The Little World

Makes no difference who you are
Anyone who shoots at you can
Kill you dead.

The practice of painting stars- red, white, or black – on the sides of tanks is no guarantee against 17 pdr shells or Javelin missiles. Thicker armour and party tricks are a bit better, but the best protection is distance. At 200 Km, most anti-tank guns are ineffective.

This is good advice before you decide to mount an armoured assault. Of course there are times when you do not have a choice, but if you can avoid being there, you’ll feel better.

Wishful thinking on the part of military and naval forces is generally a bad idea, whether it manifests itself as hope or fear. Neither really see what is plainly there. Both suggest foolish plans and responses. They do not cope well with the reverses of reality. Far better to remain loose and let your responses develop.

Note: Substitute sex and love for war and hate and the exact same advice applies.