As far as Saddam Hussein being a great military strategist, he is neither a strategist, nor is he schooled in the operational arts, nor is he a tactician, nor is he a general, nor is he a soldier. Other than that, he's a great military man, I want you to know that.

The quote "As far as Saddam Hussein being a great military strategist, he is neither a strategist, nor is he schooled in the operational arts, nor is he a tactician, nor is he a general, nor is he a soldier. Other than that, he's a great military man, I want you to know that" by Norman Schwarzkopf is a sarcastic remark aimed at discrediting the image of Saddam Hussein as a formidable military leader. Schwarzkopf, a highly respected U.S. Army general, is emphasizing that despite Hussein's self-presentation as a powerful military figure, he lacked the essential skills and training to be considered a strategist or a true leader of military forces.

By listing all the key aspects of military expertise—strategy, operational arts, tactics, generalship, and soldiering—Schwarzkopf highlights that Hussein did not possess the necessary qualities that would define a great military leader. The sarcasm in the phrase "other than that, he's a great military man" is meant to underscore the absurdity of Hussein's claim to military greatness. Schwarzkopf’s statement reflects his belief that Hussein’s image as a military genius was largely a myth or a propaganda device, rather than a reflection of actual military competence.

This quote was made during the Gulf War when Schwarzkopf was leading U.S. forces against Iraq. Schwarzkopf’s candid and often blunt comments were part of his communication style, and they were aimed at both undercutting Hussein’s reputation and boosting the morale of the coalition forces. It serves as a pointed critique of Saddam Hussein’s military capabilities, particularly during the buildup to the 1991 conflict, where much of the public discussion revolved around his military might.

In essence, the quote reflects Schwarzkopf's skepticism about Saddam Hussein's actual military skill, highlighting the difference between a political leader with a strong image and the real skills required to be successful in military leadership. Through sarcasm and clear criticism, Schwarzkopf exposes the flaws in Hussein’s self-presentation and aims to diminish the myth of his military greatness.