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Casualties Quote by Ferdinand Foch

“It take 15,000 casualties to train a major general.” quote by Ferdinand Foch
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“It take 15,000 casualties to train a major general.”

Ferdinand Foch

About This Quote

Source Speech: "On Training and Leadership", 1918

The statement suggests that massive loss of life is required to develop high‑level military leaders, implying a harsh cost of experience.

In simple terms: Training generals costs many lives.

Key Takeaway

Consider the human cost of leadership training.

Themes

war leadership sacrifice experience

Mood

critical somber

Type

historical ethical

When to use this quote

  • military education
  • policy making
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

military history ethics strategy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it necessary to sacrifice lives for leadership?
  • What alternatives exist for training leaders?
A Different Perspective

The view is morally troubling and historically specific.

2.2 out of 5 (6 ratings)

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