Unconventional War

There was an Army general in 1898 who wanted to disband the Rough Riders Teddy Roosevelt had organized before they could even get on a boat to Cuba because so many things about them were unconventional in comparison to conventional Army methodology. When the captain of the Rough Riders was required by a general to give a description of his fighting unit, he said, “They are the most unconventional men you have ever seen.” At that point the general began speaking of disbanding the company and requiring them to walk back to the western states from Florida. When their captain asked the general what his particular objection was the red-faced officer doubled up both fists and yelled, “I have never seen anything like this in my lifetime!” The captain responded, “Sir, that’s because nothing like this has ever happened in your lifetime” to which the general had to eventually concede. He needed an unconventional fighting unit to fight an unconventional war.