THE LONG FIGHT: LESSONS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WEHRMACHT'S HEER
Abstract
Since the founding of our nation, our Army has learned from the Prussian and German armies. That was particularly true after both of the World Wars. Today, we tell ourselves that the United States Army is the most powerful and professional army the world has ever known. Still, we rightfully continue to seek ways to maintain and improve our professionalism and proficiency; this is an ongoing process, with lessons being learned and relearned as our Army adapts to ever-changing internal and external environments. The intent of this paper is to examine some of the strengths and weaknesses of the German Army as it entered World War II to gain insights to aid current efforts to improve the US Army. The central thesis of this paper argues that the military effectiveness of the German Army at the beginning of World War II resulted from an historical emphasis on maneuver warfare that was enabled by the combination of a decentralized command philosophy, a corresponding emphasis on leader development, and supporting organizational elements within the Army. Beyond the strengths manifested by the German Army, this paper also explores some of the strategic, operational, and ethical failures it demonstrated. The paper concludes with a discussion of what the US Army today might still learn from the German experience to enhance its own efforts to overcome the warfighting challenge of improving soldier, leader, and team performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1038267
Entities
People
- Jeffrey Mozingo
Organizations
- Air War College