Was Field-Marshal Wilhelm Keitel More Obedient than Competent?
Field-Marshal Wilhelm Keitel holds a controversial position in history, often criticized for his adherence to the will of Adolf Hitler over his own judgment and competence. Was Keitel's obedience to Hitler indicative of his personal capabilities, or were his strengths masked by the political and social context of his time?
Early Life and Military Background
Keitel’s early life provides a backdrop to understanding his later choices. Born into a middle-class family, he initially aspired to a life as a farmer. However, family pressures forced an entry into the military, where he served with varying levels of enthusiasm and success. His career proceeded through a series of fortunate circumstances, including his rivals being deemed less competent and dismissed. This path suggests that Keitel's initial admirers were more focused on competence, rather than obeying orders.
The Oath of Allegiance and Loyalty
The broader context of the German military's oath to Adolf Hitler, rather than the nation itself, played a significant role in Keitel's actions. The German military oath to Hitler was a binding commitment to unconditionally obey him, regardless of the nature of the command. This stark difference from other countries, such as the United States, highlights the unique and often starkly different ways in which military allegiance is defined.
Comparative Oath of Allegiance in Other Countries
In contrast, American military service boasts a pledge to the Constitution and the nation, not the specific leader. U.S. military oath for non-officers reads:
I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
This oath ensures that service members are committed to their duties and the nation's laws, irrespective of any individual leader's directives. The oath for commissioned officers adds a commitment to their duties and the nation, reinforcing a sense of duty and honor.
Implications of the Oath
Given the structure of the German military oath, it’s clear that Keitel's obedience to Hitler was a direct outcome of his duty. This obligation to obey was unconditional and without moral or ethical considerations. While Keitel could have potentially made better decisions had he possessed more competence, his primary duty was to ensure his oath was fulfilled.
Conclusion: Competence and Obedience
Was Field-Marshal Wilhelm Keitel more obedient than competent? The answer likely lies in both factors. His obedient nature was inherent in his oath to Hitler, while his competence was perhaps overlooked due to the circumstances and political pressures he faced. The loyalty and duty to an oath, combined with the necessity of personal judgment and competence, create a complex picture of a man caught in a confluence of historical events.