"The Father of My Spirit: Scharnhorst, Clausewitz,..." Topic

… and the Value of Mentorship.

"A constant point of emphasis in the realm of personal and professional development within any military service is that of mentorship. Some of the greatest leaders in military history owe much of their reputation and success to committed and experienced mentors. From a young age, Alexander the Great was imbued with the lineage of Greek philosophy and analytical thought through his relationship with his tutor, Aristotle. Two of the greatest military leaders in American history—General George S. Patton and General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower—were both indebted for much of their intellectual and professional development to Major General Fox Conner, who served as the Allied Expeditionary Force's Operations Officer for General John J. Pershing during World War I.[1] The foundation of mentorship within any military rests upon the transfer of intellect, experience, and trust. These factors help to mold a successful relationship between individuals and provide for the development of future generations of leaders.[2] In short, the greatest factors in the creation and eventual success of a military leader are the lessons and professional development a dedicated mentor has to offer.

One of the most remarkable examples of successful military mentorship and of a deeply committed personal and professional relationship was between Carl von Clausewitz and Gerhard von Scharnhorst. Clausewitz—the celebrated Prussian military theorist and author of On War—owed his entire career and renown to his mentor, teacher, and military superior, Scharnhorst.[3] Clausewitz's twelve-year relationship with Scharnhorst from 1801 to 1813 comprised the full beginnings of his intellectual and military growth. It was this mentorship that set Clausewitz on the path from which he would develop what may be the greatest piece of military theory ever written. This article seeks to highlight the impacts Scharnhorst's life and teachings had on Clausewitz and to illustrate an ideal of mentorship from which members of military service today may draw examples and inspiration…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Pretty interesting

Happy you enjoyed it my friend!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand