The “fog of war,” first coined by Prussian General Carl von Clausewitz, is a term often used to describe the dominating uncertainty that hallmarks the chaos of battle. The answer to this challenge according to Clausewitz, is the “sensitive and discriminating judgment” of leaders who can cut through the fog. History has shown time and again that leaders keeping their wits about them would prove to be the deciding factor in overcoming chaotic uncertainty. It’s a lesson constantly beat into my head during my time as an Infantry officer, and one I’ve not forgotten in my time since.
