Army Failures: What Went Wrong and How to Fix It
When an army messes up, the fallout is huge – lives are at risk, budgets get blown, and public trust takes a hit. Understanding why these failures happen is the first step to stopping them. Below we break down the most common causes and give you practical ways to avoid the same mistakes.
Common Reasons Behind Army Mistakes
Bad planning is the biggest culprit. Too often commanders rely on outdated intel or assume that a plan will work without testing it in real life. This leads to surprise attacks, missed objectives, and wasted resources. Another frequent issue is equipment failure. When a vehicle breaks down in the middle of a mission, soldiers scramble, morale drops, and the whole operation stalls.
Communication gaps make things even worse. A simple radio mis‑hand‑off can cause troops to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In many recent incidents, soldiers reported that orders were unclear or that they never received critical updates. Leadership problems also show up – junior leaders sometimes lack the experience to make quick decisions, while senior officers might be out of touch with on‑the‑ground realities.
Training shortfalls are a quiet but powerful factor. If troops haven’t practiced realistic scenarios, they’ll freeze or act incorrectly when real danger hits. Finally, bureaucratic red tape slows down needed changes. Requests for new gear or revised tactics often get stuck in paperwork, leaving units stuck with old methods.
Practical Steps to Avoid Future Failures
Start with realistic rehearsals. Run full‑scale drills that mimic the terrain, weather, and enemy tactics you expect. This uncovers weak spots before they become real problems. Keep equipment in top shape – schedule regular maintenance checks and replace aging gear before it starts failing.
Boost communication by using clear, concise language and confirming receipt of orders. Simple repeat‑backs can save lives. Empower junior leaders with decision‑making authority, but also give them access to senior advice when needed. This creates a balance between flexibility and oversight.
Invest in continuous training. Short, focused sessions on new technology, urban combat, and crisis response keep skills sharp. Pair this with after‑action reviews that actually lead to changes, not just paperwork.
Finally, cut through bureaucracy by setting up fast‑track approval processes for urgent updates. When a problem is identified, a small task force should be able to act within days, not months.
By tackling planning, equipment, communication, leadership, training, and red tape head‑on, armies can turn past failures into a roadmap for success. The goal isn’t to eliminate every mistake – that’s impossible – but to make sure each error teaches a clear lesson and never repeats itself.
Kieran Lockhart, Mar, 4 2025
Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck's suicide highlighted systemic failures in the Army's handling of sexual assault and harassment complaints. The coroner blamed inadequate responses to allegations by superiors, showcasing military internal processes that shield perpetrators. Despite recommendations for external oversight, the Ministry of Defence resists, leaving service women exposed to ongoing abuse.
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