"I wonder whether those of our political masters who have been put in charge of the defence of the country can distinguish a mortar from a motor; a gun from a howitzer; a guerrilla from a gorilla, although a great many resemble the latter."

“Professional knowledge and professional competence are the main attributes of leadership. Unless you know, and the men you command know that you know your job, you will never be a leader.”

“It's nonsense that people join the army to serve the country, like the politicians do it only for the sake of the country.”

“One thing remains the same. That is, your task and your duty. You are required to ensure the security of this country against any aggressor. What does that mean for you? It means that you should have to fight, and fight to win. There is no room for the loser. If you lose, don't come back.”

“Whether an atom bomb is necessary or not, in this world if you want to be recognized, if you don’t want to be kicked about, you have to be powerful both militarily and economically.”

“You know I have no political ambitions. My job is to command my army and see that it is kept as a first rate instrument. Your job is to look after the country.”

“Give me a man or a woman with common sense and who is not an idiot and I assure you can make a leader out of him or her.”