Notable Point · 1:08:26-1:09:15

German commanders share responsibility for strategic planning

The interpretation distinguishes political direction from the command staff's responsibility for plans and professional advice.

Notes

The interpretation of German strategy assigns responsibility to the command staff as well as Hitler. Political direction sets out the intended objective, while the staff prepares plans to carry it out. Generals and admirals are also expected to offer professional advice. Within this argument, failure to give that advice and failure to accept it are separate sources of responsibility.