Blowing Quote by Norman Schwarzkopf
“There's no doubt in my mind that whichever commander ordered the blowing up of Kamisiyah did so in following the instructions that he had received.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Press briefing after the 2003 Iraq invasion, Norman Schwarzkopf, 2003
Command decisions are often driven by higher orders, reflecting chain‑of‑command dynamics.
In simple terms: Orders guide actions.
Key Takeaway
Question chain of command.
Themes
military
authority
obedience
Mood
serious
analytical
Type
military
ethical
When to use this quote
- combat operations
- policy implementation
- crisis management
Key Concepts
command hierarchy
ethical responsibility
strategic decision‑making
Questions to Reflect On
- Who is responsible when orders cause harm?
- How can commanders balance obedience and ethics?
A Different Perspective
Blind obedience can conflict with moral judgment.
