Title: The
Mark of the Warrior
Author:
Paul Scott
Publisher:
Granada
Publishing
Pages:
188
Content:
Paul Scott’s classic tale of the training of special force’s operatives in the
Indian Theatre of Operations during the Second World War is a treatise on the
loneliness of Command and the responsibility, however onerous, of the Commander
to challenge and stress his personnel in as realistic a setting as possible.
“Train as you will fight” is a phrase often heard but rarely followed. The Mark
of the Warrior highlights why this is critical and how difficult, but
necessary, it can be in practise. Concurrent with this is the emphasis on
development and mentorship of junior personnel. Additionally, Scott highlights
the more subtle but equally relevant effect of experience and history on a
Commanders personality and methodology. Despite rank and ‘time in’, a Commander
is still the product of the combination and accumulation of his or her own
experiences. Their strengths and weaknesses are emphasized through the lens of
these experiences. Overall, a thoughtful and interesting read.
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