U.S. Army doctrine considers operational maneuver essential to fighting outnumbered and winning. With an even smaller force in the future, operational maneuver will be more important to the Army’s success. Because of this, understanding of all...
Confederate Lieutenant General Thomas J. Jackson is considered one of the greatest tacticians who ever lived. His Valley Campaign of 1862 is a classic example of the effective use of maneuver warfare. While much has been written about Jackson's...
Fierstine, Larry M.
Causby, Mal E.
Neuschwanger, John M.
Whade, Mark K.
Thesis Statement:
"Stonewall" Jackson's brilliant use of
the two "principals of war": surprise and maneuver, allowed
him to defeat the Union forces and control the Shenandoah
Valley during the Shenandoah Valley Campaign in the spring
of...
This monograph examines the importance of a commander's ability to sense the terrain. The discussion relates this ability to the commander's ability to act faster than the enemy. This agility is critical to tactical success. As agility is one of...
Mitchell, Darrell; Phillips, Tanya; Rice, Quinton; Fischer, Maurice; Tompkins, Robert
Thesis Statement: Superior forces did not compensate for poor leadership. During the Battle of Chancellorsville General Lee dominated over General Hooker despite being tremendously outnumbered. Discussion: The Battle of Chancellorsville was one of...
This paper examines one aspect of warfare at the operational level, the defense, and attempts to identify how the elements of planning, preparation, and execution, previously applied in the conduct of the tactically-oriented Active Defense, must be...
The operations of General T. J. Jackson in the Valley of Virginia, during the first half of the year 1862, constitute one of the most brilliant and interesting episodes of the great Civil War. The theatre on which they took place afforded a quick...
This study is a historical analysis of Major General Patrick R. Cleburne's Division during the Battle of Chickamauga. Cleburne's Division earned a reputation as one of the best divisions in either army. This reputation also carried with it lofty...
Thesis Statement: The Confederate Army effectively employed maneuver, economy of force, and surprise at the Second Battle of Bull Run.
Discussion:The Confederate Army fielded its best officers at the Second Battle of Bull Run. These officers, led...
Central to the waging of war at the tactical level is the interplay between leadership and doctrine. Within a doctrinal context, the Army must develop leaders capable of winning the next war. This study examines the balance between leadership and...
This thesis compares and contrasts the field artillery corps of the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of Tennessee. The purpose is to determine which field artillery corps was more effective on the battlefield and why. To answer this question...
The National Military Strategy outlines the U.S. military concept for winning two nearly simultaneous Major Theaters of War: concentrate in one, shift assets to the second, and win the second. The U.S. doctrine calls for the use of decisive force...
This study evaluates Confederate cavalry operations 12 June to 3 July 1862, as a prelude to and as a part of the “Seven Days Campaign.” General Robert E. Lee's Seven Days Campaign succeeded in defeating a Union offensive aimed at Richmond,...
This study is an analysis of Confederate cavalry operations in the Valley Campaign-5 November 1861 through 10 June 1862. In a campaign dominated by the leadership of Major General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and his “foot cavalry,” what role...
Greaves, Bryan; Snyder, Kenneth; Lysight, Anthony; Wilson, Edward
Thesis Statement: During the American Civil War's May 1864 Wilderness Campaign, the terrain decisively negated any advantages in troop strength, training, and leadership held by either opposing force, and resulted in neither side gaining...
Greaves, Bryan; Snyder, Kenneth; Lysight, Anthony; Wilson, Edward
Thesis Statement: During the American Civil War's May 1864 Wilderness Campaign, the terrain decisively negated any advantages in troop strength, training, and leadership held by either opposing force, and resulted in neither side gaining...
This study investigates the significant effect of mobility, countermobility, survivability and topographic engineering on the American Civil War Campaign of Chancellorsville. The operations occurred near Fredericksburg, Virginia in April and May of...
The individual soldier's physical and mental preparation for battle are arguably two of the most important factors considered when deciding whether a force is ready for commitment to combat. While many believe technological advances reduce the need...
This monograph examines the current readiness of the U. S. Army to conduct battlefield deception operations at the tactical level. The development of sophisticated intelligence collection systems and the automation of analysis has resulted in the...
This paper discusses the traits of leadership in General Robert E. Lee, his methods both before and after the death of Stonewall Jackson, and the influence of his personal characteristics on his leadership.