Soldaat en mens

In most paradigm militaries of the world, there seems to be an expectation for ageneral to write and publish his or her biography as soon as possible after retirementfrom active duty – a type of ‘first duty’ in retirement. These biographies are often criticalfor militaries, much like in the medical, law and clerical professions, to grow their bodyof knowledge and empower the next generation of soldiers. For armed forces in general,military history of this nature has always played an important role in the geographicaland cultural contextualisation and shaping of their doctrine. Without a sound andcomprehensive military historical foundation for the development of their doctrine,militaries remain dependent on the imported knowledge base of paradigm militaries.