The Little Red Book

The Warden

On a bookshelf, hidden from the glare of any intrusive camera lens, sits a small, thin red volume; it is not Chairman Mao’s famous little tome but rather a guide written for Sandhurst cadets with the intention of providing lessons in leadership and morale through moving, thought-provoking, inspiring, and amusing anecdotes, axioms, and aphorisms.

It is not for me to determine the effect this guide has in instructional terms but it is a fascinating insight for an outsider into the culture that an institution tells of itself, tells to itself, and lets others see it telling.

Thereafter, it is only the actions of that institution that can reveal whether these values are lived with authenticity or whether cognitive dissonance reigns.

As all texts, this military vade mecum is clearly a product of a time and a culture, speaking almost entirely of the masculine but it has been repeatedly re-edited and, in fairness, I may not have the latest edition. Besides, to get distracted by the accidental would seem to ignore the substantial and it is here that it has much to say. I do not suppose the philosophies this guide offers are novel and, indeed, the sources over the centuries hint at an atemporal, universal teaching which has been evinced and recorded by the various witnesses. Underlying each lesson which runs through the manual, however, is that sense of service, borne of a responsibility – a responsibility to those the young officers will lead, a responsibility to morality, responsibility to tradition, and lastly a responsibility to authority. Ultimately, of course, responsibility rests on a sense of duty and, and as the manual makes clear, this state of being accountable demands complete integrity – defined as the honesty that what we say and ask is true – and a courage that enables us to do what we know to be right irrespective of danger, difficulty, or the advice of well-meaning friends.

While the ‘unprecedented situation’ of recent months has done much to neologise, we have equally been drawn to the bellicose familiar in our attempts to overcome, fight, grapple, struggle, and challenge. We have key workers on the ‘front line’, virologists working to repel the pathogens, and those of us at home doing ‘our bit’ to wage war against the pandemic and prevent a second wave or attack. The implicit analogy present in the linguistic usage is ultimately inappropriate and potentially offensive but it does pose a question: if we, our media, and our political leaders are ready to invoke the rhetoric of war to ensure victory in our time of struggle, then is it not reasonable to expect those who lead to do so with the same values and standards we expect of those we ask to serve in times of crisis.

To return to my beginning, it seems appropriate to give voice to one of the most frequent contributors to the little red book:

Unselfishness, as far as you are concerned means simply this – you will put first the honour and interests of your country and your regiment; next you will put the safety, well-being and comfort of your men; and last – and last all the time – you will put your own interest, your own safety, your own comfort.

Field Marshall Sir William Slim, Courage and Other Broadcasts (London: Cassell, 1957)

The Dog

If you are aiming at perfection, don’t settle for anything less. The golden rule to training, any puppy class will tell you, is consistency: consistency of language [spoken and non-verbal] – one action for ‘run’, one to demand fodder, one to take out for the constitutional. The hallmark of successful human training, however, is where the entire schedule revolves around the canine: exercise is taken at the same time, whatever the weather, whatever is going on, and the feed follows promptly. The ultimate goal is achieved when holidays and days out are subjected to the canine test, and do not take place if our needs are not fully and effectively satisfied. This can take a few years but when they are getting it right all the time, every time, then it is right and proper to take pride in a job well done – and the reward is obvious over the fifteen years or so we will stick with them.

The human does, of course, make mistakes and justice should be swift – allow them to know they got it wrong and then restore the relationship. They need to know that they are loved and can be trusted again because a relationship without trust is not worth much …