat, 09 May 2020 20:11:37 -0400

I have two. When General Schwartzkof addressed my OCS class at graduation, he said "always remember who you are and where you are." My second is from the III Corp Commander while I was at Fort Hood in the late 80s, the Soviets were threatening invading West Germany. He sent an open letter to their top General. It simply said "be my guest."

Response by MSgt J D McKee made May 11 at 2020 2:12 PM

MSgt J D McKee — Mon, 11 May 2020 14:12:47 -0400

"If you kill enough of them, they'll stop fighting" Demi-God of the Air Curtis LeMay. Because General just isn't high enough rank for a spirit like that....

But, fuck, Gen Mattis----"I come in peace, I didn't bring artillery" is it's equal as a quote, at least.

Response by PO1 Kurt Braeutigam made May 12 at 2020 7:07 PM

PO1 Kurt Braeutigam — Tue, 12 May 2020 19:07:37 -0400

PO1 E.O.D. SEAL US Navy Retired Give ME my guns or give me DEATH !! Come On and try and Take Them you wont live long !!

Response by PO1 Kurt Braeutigam made May 12 at 2020 7:13 PM

PO1 Kurt Braeutigam — Tue, 12 May 2020 19:13:35 -0400

Kurt Braeutigam E.O.D. S.E.A.L. PO 1 US Navy retired !! " HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE " I Spent three years in Vietnam !!

Response by SPC Tommy Dean made May 13 at 2020 11:37 AM

SPC Tommy Dean — Wed, 13 May 2020 11:37:49 -0400

Do not needlessly endanger your lives until I give you the signal.
Dwight D. Eisenhower WWII
(I guess once he gave the word it was ok to needlessly endanger ones life)

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made May 25 at 2020 12:55 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Mon, 25 May 2020 12:55:02 -0400

There are so many good Mattis quotes I can't pick a favorite but one I like is "Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet."

Response by COL Bill Gross made May 29 at 2020 6:10 PM

COL Bill Gross — Fri, 29 May 2020 18:10:51 -0400

A British Army Officer in the 19th Century offering advice to a son of one of his friends about what type of military career he should follow. "Go for one of the Highland Regiments. There is nothing like the Kilt for fornication or the diarrhea."

Response by SFC Robert Minish made Jun 17 at 2020 10:13 AM

SFC Robert Minish — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 10:13:46 -0400

Response by 1SG Alan Boggs made Jun 20 at 2020 5:16 PM

1SG Alan Boggs — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 17:16:39 -0400

I once had a Brigade CSM tell me "Your uniform looks like you used a cat for a lint brush"

Response by SGT Wes Haun made Jul 12 at 2020 1:56 PM

SGT Wes Haun — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 13:56:36 -0400

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger....except Infantry. Infantry WILL kill you.

Response by MSG Michael Gonzales made Jul 18 at 2020 7:00 PM

MSG Michael Gonzales — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 19:00:41 -0400

“Their plan is to return the entire world - not just the Middle East - to the days of the caliphate and either convert all of us so-called infidels into born-again Islamic believers or kill us.” David Hackworth

Response by MSgt Steven Thoelke made Jul 30 at 2020 8:52 AM

MSgt Steven Thoelke — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 08:52:08 -0400

At a SNCO briefing by then Commandant of the Marine Corps General Al Gray, when opened for questions, the Commandant was asked, "General, what about morale? What about entertainment?"

General Gray responded, "I'm the entertainment and there WILL be morale!"

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Jul 31 at 2020 9:31 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 09:31:21 -0400

Some quotes from some of the Drill Sergeants from C co 5/10, Fort Leonard Wood, MO. 1987
Is your KIWI Bird Dying on you?
It's mind over matter. I don't mind, and you don't matter.
Me and Michael Jackson have something in common, we're both BAD.
DROP Private!BEAT YOUR FACE!!!
From AIT, Fort Lee Virginia, also 1987
Since you think that's so funny, we can do BALL BUSTERS. You do em, I Count em.

Response by SGT Eric Hubbard made Aug 2 at 2020 7:53 PM

SGT Eric Hubbard — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 19:53:18 -0400

My favorite I still use. “Embrace the suck”. Not sure who said it but it’s good.

Response by SGT David Jackson made Aug 2 at 2020 9:53 PM

SGT David Jackson — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 21:53:12 -0400

"Your Mama ain't here now, boy! I'm your mama now!

Response by CMSgt Brian L. made Aug 4 at 2020 11:36 AM

CMSgt Brian L. — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 11:36:45 -0400

"You don't have to train to be miserable, but you do have to train to handle misery" Told to my unit by one of my commanding officers at the beginning of a very miserable bivouac weekend. Not sure who originated it, but it sure fit that weekend and stuck with me ever since.

Response by CMSgt Brian L. made Aug 4 at 2020 11:37 AM

CMSgt Brian L. — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 11:37:57 -0400

Response by SPC Steven Carroll made Aug 7 at 2020 10:47 PM

SPC Steven Carroll — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 22:47:40 -0400

"get your goat smelling ass off my cattle car" Staff Sargent Fortjackson 1983

Response by GySgt Marc Dickerson made Aug 17 at 2020 5:20 PM

GySgt Marc Dickerson — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 17:20:24 -0400

"Lead, Follow, or Get the Hell Out of the Way." Not sure who gets the credit for saying it first.

Response by SP5 Bernard Peterson made Aug 26 at 2020 6:35 PM

SP5 Bernard Peterson — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 18:35:27 -0400

Can I use the GI bill twice ? I once used it in 1993 during the police academy

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Aug 30 at 2020 9:19 PM

SSG Harry Herres — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 21:19:34 -0400

It don't mean nothing, pay back is a bitch!

Response by Sgt Bob Buster Adcock made Sep 3 at 2020 9:54 AM

Sgt Bob Buster Adcock — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 09:54:39 -0400

My favorite came from a Gunny at Parris Island in 1967. I was a L/Cpl working in the 3rd RTB office. The Gunny came to me and said "Adcock, the C.O. is retiring and we're taking up $5 to buy him a present." I said "Gunny, he's a LTC and I'm a L/Cpl, I think I'll pass." Gunny says "I understand and I can't make you contribute, but I can DAMN SURE make you wish you had." I handed over the $5!

Response by PO2 Geo De made Sep 6 at 2020 12:34 PM

PO2 Geo De — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 12:34:25 -0400

My favorite is also from Gen. Mattis “Be polite, be professional but have a plan to kill everyone you meet”

Response by MAJ James Givens made Sep 6 at 2020 4:57 PM

MAJ James Givens — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 16:57:27 -0400

My favorite was passed to me by a wise old SF team sergeant “A short pencil is better than a long memory.

Response by SGM Tim Kinsella made Sep 11 at 2020 1:17 PM

SGM Tim Kinsella — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 13:17:39 -0400

BOHICA

Response by CPT Ian Stewart made Oct 7 at 2020 4:24 PM

CPT Ian Stewart — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 16:24:43 -0400

The 6 Ps = Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance

Response by SFC Michael W. made Oct 8 at 2020 12:28 AM

SFC Michael W. — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 00:28:40 -0400

Pull your head out of your 4-point contact before I shove it further until you see the light...

Response by MAJ Chris Ebertz made Oct 21 at 2020 6:44 PM

MAJ Chris Ebertz — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 18:44:53 -0400

" Leaders lead, then get out of the way!"

Response by SSG David Fetty made Oct 22 at 2020 1:30 PM

SSG David Fetty — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:30:40 -0400

When in danger,
When in doubt...
Run in circles,
Scream and shout.

Response by SSG David Fetty made Oct 22 at 2020 2:18 PM

SSG David Fetty — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 14:18:55 -0400

I first heard this attributed to JFK, but have seen numerous other attributions since, some dating back to WW1:
God and the Soldier, all men adore.
In times of trouble and not before.
When danger is passed, all things are righted,
God is forgotten, the Soldier is slighted.

Response by Cpl Al Yee made Oct 23 at 2020 8:22 AM

Cpl Al Yee — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 08:22:11 -0400

Vietnam 1967 - "The unwilling, led by the unqualified, to do the unnecessary"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2020 9:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Oct 2020 21:31:13 -0400

"The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on." -Ulysses S. Grant

Response by CPT Chris Swatty made Nov 2 at 2020 5:50 PM

CPT Chris Swatty — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:50:28 -0500

My branch is Artillery, we do bring fires when necessary. But my favorite quotes have to be from Drill Sergeants. I enlisted as an E-go find a mop son, so I experienced basic at Ft Knox. Favorite quote from a Saturday morning 70's kid watching cartoons.... "Conjunction Junction, What's Your Malfunction...."

Response by SSG George Duncan made Nov 11 at 2020 5:21 PM

SSG George Duncan — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 17:21:21 -0500

hurry up and wait

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 11:27 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 23:27:39 -0500

"You can about face your bullshit son"

"I got better things to do than be blinded by arrogance while the brass polish each others brass all day"

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 3:52 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 03:52:47 -0500

Two I admire:
“Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.” Napoleon Bonaparte

“Appear weak when you are strong and strong when you are weak.” The Art of War

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2021 11:51 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 23:51:15 -0500

What keeps me awake at night? Nothing. I keep other people awake at night.

Response by Cpl Robert Russell Payne made Jan 8 at 2021 11:56 PM

Cpl Robert Russell Payne — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 23:56:14 -0500

"Take Me To The Brig. I Want To See The Real Marines" Chesty Puller

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Jan 9 at 2021 1:02 AM

SGT Michael Hearn — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 01:02:47 -0500

The 5 P's PRIOR PLANNING PREVENTS PISS POOR PERFORMANCE

Response by SGT Nickolas Ortiz made Jan 9 at 2021 7:31 AM

SGT Nickolas Ortiz — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 07:31:02 -0500

"Retreat, hell! We just got here." Capt. Lloyd W. Williams, commanding the 51st Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, June 2, 1918. Not a Marine, but that sentiment stays with me. You don't give up if you didn't get to fight.

Response by SGT George Duncan made Jan 9 at 2021 2:53 PM

SGT George Duncan — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 14:53:34 -0500

fix bayonets'

Response by SFC Chuck Martinez made Jan 9 at 2021 5:04 PM

SFC Chuck Martinez — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 17:04:37 -0500

“It is a proud privilege to be a soldier – a good soldier [with]discipline, self-respect, pride in his unit and his country, a high sense of duty and obligation to comrades and to his superiors, and a self-confidence born of demonstrated ability.”
George S. Patton Jr.

Response by SR Kenneth Beck made Jan 9 at 2021 6:50 PM

SR Kenneth Beck — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 18:50:53 -0500

Your friend the British Soldier can stand up to anything except the British War Office.
George Bernard Shaw 1856-1950: The Devils Disciple (1901)

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2021 2:54 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 02:54:02 -0500

I do not know who said it but I always liked
"Patience HELL! I wanna kill someone!"
Another great is
"Can'ts come in pair. Can't do it,,Can't stay"

Response by CW4 John Snyder made Jan 20 at 2021 10:06 AM

CW4 John Snyder — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 10:06:20 -0500

My two Favorites:
Leadership consists of nothing but taking responsibility for everything that goes wrong and giving your subordinates credit for everything that goes well.
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
Gen George S. Patton

Response by SSG Luis Hernandez made Jan 20 at 2021 7:01 PM

SSG Luis Hernandez — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 19:01:00 -0500

Are you part of the problem or part of the solution.

Response by Sgt Andy Savvidou made Jan 20 at 2021 9:48 PM

Sgt Andy Savvidou — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 21:48:53 -0500

Col. Chesty Puller once said during the battle of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, The Marines were surrounded stating Now they cant get away!

Response by CAPT Robert Weinberger made Jan 20 at 2021 11:58 PM

CAPT Robert Weinberger — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 23:58:15 -0500

When I took over CIC on my first ship I posted this above the entrance " If you think you know what's going on here, you haven't got the big picture."

Response by SP5 Patrick Oxford made Jan 22 at 2021 9:04 PM

SP5 Patrick Oxford — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 21:04:16 -0500

My favorite quote or saying was, "I'd lay forty miles of commo wire just to hear her f**t in a field phone".
But that's just me.

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Jan 23 at 2021 10:22 AM

1LT Voyle Smith — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 10:22:13 -0500

"Man's greatest joy is to vanquish his enemies, to drive them from the field in disarray, to capture his wealth and hold to his body their weeping wives and children." Genghis Khan, early 14th century

Also: "Cry Havoc, and let loose the dogs of war." Wm. Shakespeare in 1599, "Julius Caesar".

From John Bartlett's "Familiar Quotations", Little, Brown and Company. 1951.

Also: "The master conqueror frustrated his enemy's plans and broke up his alliances. His spies and agents were everywhere, gathering information, sowing dissension, and nurturing subversion. The enemy was isolated and demoralized , his will to resist broken. Thus without battle."
From Sun Tzu, "The Art of War" c. 400 BC.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Jan 25 at 2021 12:38 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:38:52 -0500

If it ain't raining, we ain't training.

Response by CPT Dennis Stevenson made Jan 28 at 2021 8:58 AM

CPT Dennis Stevenson — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 08:58:30 -0500

I have too many to list. I suggest everyone read "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.

Response by SP5 Barry Brewer made Feb 18 at 2021 3:15 PM

SP5 Barry Brewer — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:15:00 -0500

Napalm in the morning

Response by SSgt Patrick Scherer made Feb 19 at 2021 4:42 PM

SSgt Patrick Scherer — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 16:42:47 -0500

Why are you smiling boy? Smiling leads to liking, liking leads to loving, and loving leads to fucking. You ain fucking me recruit!

Response by MSG Chuck Pewsey made Feb 21 at 2021 3:50 AM

MSG Chuck Pewsey — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 03:50:56 -0500

Your home is now where your orders say it is.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 25 at 2021 5:16 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 17:16:51 -0500

Send in the big boys (tanks).

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 25 at 2021 11:01 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 23:01:58 -0500

I am not going for quality but quantity with this post. I am sure there are errors as I did in my phone.

Fire at will! We are REDCON1! Nightstalkers Don’t Quit! It’s what is in your heart that counts! We all bleed red! Follow me! Is it crystal clear? I want to see a winning spirit! Nobody left behind!

Observation on Patton. Rommel was kicking our asses in N Africa then Patton took over US forces. In one week he prepared for Rommels tank forces. He put tank destroyers on the flanks of the pass. Patton won and the German army became non mission capable. He was just a winner.

General Matthew Ridgeway took over the newly formed 18 ABC in WWII in France. He was no ordinary general. He never went to jump school but jumped in France. He had a photographic memory and remembered the names and faces of all the soldiers he met. It was said when artillery landed he peed in the direction of the spotters. He took command of all the forces in Korea and his army was pushed south after a week of command. His army had to fight north or get pushed into the sea. He did a quick reconnaissance and did a massive nap recon and memorized all the terrain features so he knew the exact terrain facing his divisions. This is how he walked his divisions in a very successful counter attack by using phase lines.

George Washington is considered by many to be the finest revolutionary. He had to do S1 S2 S3 S4 duties. Feed, clothe, pay the soldiers. He had to work on the morale and try to keep them in the army. He even had to design the camps like location of the latrine and mess areas. He was a tactical commander and a strategic planner. He was an amazing general.

Patton was a great commander, so was Hannibal. Great commanders know how to use their forces and resources. Like great chess players they act to make the opponent act in in an unfavorable manner for the enemy, and they are essentially set up. At the battle of Cannae Hannibal had 50,000 to the 80,000 of Romans. Hannibal put infantry in front and hid infantry behind that line. He had a larger cavalry. He knew the Romans would use large formations for frontal attack and the Roman cavalry would attack Hannibal’s flank. Little did the Romans know that Hannibal would say check mate. Hannibal’s larger cavalry ran of the Roman’s. Then it proceeded to seal the rear of the Roman army. The infantry hiding behind the infantry line sealed the flanks of Roman army. The Romans army was surrounded and it was designed for frontal attack, not defending itself in a 360 manner. It was a complete route. I read many Romans had their hamstrings cut to prevent their escape and many tried to commit suicide.

Mao Tse Tung was a successful Chinese revolutionary. I like him because he wrote down the steps to a successful revolution. He is my revolutionary rock star. Compare this list to the US revolution. Here are his steps:
- An elite in society will become the leader. It only makes sense. No ditch digger will become a revolutionary leader.
- The leader will recruit a cadre.
- A legitimate government will be stood up.
- The cadre will recruit more people.
- The force will commit asymmetric acts of violence because they are not big enough to fight governmental forces.
- The revolutionaries will grow their army into peer sized army and defeat governmental forces.

Response by Capt Robert Sandmeyer made Mar 7 at 2021 5:27 PM

Capt Robert Sandmeyer — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 17:27:55 -0500

Retreat hell i just got here

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2021 1:51 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 13:51:28 -0500

Never take council of your fears.

General George S Patton

Response by CPL Frank Glahn made Mar 12 at 2021 3:42 AM

CPL Frank Glahn — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 03:42:49 -0500

There are three kinds of men; Sheep, Wolves, or Sheep Dogs. Which one are you?

Response by MSgt Sidney Lichter made Mar 15 at 2021 3:35 PM

MSgt Sidney Lichter — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 15:35:01 -0400

I like this one from Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey: "There aren't any great men. There are just great challenges that ordinary men like you and me are forced by circumstances to meet."

Response by MSgt Bill Shields made Mar 22 at 2021 6:15 AM

MSgt Bill Shields — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 06:15:08 -0400

Strategic Air Command. "Peace is our profession, war is just a hobby"/

Response by 1stSgt Wayne Hermance made Mar 24 at 2021 2:08 PM

1stSgt Wayne Hermance — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 14:08:42 -0400

“Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading.“

Response by PO2 Lawrence Janiec made Mar 28 at 2021 5:35 PM

PO2 Lawrence Janiec — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 17:35:23 -0400

That's an easy answer.

PRIVATE PYLE, WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR MALFUNCTION?!?

(If you don't know the quote, then just ask The Google, but I'm going out on a limb and thinking that most or even all of you know it.)

Response by SMSgt Billy Cesarano made Mar 29 at 2021 3:45 PM

SMSgt Billy Cesarano — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 15:45:41 -0400

DUCK!

Response by SMSgt John Lemon made Apr 27 at 2021 1:34 PM

SMSgt John Lemon — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 13:34:42 -0400

My all time favorite military quote is from Gen. George Patton when he said, "The object of war is not to die for your country. The object of war is to make the other poor SOB die for his country." This quote is important because our command staff in countries and in the pentagon have forgotten this small lesson as they continue to play politics instead of doing the right thing. When fighting a war we need to go after the head of the snake. How much shorter would WWII have been shortened if we had gone after Hitler? Saddam Hussein? Al-Baghdadi? The head of the Taliban? etc?

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made May 2 at 2021 3:10 PM

CPO Jack De Merit — Sun, 02 May 2021 15:10:44 -0400

My favorite Military Quote is: "Hurry up and wait." I cannot tell you how many times I heard it in 28 plus years of service. What I have yet to discover is whether it pertained to the U. S. Navy in general or if it pertained to the inefficient members who were enlisted in it and not trained well enough to perform their duties.

Response by MAJ Kevin Cunnion made May 3 at 2021 10:59 AM

MAJ Kevin Cunnion — Mon, 03 May 2021 10:59:44 -0400

Nobody ever got hurt in a fall. It’s the sudden stop at the bottom that will get you every time.
MSG Charlie Scarse, Jumpmaster to a group of paratrooper wannabes.

Response by SPC Roxanne Moultrie made May 3 at 2021 11:48 AM

SPC Roxanne Moultrie — Mon, 03 May 2021 11:48:19 -0400

"ZONK"

Response by CPL Brian Clouser made May 3 at 2021 1:04 PM

CPL Brian Clouser — Mon, 03 May 2021 13:04:06 -0400

No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country.
George S Patton

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made May 3 at 2021 2:47 PM

CWO3 Robert Fong — Mon, 03 May 2021 14:47:45 -0400

"I don't want to get any messages saying that we are holding our position. We're not holding anything. Let the Hun do that. We are advancing constantly, and we're not interested in holding onto anything except the enemy. We're going to hold onto him by the nose and we're going to kick him in the ass. We're going to kick the hell out of him all the time and we're going to go through him like crap through a goose." ~ Gen Geo Patton, USA
This is the kind of leadership that amateur American soldiers needed when facing the Waffen SS and some of the toughest armor all led by professionals. Most of our men were cold, hungry, low on ammo, outgunned, and pretty well shot up. This kind of leadership got us to Berlin. We will need men like Patton, Bradley, Nimitz, "Bull" Halsey, Hap Arnold, Schwarzkopf etc. when we confront either the Red Chinese or Russian armies. When you play these guys, you're playing fast pitch hard ball. Our people have never confronted a Battle of the Bulge. Po Valley, Rhine River. Naval engagements like Midway, Wake Island, North Atlantic, North Sea, etc.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2021 3:32 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 May 2021 15:32:03 -0400

‘PowerPoint makes us stupid.’ ~ James Mattis, retired Marine Corps general

When asked "What keeps you awake at night?" by a reporter.
"Nothing. I keep other people awake at night," ~ Defense Secretary James Mattis

“The first time you blow someone away is not an insignificant event. That said, there are some assholes in the world that just need to be shot. There are hunters and there are victims. By your discipline, cunning, obedience and alertness, you will decide if you are a hunter or a victim. It’s really a hell of a lot of fun. You’re gonna have a blast out here! I feel sorry for every son of a bitch that doesn’t get to serve with you.” ~ General James Mattis

‘Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.’ ~ General James Mattis

Response by Capt Curt Schmidt made May 18 at 2021 6:35 PM

Capt Curt Schmidt — Tue, 18 May 2021 18:35:44 -0400

"War is an ugly thing, but NOT the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself"

-- John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873)

Response by Capt Curt Schmidt made May 18 at 2021 6:45 PM

Capt Curt Schmidt — Tue, 18 May 2021 18:45:31 -0400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcYmlfhShIg

Our arrows will blot out the sun!

Our arrows will blot out the sun! Then we will fight in the shade. The clip is from "300".

Response by SFC Michael Lindenbusch made May 20 at 2021 2:44 AM

SFC Michael Lindenbusch — Thu, 20 May 2021 02:44:44 -0400

Not exactly a quote, but one of the infamous Murphy-isms, to the effect that "When the pin is pulled, Mr Grenade is not your friend."

Response by Sgt Michael Betts made May 23 at 2021 1:42 PM

Sgt Michael Betts — Sun, 23 May 2021 13:42:34 -0400

My all-time favorite is from the Marachel de Saxe, Duke of Saxony and a Field Marshal in French service in the 17th Century: "Not knowing what to do, they do what they know."

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made May 23 at 2021 1:50 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sun, 23 May 2021 13:50:55 -0400

No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.

Guess who?

Response by 1SG James Kelly made May 23 at 2021 3:41 PM

1SG James Kelly — Sun, 23 May 2021 15:41:56 -0400

Fix bayonets and forward at the double; and I'm a tanker.

TARGET, Cease Fire!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2021 10:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 May 2021 22:53:14 -0400

Too many to list; however —-> “In confusion there is profit” [LTJG Nick Holden, USS Sea Tiger]

Response by SSG Byron Hewett made May 26 at 2021 3:56 PM

SSG Byron Hewett — Wed, 26 May 2021 15:56:20 -0400

PVT PYLE WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!! R Lee Ermy

Response by SFC James Corona made Jul 8 at 2021 12:26 PM

SFC James Corona — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 12:26:17 -0400

"I Have Never seen a Poor Soldier; Only a POOR LEADER".

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jul 9 at 2021 10:54 PM

SPC Chris Ison — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 22:54:21 -0400

"Nuts." -- This one takes the cake period.
"Come on you SoB's, you want to live forever." is another good one.

Not a "military quote" per se, but when the president asked Sgt York how he had done what he did he replied, 'Well I guess I kind of surrounded them, sir."

Response by Sgt Terry Rizzuti made Jul 10 at 2021 2:23 PM

Sgt Terry Rizzuti — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 14:23:42 -0400

I can’t remember who said it, maybe Jim Webb, perhaps John McCain – “Honor can’t be found in choosing your battles; it’s found in answering the call.” He was talking about us Vietnam War veterans, about the fact that in spite of a war’s controversy, all men and women who serve our country deserve our respect, our admiration.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2021 2:48 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 02:48:24 -0400

David Bellavia: "If you choose to to go to war with us, I promise you this; someone else will raise your sons and daughters". That shit sent tingles down my spine.

Response by SP5 Larry (Lawrence) Pitman made Jul 20 at 2021 12:54 AM

SP5 Larry (Lawrence) Pitman — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 00:54:43 -0400

"Don't give me excuses....give me results"

Response by SP5 Larry (Lawrence) Pitman made Jul 20 at 2021 12:58 AM

SP5 Larry (Lawrence) Pitman — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 00:58:44 -0400

When President Lincoln elevated General Grant to General of the Union Army, one of his aids was reported to have said, "But General Grant is a drunk". To which Lincoln responded, "Find out what he drinks and issue a case to each of my generals."

Response by PO3 Robert Muir made Jul 27 at 2021 8:26 AM

PO3 Robert Muir — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 08:26:30 -0400

Hurry up and wait.

Response by SPC Stiv ChenRobbins made Aug 2 at 2021 6:07 AM

SPC Stiv ChenRobbins — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 06:07:11 -0400

Don't know who said it first, but the quotation I use most often in civilian life when I am in a place that I can do so is "Lead, follow or get the F out of the way." My wife has picked it up from me, but it is just cute when she says it. Okay, everything is cute when she says it, but still...

Response by SPC Terry Page made Feb 13 at 2022 12:11 PM

SPC Terry Page — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 12:11:56 -0500

From the closing of Cleopatra (1963 movie: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton et al)

[Last lines. Following Cleopatra's suicide]
Agrippa: Was this well done of your lady?
High Priestess: Extremely well. As befitting the last of so many noble rulers.

Narrator: [Repeating the previous lines]
And the Roman asked, "Was this well done of your lady?" And the servant answered, "Extremely well. As befitting the last of so many noble rulers."

I suspect the principles involved with this 1963 movie (an advisor and/or writing staff) took their inspiration from the biographies written by the ancient Greek biographer and author, Plutarch (Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans (aka: Parallel Lives or Plutarch's Lives) circa early 2nd Century AD:

Plutarch, Life of Antony (LXXXV.2-3, Dryden trans.)
"Cleopatra sent to Caesar a letter which she had written and sealed; and, putting everybody out of the monument but her two women, she shut the doors. Caesar, opening her letter, and finding pathetic prayers and entreaties that she might be buried in the same tomb with Antony, soon guessed what was doing. At first he was going himself in all haste, but, changing his mind, he sent others to see. The thing had been quickly done. The messengers came at full speed, and found the guards apprehensive of nothing; but on opening the doors, they saw her stone-dead, lying upon a bed of gold, set out in all her royal ornaments. Iras, one of her women, lay dying at her feet, and Charmion, just ready to fall, scarce able to hold up her head, was adjusting her mistress's diadem. And when one that came in said angrily, 'Was this well done of your lady, Charmion?' 'Extremely well,' she answered, 'and as became the descendant of so many kings'; and as she said this, she fell down dead by the bedside."