Norman Schwarzkopf Quotes

A collection of quotes by Norman Schwarzkopf.

Norman Schwarzkopf was a highly decorated United States Army general, born on August 22, 1934, in New Jersey. Known for his leadership during the Gulf War, he became a prominent figure in American military history. Graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1956, Schwarzkopf served in various positions throughout his career, demonstrating exceptional tactical and strategic expertise.

During the Gulf War in 1990-1991, Schwarzkopf commanded the Coalition Forces, leading international troops against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. His strong leadership and brilliant military tactics played a vital role in the success of Operation Desert Storm, leading to the liberation of Kuwait and minimizing losses on the Allied side. Schwarzkopf's skilled execution of the air campaign, followed by a ground offensive, resulted in a decisive victory for the Coalition forces.

After retiring from the military in 1991, Schwarzkopf remained influential, promoting national security and serving as a consultant and speaker on leadership and military affairs. He received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, for his extraordinary contributions to the U.S. military and his dedicated service to his country.

General Norman Schwarzkopf passed away on December 27, 2012, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a brilliant military leader and an inspiration to future generations of soldiers.

The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.

The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.

Norman Schwarzkopf


Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character

Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.

Norman Schwarzkopf


Had the United States and the United Kingdom gone on alone t

Had the United States and the United Kingdom gone on alone to capture Baghdad, under the provisions of the Geneva and Hague conventions we would have been considered occupying powers and therefore would have been responsible for all the costs of maintaining or restoring government, education and other services for the people of Iraq.

Norman Schwarzkopf


A professional soldier understands that war means killing pe

A professional soldier understands that war means killing people, war means maiming people, war means families left without fathers and mothers.

Norman Schwarzkopf

War

True courage is being afraid, and going ahead and doing your

True courage is being afraid, and going ahead and doing your job anyhow, that's what courage is.

Norman Schwarzkopf

Courage

He is neither a strategist nor is he schooled in the operati

He is neither a strategist nor is he schooled in the operational arts, nor is he a tactician, nor is he a general. Other than that he's a great military man.

Norman Schwarzkopf

Great

War is a profane thing.

War is a profane thing.

Norman Schwarzkopf

War

First of all, Saddam did not win the war, even though he say

First of all, Saddam did not win the war, even though he says he did, I mean, you know, that's a joke and everybody in the world knows it.

Norman Schwarzkopf

War

Going to war without France is like going hunting without an

Going to war without France is like going hunting without an accordion.

Norman Schwarzkopf

War

Well, unfortunately, I have always regretted the fact that I

Well, unfortunately, I have always regretted the fact that I have a temper, but I also have, you know, have great love and respect for all of the people that have worked for me. I think like everything else, this is one of those things that has been blown out of proportion.

Norman Schwarzkopf

Respect

As far as Saddam Hussein being a great military strategist,

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 a soldier. Other than that, he's a great military man, I want you to know that.

Norman Schwarzkopf

Great

I was lucky enough to lead a very successful war.

I was lucky enough to lead a very successful war.

Norman Schwarzkopf

War

I hate war. Absolutely, I hate war.

I hate war. Absolutely, I hate war.

Norman Schwarzkopf

War

You learn far more from negative leadership than from positi

You learn far more from negative leadership than from positive leadership. Because you learn how not to do it. And, therefore, you learn how to do it.

Norman Schwarzkopf

Leadership