Infantry Attacks (original German title: Infanterie Greift An), published in 1937 by Eco Point Books, is Erwin Rommel’s seminal account of his experiences as a junior officer in the German Army during World War I. The book is both a personal memoir and a tactical manual, chronicling Rommel’s rise from platoon leader to company and battalion commander. Through a series of vivid battle narratives, Rommel details the challenges, innovations, and lessons of modern infantry warfare. The work is structured around key campaigns and battles—such as the Argonne, the Carpathians, and the Isonzo Front—offering both granular tactical analysis and broader reflections on leadership and the nature of war.

Infantry Attacks quickly became a highly regarded military textbook after its publication. Its detailed analysis of small-unit tactics, leadership, and battlefield innovation influenced generations of military officers—not only in Germany but also among Allied forces. The book’s practical lessons on mobility, surprise, and initiative remain relevant in contemporary military strategy, making it a timeless reference for students of warfare.The work also serves as a foundational text for understanding Rommel’s later successes in World War II, particularly his command style and operational philosophy. It provides insight into the development of modern combined arms tactics and the importance of empowering lower-level leaders.

1. Leadership and Initiative Rommel consistently emphasizes the importance of personal initiative, decentralized command, and empowering subordinates. He argues that battlefield success depends on junior leaders making quick, independent decisions in rapidly changing situations. This approach, which allowed for flexibility and surprise, was crucial in overcoming larger or better-entrenched enemy forces.2. Adaptability and Innovation The book highlights Rommel’s use of innovative tactics, such as infiltration, night attacks, and the exploitation of terrain. He demonstrates how adapting to new technologies and battlefield realities—like machine guns and artillery—was essential for survival and victory.3. The Human Element Rommel pays close attention to morale, psychological resilience, and the physical hardships endured by soldiers. He reflects on the psychological toll of combat, the importance of maintaining cohesion, and the critical role of noncommissioned officers in sustaining unit effectiveness.4. Logistics and Preparation Meticulous planning, reconnaissance, and resource management are recurring themes. Rommel details the necessity of thorough preparation, effective communication, and the conservation of ammunition and supplies, especially when operating with limited resources.5. The Nature of Modern Warfare Rommel’s narratives challenge the stereotype of World War I as static trench warfare. Instead, he describes episodes of dynamic maneuver, rapid assaults, and deep penetrations behind enemy lines, foreshadowing the blitzkrieg tactics he would later employ in World War II.

Rommel’s memoir has transcended its origins as a military manual to become a cultural artifact. It contributed significantly to the “Rommel myth”—the image of Rommel as an audacious, chivalrous, and brilliant commander. In Germany, the book bolstered national pride and military professionalism during the interwar period. Internationally, it was studied by Allied officers and translated into several languages, reflecting its broad impact on military thought.The book’s influence extended beyond military circles. It shaped public perceptions of leadership, courage, and the conduct of war, and has been referenced in literature, film, and academic studies. Its narrative style and focus on the human experience of combat have made it accessible to a wider audience, cementing its place in twentieth-century military literature.

In Germany, Infantry Attacks reinforced the prestige of the officer corps and the value of tactical innovation. It was used as a training manual in military academies and contributed to the doctrinal shift towards more flexible, decentralized command structures. The book’s emphasis on aggressive, offensive action influenced the development of German military doctrine leading up to World War II.Internationally, the book’s lessons were absorbed by military thinkers and practitioners, shaping the evolution of infantry tactics in the mid-twentieth century. Its detailed case studies of combat operations provided valuable material for professional military education, influencing both Axis and Allied strategies during World War II and beyond.

Infantry Attacks stands as a classic of military literature—part memoir, part tactical treatise, and part leadership manual. Rommel’s firsthand accounts of World War I battles offer enduring lessons on initiative, adaptability, and the human dimension of warfare. The book’s influence on military doctrine, leadership philosophy, and cultural perceptions of war has been profound and lasting.By blending personal narrative with tactical analysis, Rommel created a work that remains relevant for military professionals and general readers alike. Its emphasis on decentralized command, innovation, and the psychological aspects of combat has shaped the practice of modern warfare and continues to inspire leaders in all fields.