The Operational Commander and Dealing with Uncertainty
Abstract
This monograph seeks to determine how the operational commander handles the uncertainty that accompanies offensive operations. This study reviews uncertainty as it applies to the operational level of war by first examining the theoretical and practical perspectives regarding what scholars have claimed about the subject. The 1864-65 campaigns of General William T. Sherman and the North Africa campaigns of Field Marshall Erwin Rommel are used as case studies to show how these men handled uncertainty. This paper suggests that vision, strength of will and determination, character, intellect, and development of the staff, as criteria, begin to define the leadership philosophy and climate that the commander alone creates to help himself and those around him handle uncertainty. The monograph concludes that operational commanders never eliminate the uncertainty present in offensive operations. Rather, they learn to control the problem through the above mentioned criteria as well as experience and the power of their personality.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 19, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA240340
Entities
People
- Terry A. Wolff
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College