There is no question that Patton (1970) is my favorite movie. Since I was a kid, I have seen it more times than I can count and this project took much longer than necessary, as I kept watching large chunks of the movie. Of course, the real person is much more complex than the Hollywood version and I highly recommend his war memoirs—War As I Knew It—as a great starting place if you want to learn more.

With that, here are 12 war lessons from Patton.

1. Know Your Enemy

 

 

2. Every country needs a hero

 

 

3. Know how to compliment your Allies

 

 

4. And never forget your allies!

 

 

5. Ancient battlefields have a smell

 

 

6. Every man in an army is a soldier

 

 

7. Daily reading is important

 

 

8. Be humble in your victories

 

 

9. Lead from the front

 

 

10. Innovate

 

11. Dress for the job you want

 

 

12. Know your war poets