To encourage and fortify relationships between military service members, veterans, their families, their friends, and their Country; to nurture the path of communication for everyone, ensuring that no one is alone or left behind; and proving that we have not, are not, and will never forget the nobility of their sacrifices.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Captain Jack Randal's Rules For Raiding

While writing book reviews for the first two books in Phil Ward's Raiding Forces Series, which you can read here and here, Captain Jack Randal's Rules For Raiding have not only stuck with me, but I've been guilty of quoting them a time or two, so I thought I would share these rules with those who have not read Those Who Dare or Dead Eagles.  

Randal's Rules For Raiding
Rule 1. The first rule is there ain't no rules.
Rule 2. Keep it short and simple.
Rule 3. It never hurts to cheat.
Rule 4. Right man, right job.
Rule 5.Plan missions backwards (know how to get home.)
Rule 6. It's good to have a Plan B.
Rule 7. Expect the unexpected.

Major Jack Randal Rules is displayed on the first page of Dead Eagles for those who need refreshing. It occurred to me while reading Dead Eagles, Major Randal's Rules apply to everyday life. Take Rule 1 I've found even when I played by the rules, not everyone else does. Whether it's trying to control a pack of sugar crazed children while substitute teaching on Halloween, or talking to your husband it's always better to keep it short and simple, hence Rule 2.  Rule 3 Cheating in the books is more about taking whatever tool/weapon/person to tip the scales of advantage. In life I'd interpret it to mean use what tools you have to your advantage. Nepotism isn't always a bad thing. Discounts at a restaurant because you're good friends with the owner is nice too. Just remember to pay those favors back when you're able.  Rule 4 Right man, right job. This is a rule I think every person in an authoritative position should have tattooed on their brain. If one is truly utilizing the right man (or woman), right job theory without thought about involving ego, well just imagine the possibilities... 
Rule 5 Plan missions backwards (know how to get home) doesn't literally apply to the majority of the population of earth.  However, if you take it on a theoretical basis Rule 5 could be interpreted as, never forget where you came from, how you got where you are, and why you're going in the direction you're heading.  I found in life Rule 6 It's good to have a Plan B is an absolute must. In fact, if you add children into the factor I wouldn't stop at Plan B. More than once I've made it to Plan K. If you've spent much time around children this needs no explanation. Rule 7 Expect the unexpected ties into Rule 6 and also valuable in life. I have been waylaid by the unexpected in pretty much every aspect of my life at some point. Sometimes the unexpected is pleasant, other times it's not.

What do you think of Captain Randal's Rules?

1 comment:

CI-Roller Dude said...

Those are pretty good combat rules. When I was re-assigned to a dysfunctional team in Bosnia, they told me that the team leader was not orgainzed and couldn't plan his way out of a wet paper sack.
I did all the team planning...and my rules covered back up plans etc. Used the same concepts in iraq and as a cop for 32 years...