Alan Hoe

“...his methods of achieving his aim were a constant throughout his life:

• No matter how verbose the orders, render them down to simple aims.

• Know your enemy.

• Plan every move from the point of departure to the point of return. Keep the element of surprise in mind at all times. Plan boldly and act boldly (but not foolishly).

• Ask the question “What if . . . ” at every stage of the plan. Ask that question no matter how outlandish it may seem to be.

• Give honest orders and honest answers to the troops’ questions.

• Do not delegate a task unless prepared to do it yourself.

• Select the right equipment, but always remember that it is the man who counts.

• Rehearse, rehearse, and then rehearse again.

• Hope for—but do not expect—good luck. If good luck does appear to be with you, exploit it—fast.

No one will deny that the Meadows-detailed preparation and planning phases for any operation paid off. It is a technique still practiced throughout Special Forces.”
― Alan Hoe, The Quiet Professional: Major Richard J. Meadows of the U.S. Army Special Forces