Armchair Generals

[Hyena Dandy]

It seems to me, that this problem is easily resolved. Since you're clearly more knowledgeable on tactics, instead of calling this guy an idiot, you can explain why things aren't done that way, and that way he might actually learn something, and revise his opinion. He'll never learn to think of things properly if everyone dismisses him instead of trying to instruct him.

[Hobbs]

I've tried on several occasions. Even when I quote briefings I've been in, he's apparently more knowledgeable than I or those over me.

[Hyena Dandy]

Alright, read the thread. Hobbs, I do think you misinterpreted a lot of what Rapscallion said. Rapscallion certainly wasn't saying he knew better than you. What he did say was that he does have at least a basic idea of things, and therefore is better off than a normal civilian. So civilians don't necessarily know NOTHING, they're just less likely to be properly informed. That said, I've met professional soldiers who ALSO think that they should just nuke 'em all.

The main thing, from your post, is that the guy you're dealing with is completely focused on the MILITARY aspect of things, and there's more than just weaponry and tactics to war. There's psychology, for example, and engineering. As the song says, war is a science. But in the end, what I think needs to be done about that guy is either

A) Ignore him.

or, if you can't,

B) Don't say anything about why you know it, because that distracts from the point. The guy seems to think he knows everything, so what you have to do isn't say you know better, because he won't be convinced. He's too confident. Phrase your objections in the form of questions, because if he knows everything, he'll surely think he knows the answer, and if he doesn't, he'll have to come up with an answer. That way he'll learn. "Oh, we CAN'T nuke 'em all, because X, Y, Z." If you act the way towards him that you have on this thread, towards Rapscallion, you're never going to make him LEARN anything, because you're starting with "I know better, because I was told X." If you remove yourself, your commander, your profession, etc. from the equation completely, you're more likely to be able to convince him to see your side of the equation.

By bringing yourself, your experiences, etc. into the matter, you're making his stupidity personal to both him and yourself. If you distance yourself from the question

At least, that's what I'd do. But I'm just an armchair psychologist. :P

And finally, and perhaps the most important point I have to make.






What's your Nationstate called?

[Hobbs]

I think you've misinterpreted. I'm not talking about Raps at all. I thought you were referencing the person in my OP.

You're an NSer? My nation is Free United States. Region: Nasicournia

[Nyoibo]

So far all you know how to play is Risk or Age of Empires. You don't know shit.

Hmm, apparently I don't know what I'm talking about because I'm not in the armed forces. Great argument. A surefire winner in debate.

Rapscallion

So does it change things if I mention that my grandfater was a Brigadier, my father was in the military, I know several officers up to a Colonel?

[Hobbs]

So does it change things if I mention that my grandfater was a Brigadier, my father was in the military, I know several officers up to a Colonel?

No, it doesn't. Unless, of course, you've been taught strategic and operational military tactics from them. Then I might be inclined to entertain your ideas.

[Hyena Dandy]

I think you've misinterpreted. I'm not talking about Raps at all. I thought you were referencing the person in my OP.

You're an NSer? My nation is Free United States. Region: Nasicournia

Oooh, no, no, you've misinterpreted me. The second part was about the other guy, the first part was about raps. The long breaks





Like this mean I've gone onto a new topic. :3

short breaks like this are a new paragraph on the same topic. Just how I write. The second bit was about him, though, if you want to convince a guy like that, you need to feed into his fantasy. Its gonna be asking, not telling, that'll convince him he doesn't know anything.

[Hobbs]

ah, gotcha

[Hyena Dandy]

ah, gotcha

Sorry about that. I get how it can be confusing. No hard feelings. :3