Excellence in Brigades
Abstract
This objectives of this study are to: Identify the organizational characteristic that differentiate the excellent brigades from other units; and to determine if the characteristics of the excellent brigades differ from those in the excellent battalions in the study 'Excellence in Combat Arms.' Data was gathered using a literary search, attendance at Army War College lectures on management and leadership, a survey of over 100 former battalion commanders, personal interviews with Corps and Division Commanders and Division Staff officers, and over 200 interviews with soldiers in four excellent FORSCOM brigades. It is concluded that there are eight common characteristics or 'pillars of excellence' in the excellent brigades--focus on combat, power down, teamwork, high standards and discipline, caring, consistent excellent performance, the winning spirit and a positive command climate. These pillars of excellence differ from those found in the excellent battalions in basically two areas-strong unit identity and the commander's influence. Although both are found in excellent brigades, their impact on excellence is far less than that found in excellent battalions. It is recommended that this study be: shared with future commanders at the Precommand Course and students at the Senior Service Colleges; and considered for publication Army-wide.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 12, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA168558
Entities
People
- Huey B. Scott
- James M. Gass
- Lawson W. Magruder Iii
- Nicholas J. Turchiano
Organizations
- United States Army War College