General H. Norman Schwarzkopf

“In six months I am going to bring down your world and rebuild it. No stone will be left unturned, and it will be good. You’re all going to like it. But to do this in six months, I’m going to be a bear – sometimes even a grizzly bear. At the end of the six months you, too, will be bears and, when necessary, able to turn into grizzlies as easily as I do. At that point I am going to change into a teddy and remain that way for the rest of my tour here – just a nice, cuddly, teddy bear” (Cohen & Gatti, 1991). General H. Norman Schwarzkopf often gave impactful and memorable speeches such as this when he took command. He was a leader of integrity who always put the well-being of his men at the forefront of all missions he was tasked to complete. He was the son of a West Point graduate, and retired Colonel Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf. General Schwarzkopf also graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1956. He spent some time as a Platoon leader and eventually as a Captain began a three year tour teaching at West Point. The Vietnam War kicked off at this point and this is where H. Norman Schwarzkopf’s leadership abilities would be tested and proven effective while he learned many lessons that would later serve him well. He was the

Norman Schwarzkopf was a leader that always maintained his presence, character and intellect in every military operation he was involved in. He learned very quickly as a combat commander that in order for his men to fight, he had to be an example of what right looked like. He gave his subordinates broad orders with a clear intent and enabled them to develop and conduct their missions. He would correct subordinates when necessary, but would never attack them, only attack the problem that he saw. He was a man of integrity who consistently followed his moral character instilled in him by his father. He is a great example of accomplished military officer and his actions and leadership abilities should be studied by all who