Waterloo Camp is a collection of military huts out in the sticks between Amersfoort and Doorn. About to start my conscripted military service, I had been summoned to undergo an officers' test and was under orders to report to the gate on 14 May 1965 at 0900 hours sharp.
The day turned out to contain all sorts of exercises which we had to carry out in groups of six. We had to cross a pit and a water-filled trench using ropes and car tyres, we had to collaborate to design a town using toy houses, trees and animals and we had to discuss social issues. I can no longer remember what they then regarded as social issues. I think that development aid was a favourite of the day, but it may well have been the pros and cons of the Benelux association.
Anyway, the high point of the day for me came at about three in the afternoon. This consisted of an interview with a captain from the Psychology Section, and above all a remark which the captain made at the end of the talk.
"You'll get the results of the test in three weeks, and there are two possible results. Either you're officer material, or you aren't. If you find you haven't been assessed as suitable, then bear this in mind: it's not always the most pleasant qualities which make someone suited to be an officer... "
I use this piece of military wisdom to console managers who want to learn to think strategically but can't do it.
It's not always the most pleasant qualities which make someone a great strategist.
