Command and Obedience
Alfred Kotz
Written by and for the SS, this book provides a fascinating insight into the principles of leadership employed by its members. Of particular interest is the concept that leaders have a clear duty to those under them as much as those above. From the preface: “Command and Obedience was not written with the intention of being something new; serious work had already prepared the ground. The first draft reflected the training lessons for non-commissioned officers in my branch of the service. Our revolutionary activities were actually nothing other than the proof of superiority over the enemy: cleaner, more courageous and strong in our faith in Germany, in Adolf Hitler and his mission.”