The 48 laws of power by Robert Greene

[Damian Donovan]

https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1297604-the-48-laws-of-power

Anyone read this book? If so what did u think and how relevant would such information be with regards to the FFL?

Personally I found it fascinating. There is also a really good audio book from audible.com

 

[Chas]

Damian,

I have not read the book. However I perused the first six entries and found them to be interesting. The book is ideal for discussion, debate and brain storming within the commercial world.

It has no place whatsoever in the military world. The British Army is governed by Queen's Regulations (HM Is head of our Armed Forces). These regulations cover rules, procedure, ethics and discipline.

In any Armed Forces you are charged to obey all lawful orders of those set in authority over you. You will obey immediately and without demur. There is no place for barrack room lawyers. Hence this book has no relevance to normal day to day military activities.

It is of course normal for field officers and above to discuss and study books of this nature.

 

[Damian Donovan]

Chas,

I do understand your point. However I doubt the book was just made for business people and lawyers. Don't know if u read it but there are many references to subtlety. While one might not strive for power in a military setting , you can still improve your life considerably by using subtle (verses direct) methods.

You could for instance, gain favor with your superiors or your comrades without creating envy with others... A very important law in the book.

 

[Chas]

Damian,

No I have not read specific references to subtlety. Command and planning is not only about (crudely) shouting. N'or is it a carrot and stick approach. Subtlety is only one of several skills at command level. Finally the more inclusive you are with your men when approaching a specific military task the more appreciative and keen they become.

Remember as a 'grunt' in the FFL you will be in no position to make decisions. They will all be made by your section Cpl or Sgt.

 

[Auroris56]

You know I bought the book The Naked Soldier written by an Author I never really payed attention too. I had intended to read it on the plane trip over to France but, never did. I now have been larping around Aubagne, for the past week and a half with Nothing to do... And I find that I still have refused to pick up this book. I spent more time reading a book in the TV room in paradise one, which I didnt even pay for (I wonder if anyone knows which one I am talking about) than reading the book I actually paid for. Anway I find myself continually trying to avoid having to read this book. Even though, I have nothing else to do.

It may be hard but some time before I go back to Paradise I will at least read one chapter.

 

[Chas]

Tony Sloane author served for 5 years in the FFL. A young Brit he joined at 18. I have never read his book The Naked Soldier. However it has had mixed reviews.

 

[Damian Donovan]

Auroris

How is aubagne? And what are u doing with regards to money, accomodation etc? When can u go back and try again? I know a bit off topic haha

 

[Joseph Cosgrove]

Auroris

How is aubagne? And what are u doing with regards to money, accomodation etc? When can u go back and try again? I know a bit off topic haha

Damian you started the thread. Why not post this under Krav Maga update?

 

[jwaltos]

... regulations cover rules, procedure, ethics and discipline.

Hi Chas,
You reminded me of a conversation I had with an Argentinian who was in the Falklands that I met while in Las Vegas. An engagement took place that was `off the books` where ambush, surprise, treachery and bravery played key roles. This was a small arms contact with two patrols where those that survived were lucky. While under cover of a white flag part of the `surrendering` patrol flanked the erstwhile captors with a machine gun. The officer with the white flag was killed running back to his men when the machine gun opened up. No one took any prisoners that day.
Have you heard of this story before? There were medals also.
All I can say is when you are with certain people, books and conduct mean nothing and tactics mean everything. Living to fight another day with a few less enemy is the core. Let's see someone cite chapter and verse under these conditions and not get shot disobeying a direct order.

 

[Chas]

jwaltos,

Good to see you contributing again.

I did not serve then. I was 44 at that time ! However I had friends serving and I am aware of 2 white flag incidents by the enemy which resulted in a subsequent ambush. After that frequently prisoners were not taken unless the surrender was clear and without subterfuge,

Also there were recorded incidents of the enemy shooting downed RM helicopter pilots and crew when they were swimming to shore.

The Argentine Marines were worthy opponents and often fought to the last. The others were mainly disenchanted conscripts led by officers who treated them with disdain. Their Air Force pilots were good and very brave. Many were likened to their fantastic racing driver Fangio.

It was no picnic and in many regards it was a lucky outcome. The enemy were better equipped and had NV glasses. We did not. We won with the superior training of our Paras and Marines. Our logistics were over extended and we had lost our helicopter lift element when their ship was sunk. So it was a question of yomping or tabbing across the island. The terrain very similar to Dartmoor where the RMs' undertake most of their training. Harsh, damp, rugged, often cold and always at the whim of inclement weather.

 

[jwaltos]

Thanks for the reply Chas.
The Brits were actually the ones who attempted the deployment under the white flag. I didn't serve there either but I had a dram or two with
fellows who did their part on both sides of the war and some on the fringes. A few I met in the Legion. My point in this thread was that aside from the mandatory rulebooks that soldiers must be aware of the only reading material of interest are the exact coordinates of your stated enemy. Greene's book is for entertainment purposes.

 

[176607Mick]

Tony Sloane author served for 5 years in the FFL. A young Brit he joined at 18. I have never read his book The Naked Soldier. However it has had mixed reviews.

I remember Sloane in 3cie in Kourou. A very odd bloke who never really socialised with the Brits. He was best mates with a German bloke. I remember Si Turner making him climb out of the window because he wanted to go out with his mates whilst Si held a Brits night in his chambre. Weirdo.

 

[DanSorin]

I have read this book in the spring, the author makes a lot of references to the books of Sun Tzu "The art of war" and "The Prince" by Niccolo Machiavelli, books I have readed in the past.

For those who have time, here is a good summary, a video of 30 minutes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=670ZGMBjrPI

 

[Tom Juvenez]

I remember Sloane in 3cie in Kourou. A very odd bloke who never really socialised with the Brits. He was best mates with a German bloke. I remember Si Turner making him climb out of the window because he wanted to go out with his mates whilst Si held a Brits night in his chambre. Weirdo.

I just finished this book and that sounds about right about a guy he was close with according to the book....quik read.