On the Psychology of Military Incompetence

By: Norman F Dixon

The indisputable classic of military history that uncovers the shortcomings of military leadership and explains why generals fail

The Crimea, the Boer War, the Somme, Tobruk, Pearl Harbor, the Bay of Pigs: these are just some of the milestones in a century of military incompetence, of costly mishaps and tragic blunders. Are these simple accidents—as the "bloody fool" theory has it—or are they inevitable?

The psychologist Norman F. Dixon argues that there is a pattern to inept generalship, and he locates this pattern within the very act of creating armies in the first place, which in his view produces a levelling down of human capability that encourages the mediocre and limits the gifted. In this light, successful generals achieve what they do despite the stultifying features of the organization to which they belong.

On the Psychology of Military Incompetence is at once an original exploration of the battles that have defined the last two centuries of human civilization and an essential guide for the next generation of military leaders.

Critic reviews

“One does not have to share all, or even most, of Dixon's often rebarbative views to agree that this penetrating, self-knowing, often hilarious, and sometimes alarming book is a must-read. It is a classic of military history awaiting rediscovery today.”—Brendan Simms, author of Europe: The Struggle for Supremacy

“An original, scientifically impressive and fascinating book . . . a minor classic.”—Tablet

“An absorbing, perceptive and often very funny study in human frailty.”—Listener

“It should be compulsory reading wherever future officers are selected or trained, and deserves a very wide readership among psychologists and laymen.”—New Society

"An intelligent man's guide to the defects of the military mind... Its conclusions are incontrovertible.”
—Books and Bookmen

very eye opening discussion

triggers deep thinking. wonder whether American have similar books to look into the generals involved the wars since 9/11.

History

Every person in the military or those fascinated with it needs to read this. You will not find a better example of criticism of military comand for modern times,

Makes want to cry and shout NO all at the same time.

Fascinating stories of incompetence of leadership in war that led to the deaths of many thousands of brave soldiers which begs the question of how did they ever get in such a position in the first place and have we learned anything from their methods, actions and mistakes. I hope so but knowing history they are probably still out there waiting to test positive for incompetent. I wish I had a hard copy of the book instead of listening to the audio version because I heard words I have no idea what they mean yet it all makes sense and doesn’t distract from the story which is profound, interesting and powerful.

Engaging

An engaging and thought provoking read especially for those in the military and in leadership

In depth review of military mindset

An in-depth review of many of the debacles that have punctuated wars. Not surprisingly the chaos of battle has crystallized the picture of poor leadership. And although hindsight is clearer, the personality type of those who lead exacerbates the situation with subpar people seeking to fulfill personal issues at the expense of others lives.