General Norman Schwartzkopf Speech to West Point Corps of Cadets (1991-05-01)

[@joelleson3313]

In 1987, I flew in from US Army Europe to brief then Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, LTG Norman Schwartzkopf in the Pentagon. I was tasked with modeling force reductions and to give the General USAREUR's numbers. Each Army major command was to provide reduction numbers at this meeting. Each command wanted to preserve what manpower it had. I listened to the presentations and finally asked the General, "Sir, you know what each of our commands do. Please give us what you need and we'll do the job." "See me when this meeting is over", he said. I did. The man gave me a bear hug I'll never forget and said, "You're the only man here who wants to get this done without a bunch of horsetrading". That was 35 years ago. He was without doubt, one of our Army's best! May he rest in peace.

[@petermalanchuk8210]

Hi, @joelleson3313, thank you for your comments. I only know Gen. Schwartzkopf by what I've read and viewed in KZbin videos. I wish I'd known him and worked with him. You were fortunate to do so. I value you and your words to the General, and it tells us a lot of good things about you. As such, you too, just like Gen. Schwartkopf, are one of our Army's best and as well, one of society's best. I thank you for your words and your service.

[@johnhorning2506]

I was lucky enough to be in the audience for this speech. Can't tell you the level of emotion and pride in that room that night. Inspiring words. I still get tingles listening to it 29 years later.

[@gregoryfultz4826]

US VET AND HE WAS A GREAT LEADER AND WE NEED SOMEONE ELSE LIKE HIM TO QUESTION UNLAWFUL TREASONISS ORDERS!

[@Frank289100]

JOHN, THINK CARFULLY AND CAN YOU REMEMBER IF THIS SPEECH WAS GIVEN BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER THE GULF WAR. HE TALKS ABOUT PREPARATION FOR THE GULF WAR BUT MENTIONS VERY LITTLE ABOUT WINNING.

[@johnhorning2506]

@@Frank289100 it was absolutely after the Gulf War was over. He very clearly mentions “kicking the ass of the fourth largest army in the world.” You have to remember the audience he’s speaking to. He”s speaking to cadets who will be leading American Soldiers in future wars. 9/11 was still ten years away, but Schwarzkopf knew history and knew that some day in the future these cadets would be the officers that would lead America’s sons and daughters in battle. That is why speaks so much about preparation and the future. He was a great leader.

[@Frank289100]

@@johnhorning2506 JOHN, THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH FOR YOUR REPLAY.

[@nixxonnor]

@@Frank289100 He mentioned kicking the 4th largest army in the world in the butt (or similar) in 100 hours IIRC

[@ralphey8189]

"We did lose something in Vietnam, we lost our integrity" "we must have two things, competence and character" "When you lead in battle, you are leading people" Duty, Honor, Love of Country

[@revol148]

@ralphey8189 Tet Offensive (1968) & the Fall of Saigon (1975) - I think Norman must have been smoking something other than cigarettes before his speech as he seems unaware that the USA and their south Vietnam prostitutes LOST the war !

[@phillamoore157]

Amen. Drafting people for a completely unnecessary war will never have a good outcome…. Unfortunately, the exact same scenario could break out at any moment, today.

[@heatison11]

"It took us 100 hours to kick the ass of the 4th largest army in the world" Man what a legendary General

[@Frank289100]

I KNEW A GUY THAT OWNED A VIDEO STORE HERE IN NEW YORK CITY THAT WAS IN THE NATIONAL GUARD WHO WAS DEPLOYED. AT THE TIME I WAS A STEAM FITTER WORKING WITH MY PARTNER AND WE WERE OUT EATING LUNCH AND I WAS TELLING MY PARTNER HOW WE WERE GETTING MURDERED IN THE GULF WAR. I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEGREE. AND I INTERCEPTED SOME SIGNALS ON THE SHORTWAVE RADIO AND DECODED THEM AND THEY WERE MILITARY SIGNALS AND WHAT I HEARD ASTOUNDED ME. THAT'S HOW I KNEW WE WERE GETTING KILLED IN THAT WAR. THAT NATIONAL GUARD HEARD ME TALKING TO MY PARTNER AND HE SAID LISTEN TO YOUR PARTNER, HE'S TELLING THE TRUTH. MY JOB WAS TO PACK OUT THE DEAD. AND MY CREW ALONE PACKED OUT 2200 BODY BAGS AND THERE WAS OTHER CREWS DOING THE SAME THING. DON'T BE A SUCKER MY GOOD MAN. IT'S ALL F****** LIES. THAT SERPENT THAT WAS ON THE TREE RUNS THE MILITARY. ITS FOLLOWERS THE GENERALS IN THE PENTAGON START NEEDLESS WARS AND MISUSE MILITARY POWER. TO SPILL INNOCENT BLOOD TO PLEASE THEIR MASTER SATAN. THAT'S WHAT THESE WARS ARE ALL ABOUT INCLUDING THE ONES TODAY IN AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ AND SYRIA. THEY ARE SATAN'S WARS AND WHEN YOUR LIMBS GET BLOWN OFF OR YOU'RE TURNED INTO A VEGETABLE THE GOVERNMENT THROWS YOU INTO THE GARBAGE CAN. AND THEN PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS LIKE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT HAVE TO COMPENSATE AND HELP THE VETERANS, SOMETHING THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE DOING..

[@Fastbikkel]

@@Frank289100 Is your keyboard broken?

[@Frank289100]

@@Fastbikkel INSTEAD OF TELLING ME SOMETHING THAT A THIRD GRADER WOULD TELL ME. CHALLENGE WHAT I HAVE POSTED HERE. AND WE CAN FINISH UP OUR DISCUSSION WITH THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT.

[@revol148]

@heatison11 Grow up ! The Iraqi army was without an air-force (they had all flown to Iran for safe keeping), no spy imagery, no allies, an unmotivated army - the fact that you can call that war a victory is amusing as well as sad.

[@heatison11]

@@revol148 yet they felt strong enough to invade another country

[@gtg2020]

I repeatedly watched this video. This is one of the best speeches I have ever heard! Amazing!!!

[@desertmaverick7567]

Wow! General Schwartzkopf makes me wish I could be young and join the service all over again! Retired Chief USN 1971 - 1993

[@jamesgant88]

Thank you 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲 from a grateful citizen

[@gtg2020]

What a great speech touching many 21st century leaders! This is one of the best speeches I have ever heard! My heart is pounding!!!

[@dwedge914]

The man was in his element. You can feel the passion behind each word and the love of his country.

[@anthonyspanjich2772]

RIP Mr Schwartzkopf, your service was greatly respected

[@Robert-hr6sh]

Amen!

[@edscottaz]

Gen Schwartzkopf.

[@stevenwebb3634]

Gen Schwarzkopf was a true leader

[@circuscase]

He says they still make em' …….. But they don't make em' like Stormin' Norman anymore!!!! God broke the mold after he made this General....

[@cyrilbona1260]

Storming Norman was a great American General who knew how not to be a fairy in a shooting war and some of the sons and daughter’s of Canadians are also great General material Storming Norman

[@stijnvandamme76]

Read his book, he was a Leader among leaders. And a moral, ethical man like no others.

[@scottlmoody4457]

I'm X Navy, but I did serve under him during Desert Shield / Storm aboard the USS Saratoga CV-63. Great General.

[@buratching]

The most inspirational speech I've heard in years, rest in peace General you are the lightning and thunder of the desert storm

[@traciebolton1951]

Its an honor to hear him speak!

[@usaveteran-retired6464]

God bless this Great American General and leader - We need more leaders like him today!

[@silviehenry8996]

I know him while he was stationned in ft steward in georgia back in 1983

[@FlorentinoRebuildingCo.5644]

IMPRESSIVE...absolutely IMPRESSIVE. Great man, being humble and delivering a powerful message. Everyone today complains that there are no leaders in this country.....well put down down your Latte. Put down your blunt. Turn off your Facebook for a few minutes. Just listen. Simply listen. He is talking to you.....he is delivering a powerful message of life's experience to you.....if you just listen and understand what he is trying to pass on to you. Thank you General. RIP.

[@philchristmas4071]

This man makes me so proud of our military and to be an American. 🇺🇸

[@eddiesimms9301]

I arrived at FT Lewis in March of 1978 as young Pvt. with great aspiration of doing my BEST to be be a GOOD SOLDIER in SERVING MY COUNTRY. I was assigned to the 1st Brigade HHC 2nd Battalion 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, my Brigade cmnder was yours truly Colonel Norman H Schwarzkopf!! Colonel Schwartz was well liked and RESPECTED by of his men, both Officers and Enlisted. One of my colleagues who had recently been discharged from active duty asked me what unit I had been assigned to, I told him and his reply was "you have Schwartz as your Brigade cmnder, you'll LIKE him"...I did. Shortly afterwards Col. Schwartz was promoted to Brigadier General which was well DESERVED. I can say one thing about the man, HE CARED about the welfare of his men who served under him, both Officers and the Enlisted as well. Colonel/General Schwartz didn't believe in leaving ANYONE BEHIND and would not tolerate ANYONE who did!!...God Bless Gen. Schwartz, his legacy and his Family!! Duty Honor County!!...….RIP.

[@TeamFaust1]

This guy can get you fired up!

[@Mark-rh6ub]

Great speech..Thank you General rest in peace.. I was one of those guys in the c-141 I was one of those guys flying in the 82nd airborne.. I was number 10 in the 10th ship formation.. and the only one to get in one day 1.. and also had the honor to fly in desert shield desert Storm.. thank you for your leadership.. Many stories untold.. Amen

[@LucidDream]

I still have a photo I framed of my dad and Norman during the Gulf War. My dad was in the Air Force doing combat communications. Picture of them standing there talking to each other. Norman was great and his men respected him.

[@nothing1624]

He just tells it like it is...you can't argue with that and he knows it. Bravo!!

[@ayebing]

I served under a few officers who were more than likely in the audience for this speech, I can say it was split down the middle between the ones listening to these wise words concerning the burden of command ...and the ones who were falling asleep in the back .

[@snota1]

Who are you. Under a false name. Sorry for you , and for the other half of the audience, sleeping, as you say, who was not able to take the message. Bullshit

[@luisaguilar5342]

GOD bless you and thank you for your service!

[@scooter39045]

The most amazing part of this speech is he used no notes.

[@peterbaker8443]

One of our finest commanders

[@uttamchibb4239]

Excellent videos . Enjoyed viewing each of them.

[@earofheaven1125]

A beautiful speech

[@11flimflam]

Wish we had a General like this for OIF.

[@williambozynski1176]

A great American and a great soldier.

[@tomotoole8475]

Took us 100 hrs to kick the ass of the 4th largest army in the world WOW

[@fachrudinwidiarto7380]

after 8 years i watch it, his speech still relevant in 2024

[@reidepperson8534]

I hope the General enjoyed his retirement. Rest in Peace Sir. God bless you

[@HmongGuitarPlayer]

The enormous weight and responsibilities of ordering young men and women to war is unimaginable. Only a true leader can do it.

[@reynaldozarate6921]

I always wonder why some people hates America. In a free country there is always changes of leadership. You may hate the person but not the country. If there is permanent leadership then there is no more wrong but correct although wrong and there will be no heroes except the leader that will never relinqueshed the position. That is why the US produces outstanding Generals like General Norman, Patton, Mac Arthur, and all Great Generals of America.

[@coltsjason]

I had the honor of meeting a retired Norman I spent 23 yrs serving in the navy 9 tours in Afghanistan 7 in Iraq one of the greatest men I ever met

[@jpauls6430]

A great man. Politicians should listen to this speech.

[@eddiesimms9301]

Don't hold your breath waiting for a bunch of Politicians who are full of themselves to raise to such heights.....it well NEVER happen!! Most of them are full of BULL SHEEE-IT!!

[@jpauls6430]

@@eddiesimms9301 You are right.

[@MAXIMUSISADOG]

I had the honor to serve under him in 1991. The Iraqi Republican guard never stood a chance against his plan.

[@FreedomFighter-cr5xg]

I actually told him about this plan and I'm glad he listened to me ..

[@TheCombatartist]

RIP GENERAL - SLOW SALUTE.

[@heatison11]

Should've been our President

[@chen0466]

Brilliant speech, inspirational leadership!

[@terragthegreat175]

Wonder how many of them thought of this speech ten years later...

[@rodneyb.taylor1025]

A Soldier.

[@UpstateBeard]

Not gonna lie, he inspired some waterworks. America needs more great and honorable men like Schwarzkopf!

[@garyfrench1685]

America could sleep easy with norman

[@waitselkelley6383]

The General would never say it or acknowledge it but there is one name added to that great list of leaders he named off, and that is his! RIP Sir!

[@TomahawksNShotShells]

"They sought rewards in the form of premonitions, in the form of awards and decorations, in the form of getting ahead at the expense of somebody else"....damn...that exactly the crap I put up with when I was active..

[@rickpadgett405]

I was active and your statement is Bull Shit!!

[@margretblair5389]

May God Bless Storman Norman!

[@formerfarmer1718]

This country sooo.desperately needs a General Schwarzkopf today! RIP dear patriot Schwarzkopff!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Ronrook1]

Norman had some big brass ones.

[@honouroguokorie2682]

This'd powerful world can move worldwide

[@lowrydan111]

He came back my plebe year 1994 and spoke to my company A1 after lunch formation, since he commanded the company as a firstie. It was like listening to a god.

[@knightofthewhitecameleon4645]

The ending though 👌🏼

[@phampx1]

Morse codes 101. Characters = Fruit of the Holy Sprt. Competence = Airborne Army Ranger trained.

[@urbainhodge8886]

Great General, he was a Greatest.

[@davidh1525]

One of the great leaders, listen children, just listen.

[@trevorpalmer1891]

Best American General Ever!

[@mattwitkowski6329]

Such a great Man and Leader.

[@stevenwebb3634]

The Bear was a soldier's soldier

[@Arod11Bravo]

Amazing speech! Inspirational and relevant to this day! Beat Navy!

[@mikeray3453]

Was a great military commander of world history

[@davidrobledo7602]

The greatest leader that I ever served under.

[@bradleysmall2230]

after 2000 we also found our smart bombs would not work on a day when the gps system went broken...

[@lex1945]

An ol' warhorse... Wish you were still around Norman!

[@johnmagnus5632]

That's a 5 star general right there.

[@mashnjo8271]

He's 4 star General. Only seating president gets 5 stars 🌟

[@robcook4500]

Hooah. This is the Army I signed up for, but sadly, did not receive. More leaders like this. Less leaders who wanna push the PowerPoints and touchy feely shit.

[@SabotSender]

22:47 God bless the dude who was starting the Rocket and was promptly met with a "SHUT UP!"

[@joeb1125]

What a fu**ing leader! I am blessed to have in leader into have run into the General on a random day as an enlisted man in Qatar. A true leader.

[@lindajones8895]

We need more like General Schwarzkopf now. Thank you sir. We have the watch. RIP. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲⚓️⚓️⚓️⚓️

[@JasonBristol]

This man is a legend

[@fun2916]

Sadly, leaders like this are currently lacking in the US military, because we allowed politicians and and “leaders” only in name who’ve never been shot at to take over.

[@billsmith5581]

Awesome!!

[@shahansindhi8141]

Competent soldier is the one with personal issues, the soldier that has some character is the one daydreaming about the war.

[@mikecross659]

it only took us 4 hours to kick the 4th largest army's ass. stormin norman got to love him

[@seanmarshall7529]

which army would that be?? USSR??? 1china 2 india 3 USA 4 ussr 5 N korea 6 pakistan 7 s korea 8 iran 9 vietnam 10 egypt...

[@TomahawksNShotShells]

marshall Iraq at the time (1991) was the 4th largest army in the world. It took 100hrs to decimate the Iraqi forces that occupied Kuwait.

[@seanmarshall7529]

@@TomahawksNShotShells ha.. 4th biggest.. After China north Korea usa .. But how many stood their ground??? I don't know what you're arguing though..

[@TomahawksNShotShells]

@@seanmarshall7529 argue? You asked which army that would be. I gave you the answer.

[@meanathradon]

@@seanmarshall7529 You really think a man that likely could have been a 5 fing star general would have screwed up that statement? That's common knowledge. Go back to your CNN and praying to Hillary 24/7.

[@davidoconnell4100]

By extension does it go that it took 20 years to repeatedly fail to beat a group of goat farmers with a trillion dollars and every possible advantage?

[@kellyjoyce8785]

I saw him in the hospital before he died.

[@BuhayBuhaysaAmerika]

Love for the Country, HONOR and Duty!

[@doc.rankin577]

Someone should offer to buy that man a beer

[@Joscope]

General S seems clairvoyant at the 20 min mark. “There’s always some son of a bitch who climbs out of the orchestra pit with a bayonet and chases you around the stage!!” Sounds a lot like Bin Laden and other 21st century balloon heads that were about to make their entrances onto the world stage.

[@charleslowe2095]

True American hero.

[@theearl1477]

Boy we could certainly use a man like Norman Schwartzkopt today. This is what we need in America today. Instead we have these kiss-ass politicians who back off at every opportunity. Let's let the world know we mean business.

[@christopherarnold3844]

When he spoke of lost integrity because of Vietnam. I couldnt help thinking jfk died because of his opposition and the generals feelings towards him .

[@rheffner4005]

Missing link

[@meanathradon]

I shit myself at 23:38. damn knife hand came out of nowhere!!!

[@DaleKallio-jk9wo]

There are those called, and those who doubt..the test will come..

[@margretblair5389]

Yes sir

[@westkaintuck6482]

DNA! DNA! DNA!

[@maureenoneill2847]

May we go back to our German base houses over this cantius situation.

[@jaimebarrera3644]

Buen general , Supo Liderar las tropas en la Tormenta del Decierto ""

[@threestrikesmarxman9095]

21:46 "It took us 100 hours to kick the ass of the fourth-largest army in the world." So, 200 hours to kick the ass of Russia in 2023? Or am I being too generous?

[@郭高阳]

👍👍👍

[@dbn52]

To bad he wasn't in charge for Afghanistan. Maybe GW would have listened to him.

[@maureenoneill2847]

I believe by this experience they believe they may break.matshall law by where they put you by address when there are curfew seances

[@J.B24]

Military "Fairies" wow.

[@Ghost-vb4cy]

21:34🫡💀☠️🔥

[@jeffmoore9487]

In 1985 US taxpayers began giving a $5 billion in loans over a 4 year period to Saddam for armaments including US produced parts for his WMD. The last $1 billion gift to Saddam (after he had fauiled to make a single loan payment yet) came 6 months before the war. Americans paid for and helped train Saddam's military and then paid to destroy it under Schwarzkopf.

[@luciatam6143]

Thanks GENESIS 6 : 9. 22 HEBREW 11 : 6 and poem and private II both thanks see your later |||||||||||||||||long lasting impression

[@jeffmoore9487]

@@luciatam6143 I sense your saying something but I don't know what it is.

[@falvegas511]

DOES THE USA HAVE ANY MORE LIKE HIM? Seems all we have left are Complying to Our Enemies.

[@mcnerdimam3354]

12:04 Thats Bullxx... 12:05 We did not loose in Vietnam... not militarily 12:08 I was never in any battle that we lost... not one.

[@richsharp5390]

True legend! Let me guess? Kamala Harris talk about herself being the first of......

[@williamstalvey6920]

General Schwartzcoft#micdropspeech

[@johnhopkins6260]

Westmoreland...