How important are instincts in war?

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Instincts play a significant role in war but must be managed and calibrated correctly. , a former Navy SEAL, emphasizes that while instincts are crucial, they are not always reliable and can be influenced by personal biases. Calibrating these instincts through experience and learning helps make better decisions in combat and leadership situations 1.

In high-pressure situations, instincts often act as a cautionary guide or a gut feeling, which can sometimes result in better decisions than purely logical ones. However, emotions tied to these instincts can create conflicts, necessitating a reasoned reassessment before acting on them 2.

War situations require honing these instincts through rigorous training, primarily to determine who has the natural inclination for combat and who does not. This process does not involve active teaching but rather emphasizes the natural warlike instincts individuals possess 3.

Trusting Your Instincts

Jocko discusses the importance of recognizing and calibrating our instincts in both leadership and fighting. He emphasizes the need to become aware of our biases and learn to trust or mitigate them accordingly. By paying attention to our instincts, we can improve our decision-making abilities and achieve better results.
Jocko Podcast
Jocko Podcast 40 w/ Echo Charles - The Right Way to Avoid Conflict | Dealing w/ Threatening People
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Maintaining a balance between the fighting instinct and reason is essential. Soldiers benefit from keeping a cool head, which grants them an advantage over those who act purely on impulsive aggression. This balance allows for better strategic decisions and effective leadership under fire 4.

Moreover, soldiers face an internal conflict between self-preservation and loyalty to their comrades and country. Successfully navigating this dilemma involves relying on social instincts and a sense of duty, which can transform soldiers into heroes on the battlefield 5.

Overall, while instincts are vital, they need to be tempered and aligned with reason and training to be effective in war.

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