Infantry Attacks

1. What is "Infantry Attacks" by Erwin Rommel about?

• Firsthand WWI Combat Memoir: "Infantry Attacks" is Erwin Rommel’s detailed memoir of his experiences as a junior officer in the German Army during World War I, covering campaigns in France, Romania, and Italy.
• Tactical and Leadership Insights: The book is both a narrative of battles and a practical manual, offering Rommel’s observations on small-unit tactics, leadership, reconnaissance, and decision-making under fire.
• Focus on Infantry Warfare: Rommel emphasizes the challenges and solutions of infantry combat, including movement, attack, defense, and adaptation to rapidly changing battlefield conditions.
• Lessons and Reflections: Each chapter concludes with "battlefield observations," where Rommel distills lessons learned and offers advice for future officers and soldiers.

2. Why should I read "Infantry Attacks" by Erwin Rommel?

• Classic Military Literature: The book is considered a foundational text in military tactics and leadership, influencing generations of officers, including WWII leaders like Patton.
• Unique Perspective: Rommel’s firsthand, ground-level view provides rare insight into the realities of WWI combat and the mindset of a future legendary general.
• Practical Lessons: The book is filled with actionable advice on leadership, initiative, and adaptability, relevant not only to military professionals but also to anyone interested in decision-making under pressure.
• Historical Significance: "Infantry Attacks" offers a German perspective on WWI, covering lesser-known campaigns and providing context for the evolution of modern warfare.

3. What are the key takeaways from "Infantry Attacks" by Erwin Rommel?

• Initiative and Decisiveness: Success in battle often depends on junior leaders taking initiative and making rapid decisions, even in the absence of clear orders.
• Importance of Reconnaissance: Accurate, timely reconnaissance is critical; Rommel repeatedly stresses the need for personal observation and detailed terrain analysis.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: The ability to adapt tactics to changing situations, terrain, and enemy actions is a recurring theme throughout the book.
• Leadership by Example: Rommel advocates for officers to lead from the front, share hardships with their men, and inspire confidence through personal courage and competence.
• Preparation and Training: Rigorous training, attention to detail, and preparation in peacetime are essential for survival and effectiveness in war.

4. How does Erwin Rommel describe effective infantry tactics in "Infantry Attacks"?

• Use of Terrain and Cover: Rommel emphasizes exploiting terrain for movement and protection, avoiding open ground, and using natural features for concealment.
• Fire and Maneuver: He advocates for coordinated fire and movement, with units providing mutual support and suppressing the enemy during advances.
• Surprise and Speed: Achieving surprise through stealth, rapid movement, and unexpected attacks is a key element in his tactical approach.
• Decentralized Command: Rommel supports empowering small-unit leaders to make decisions on the spot, adapting to the immediate situation rather than waiting for higher orders.

5. What leadership principles does Erwin Rommel advocate in "Infantry Attacks"?

• Lead from the Front: Rommel insists that officers should share the dangers and hardships of their men, setting an example in courage and discipline.
• Know Your Men: He stresses the importance of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of subordinates, building trust and morale.
• Clear Communication: Orders should be concise, clear, and adapted to the situation; confusion and ambiguity can be fatal in combat.
• Responsibility and Initiative: Leaders must take responsibility for their actions and be willing to act decisively, even in uncertain or chaotic conditions.

6. How does "Infantry Attacks" by Erwin Rommel address the challenges of reconnaissance and intelligence?

• Personal Involvement: Rommel often conducts reconnaissance himself, highlighting the value of firsthand observation over secondhand reports.
• Use of Small Patrols: He describes sending out small, stealthy patrols to gather information, emphasizing caution and the use of cover.
• Reporting and Communication: Timely and accurate reporting of reconnaissance findings is crucial; delays or omissions can lead to disaster.
• Terrain Familiarity: Rommel advocates for officers to study maps, use compasses, and practice night navigation to maintain orientation and avoid surprises.

7. What are some of the most important "battlefield observations" or lessons learned in "Infantry Attacks"?

• Dispersal Under Fire: Dense formations are vulnerable to artillery and machine-gun fire; Rommel recommends dispersed, flexible formations.
• Rapid Entrenchment: Digging in quickly, even under fire, greatly reduces casualties and increases staying power.
• Coordination with Artillery: Close cooperation with supporting artillery is essential for both attack and defense.
• Avoiding Friendly Fire: Clear identification and communication are necessary to prevent tragic incidents of friendly fire, which Rommel experienced firsthand.

8. How does Erwin Rommel describe the psychological aspects of combat in "Infantry Attacks"?

• Morale and Endurance: High morale, fostered by competent leadership and shared hardship, is vital for withstanding the stresses of battle.
• Fear and Fatigue: Rommel acknowledges the effects of fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty, and discusses ways to mitigate them through discipline and rest.
• Shock and Surprise: The psychological impact of sudden attacks, artillery barrages, and night actions can break enemy resistance or cause panic.
• Leadership Influence: The presence and actions of leaders directly affect the psychological state of their troops, for better or worse.

9. What are some notable battles or campaigns covered in "Infantry Attacks" by Erwin Rommel?

• Western Front (France/Belgium): Rommel details actions in the Argonne, Meuse, and Verdun regions, including trench warfare and night attacks.
• Eastern Front (Romania): He describes mountain warfare, harsh weather, and the challenges of supply and movement in the Carpathians.
• Italian Front (Caporetto): The book covers the famous breakthrough at Caporetto, including infiltration tactics and the rapid exploitation of enemy weaknesses.
• Defensive and Offensive Operations: Rommel provides accounts of both holding ground under intense attack and leading aggressive assaults against fortified positions.

10. How did "Infantry Attacks" by Erwin Rommel influence later military leaders and doctrine?

• Influence on WWII Commanders: The book was widely read by WWII leaders, including George S. Patton, who reportedly memorized it.
• Development of Blitzkrieg: Rommel’s emphasis on speed, initiative, and decentralized command contributed to the development of German blitzkrieg tactics.
• Training Manual: "Infantry Attacks" became a standard text in military academies, valued for its practical, experience-based lessons.
• Enduring Relevance: The principles outlined by Rommel continue to inform modern military doctrine, especially regarding small-unit leadership and adaptability.

11. What are some of the best quotes from "Infantry Attacks" by Erwin Rommel, and what do they mean?

• "Sweat saves blood, blood saves lives, and brains save both." – Emphasizes the value of preparation, training, and intelligent planning in reducing casualties.
• "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." – Highlights Rommel’s philosophy of aggressive, decisive action.
• "In the absence of orders, go find something and kill it." – Stresses the importance of initiative and offensive spirit at all levels.
• "The best form of welfare for the troops is first-class training, for this saves unnecessary casualties." – Underlines Rommel’s belief in rigorous training as the foundation of combat effectiveness.

12. What are the limitations or criticisms of "Infantry Attacks" by Erwin Rommel?

• Focus on German Perspective: The book presents only the German side of the conflict, with limited insight into the enemy’s experience or broader strategic context.
• Heroic Narrative: Some critics note Rommel’s tendency to highlight his own actions and successes, potentially downplaying the contributions of others or the role of luck.
• WWI Context: The tactics and technology described are specific to World War I and may not fully translate to later conflicts, though many principles remain relevant.
• Limited Strategic Analysis: "Infantry Attacks" is primarily a tactical and operational memoir, with less emphasis on grand strategy or political factors influencing the war.