BOOK REVIEW ON “WHAT ARE GENERALS MADE OF?

”
BY
CAPT SENTHIL KUMAR R

INTRODUCTION

1. Drawing on his own experiences of a lifetime in the Army, the author Maj Gen
Aubrey “Red” Newman, USA (Retd) provides insight into military life at its most
important levels, discussing the challenge of leadership and outlining a pattern for a
successful commander to follow. In doing so, he highlights the ages and stages of
military life starting with his own career and distilling from its precepts, cautions and
a pattern for a successful commander to follow.

2. His advice is practical, do-able, whether involving the use of book or

bayonets; what to do in a nuclear attack or how to entertain a VIP.

About The Author

3. The book is written by Maj Gen Aubery “Red” S Newman, USA (Retd). Born in
South Carolina in 1902, Newman attended Clemson College before accepting an
appointment to the U.S. Military Academy in 1921. In the late 1920s and early 1930s,
“Red” Newman commanded companies at Fort Benning, Ga., in the Philippines and
at Plattsburg Barracks, N.Y. When the Japanese attacked on Dec. 7, 1941, he was
the 24th Infantry Division’s G-2 at Schofield Barracks near Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Newman went with that division to the Pacific and, in 1944, took command of its 34th
Infantry Regiment.

4. On Oct. 20, 1944, now Col. Newman waded ashore as part of the invasion of
Leyte. This was the beginning of Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s promised return to the
Philippines. Japanese soldiers in large, well-camouflaged pillboxes defended the
beach. On landing, Newman’s soldiers were pinned down by heavy-machine-gun
and rifle fire. All other officers were killed or wounded. Seizing the moment, Newman
walked forward in a hail of bullets and shouted to his men, “Get the hell off the
beach! Goddamn it, get up and get moving! Follow me!”

5. The troops secured the beachhead and cleared the way for the landing of
more troops and supplies. To mark the U.S. return to the Philippines, President
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Franklin D. Roosevelt radioed to MacArthur: “You have the nation’s gratitude and ...
prayers for success as you and your men fight your way back.” Ten days later, on
Oct. 30, 1944, Newman was leading elements of his assault battalion against
Japanese heavy-machine-gun emplacements when he was caught in mortar fire and
wounded. For this and his earlier heroism, Newman was awarded the Distinguished
Service Cross, the second highest award for combat valor.

6. Newman recovered from his wound and remained on active duty after World
War II. In the late 1940s, he attended the first class of the National War College. He
subsequently served as chief of staff to the 11th Airborne Division and commanded
the 511th Airborne Infantry Regiment. Newman wrote articles while on active duty
and devoted himself full time to writing in retirement. From 1966 to 1988, he
authored “The Forward Edge,” a column in Army magazine. The chapters in this
book were selected from these columns.

7. Newman died in Florida in 1994.

About The Book

8. The book consists of 314 pages in a hardbound paper pack. Lancer

international published it in India in 1990 under arrangement with Greenhill Books,
London. The book consists of sixty-six chapters divided in three parts. The book also
contains invaluable photographs in black and white clicked during authors’ service
and post service life. All the chapters in this book except three were selected from
authors’ column `The Forward Edge’ appeared in the Army magazine. He made a
effort to divide these columns into three parts categorizing primarily for young
Officers, Field grade Officers and Generals

9. In this book `What are Generals made of?’ he tried to bring out the human
face behind every soldier. Using often humorous anecdotes, he showed his readers
how to inspire soldiers to get a job done. Newman also wrote about a supervisor’s
responsibility to help a new lieutenant learn and develop. Consequently, he advised
young officers to watch senior leaders and copy those successful leadership styles
that they saw would work for them. For Newman, it was all about “understanding the
human element” in leadership.
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The Contents

10. “Ten good soldiers wisely led, will beat a hundred without a head” is the

fundamental idea of military leadership. Now the question arises `Who are these

wise leaders and how do we find them?’. The author finds that human element in

uniform which makes the difference and it held an ever increasing fascination for

him.

11. Part I. The chapters in the first part of this book were selected primarily (not

exclusively) for lieutenants and Captains who are on first thirs of a carrer Oficers

service.

12. In the first chapter `Who gets the Stars, Why and How?’ he writes the human

element pervades all levels of military service. Further as officers advance in rank

they become more complex and sophisticated, personally and professionally

because they are the sum of their experiences in the lower grades as they progress

upward.

13. In the next chapter he narrates an incident happened in his lieutenant life and

concludes in this manner. `Nobody wants to be ignored especially young lieutenants

arriving on the Army post for the first time, uncertain of which way to turn or what to

do next. If they are greeted with a common sense informal briefing and orientation

geared to their needs and the local situation, their superiors will be setting an

example of human understanding and efficiency for them to emulate. These first

days can be an important influence either for or against the Army as a career.

14. In a chapter named `The sprit drives the Infantry’ he concludes `If your

inclination is to Command and Leadership of men, rather then manipulation of the

latest innovations in military hardware and equipment, then the infantry offers you

the greatest challenges and the broadest opportunities. In another chapter he writes

`every rank in our Army plays its own indispensable role, each with its specalised
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responsibilities and missions. But the word `Sergeants’ goes beyond their image and

efficiency and toughness, and their demanding ability to get things done,.

15. About Lieutenants. In another chapter he writes about lieutenants. `An

Officer should begin, as a lieutenant to think of his career like a tactical situation. He

must of course deal effectively with the location that lies within his sight and hearing.

But also, in his minds eye, he must anticipate and prepare himself for the longer

challenges of higher rank that lie further down the road of the future.

Comments On The Book

8. The stories have been written in a simplest of language and each tales give

out a message to the reader. Author has tried to bring out various issues i.e man

management in Army, Belief and Prejudice in service, professional jealousy in

service, lives of army wives, adventure, simplicity of officers, officers and men

relationship and relationship among officers.

9. Each story has been picked up from an experience or an incident. Each one

of us can identify himself with the characters given out in each stories. The lay

reader will no doubt get a first hand account of life obtains in Cantonments and Mil

camp in India. No doubt the stories are eminently readable.

10. The dictums for the soldiers given in the epilogue are equally applicable in all

organization.

11. The quality of printing is outstanding and description of each tale generates
interest throughout.

Recommendation
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12. The book is highly recommended for all Officers Mess and unit library. Young
officers may be encouraged to read the book to learn about the officers & men
relationship. Dictums given out in the epilogue are must for all officers serving. No
doubt a pleasure to read.