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Nathaniel Fick
25quotes
Nathaniel Fick
Full Name and Common Aliases
Nathaniel C. Fick is a former United States Marine Corps officer and author, best known for his memoir _One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer_.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 15, 1973, Nathaniel Fick's birthdate marks the beginning of an illustrious career that has taken him from combat zones to the world of literature. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding his death date.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nathaniel Fick is American by nationality. He has served as a United States Marine Corps officer and is also an author, best known for his memoir _One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer_.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the small town of Concord, Massachusetts, Nathaniel Fick's early life was marked by an interest in the military. His grandfather had served as a naval officer, and this sparked an initial fascination with the armed forces in Fick. He attended Harvard University where he studied history and graduated in 1995. Following graduation, Fick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
Major Accomplishments
During his tenure in the Marines, Nathaniel Fick served as a platoon commander in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. His experiences during this time would later become the basis for his memoir _One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer_. Fick's service was marked by distinction and bravery, earning him numerous awards including the Bronze Star Medal.
Notable Works or Actions
Nathaniel Fick is perhaps best known for his 2005 memoir _One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer_, which offers an unvarnished account of life as a Marine officer in Afghanistan. Through his writing, Fick sheds light on the realities of modern warfare and provides insight into the personal costs borne by those who serve.
Impact and Legacy
Nathaniel Fick's memoir has become a seminal work in discussions surrounding military service and the effects of combat on individuals. The book offers an honest portrayal of life as a Marine officer, revealing both the camaraderie and the costs associated with military service. Through his writing, Fick has contributed to ongoing conversations about patriotism, duty, and personal sacrifice.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Nathaniel Fick's contributions to literature and public discourse have cemented his place as a notable figure in contemporary American culture. His experiences during combat and subsequent reflections on the nature of war have made him widely quoted or remembered for shedding light on the complexities of military service.
Quotes by Nathaniel Fick

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Christeson, cut that stop sign down and put it in the back of the truck”. He looked at me in disbelief. An Officer had never before ordered him to commit vandalism.

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Strong combat leadership is never by committee. Platoon commanders must command, and command in battle isn’t based on consensus. It’s based on consent. Any leader wields only as much authority and influence as is conferred by the consent of those he leads. The Marines allowed me to be their commander, and they could revoke their permission at any time.

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Great Marine commanders, like all great warriors, are able to kill that which they love most – their men.

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Tactical catastrophes are rarely the outcome of a single poor decision. Small compromises incrementally close off options until a commander is forced into actions he would never choose freely.

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Tell me what to do, not how to do it.′ Decentralize command and allow subordinates to operate freely within the framework of the commander’s intent. Train them as a team. Develop trust, loyalty, initiative.

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Worst of all were the accolades and thanks from people “for what you guys did over there.” Thanks for what, I wanted to ask – shooting kids, cowering in terror behind a berm, dropping artillery on people’s homes?

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We learned that indecision is a decision, that inaction has a cost all its own. Good commanders act and create opportunities. Great commanders ruthlessly exploit those opportunities.

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I thought I was losing my mind. The only way I knew I was still sane was that I thought I might be going crazy. Surely, that awareness meant I was sane. Crazy people think they’re sane. Only sane people can thing they’re crazy. I was reduced to taking comfort in a tautology.
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