The Officers’ Guide
Used bookstores are an open invitation to a gold rush (well, maybe not for tons of gold, exactly, but certainly occasional nuggets).
And so I found myself one day five or six years ago at a small shop in Winchester, Virginia (Blue Plate Books) where I came across a 1942 issue of a “Reference on Customs and Procedures Which Pertain to Commissioned Officers of the Army of the United States.”
And there it was, on p. 127:
“Classification” of Officers. Whenever an officer of any grade, age, or previous degree of experience joins a new organization, he will be carefully observed by his seniors, his contemporaries, and his juniors. His personal traits, his mannerisms, and his capacity will be assessed. He will be “classified” by others in all manners of ways. The officer new to an organization will wish to establish himself favorably . . .
To a distinguished military leader of a past era of the German Army is attributed the following classification of officers . . .
First, the brilliant and industrious. They make the best staff officers, for their talents provide maximum service to commanders.
Second, the brilliant and lazy. They are the most valuable and constitute the commanders. Their tendency to avoid troublesome and time-consuming detail enables them to gain the perspective which is necessary in the art of making decisions.
Third, the stupid and lazy. While this group will add little to military lustre they can be used on small tasks which are necessary to be accomplished. At least, they will do no great harm. They can be retained and used.
Fourth, the stupid and industrious. Great damage may result from their actions. Attacking the ill-advised with zeal and energy they may induce a disaster. They are the most dangerous. They must be eliminated!
The Officer’s Guide
A Reference on Customs and Procedures Which Pertain to
Commissioned Officers of the Army of the United States
Military Service Publishing Co. (Harrisburg, Pa.)
7th Edition, February 1942
Great—I knew there had to be a shortcut!