General Baron Kurt von Hammerstein-Equord categorized army officers into four distinct types: clever, lazy, stupid, and industrious. He believed that the clever yet lazy individuals are best suited for top command positions due to their ability to navigate various situations effectively without unnecessary effort. These officers possess the temperament and nerves ideal for leadership.

On the other hand, those who are clever and industrious are recommended for high staff roles where their skills can be put to good use. He suggested that despite their shortcomings, lazy and stupid individuals can still serve a purpose, but any officer who is both stupid and industrious should be dismissed immediately, as they pose a risk to efficiency and success in the military context.