Did General George B. McClellan Get It Right? Insights into Operational Art
Abstract
From 1861 to 1862, General George B. McClellan's actions in three areas provide meaningful lessons in the practice of operational art. McClellan's effort to develop and execute the Unions conciliation policy toward southern civilians in 1861 is an example of his effort to transition national policy into military grand strategy. During the same time period, McClellan was introduced to a cauldron of political machinery with his new assignment to Washington, D.C. The general's interaction with the President and Congress, the relationships that developed from those interactions, and the fruit that those relationships bore provide tangible lessons for senior military leaders in the contemporary environment as current leaders integrate with civilian policymakers. Lastly, McClellan's assignment of operational guidance and tactical tasks as byproducts of national grand strategy provide examples of how operational level commanders can integrate ends, ways, and means to pursue an end state.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1176957
Entities
People
- Matthew A. Dowden
Organizations
- Marine Corps University