The Principles of Operational Leadership and the Fog of Life: Why Some Succeed and Others Fail.
Abstract
Warfighters must give increased attention to the study of leadership. Intuition and military superiority alone will not promise success. The study of Operational Leadership will illuminate those values that contribute to victory. Further, education and an understanding of history can best determine the course of action the Operational Commander should consider in preparing for hostilities. Aristotle notes that it is possible to reason correctly from false premises, thus coming up with logically correct, but untrue conclusions. To avoid this potential pitfall, a Commander must possess the precise knowledge of the Principles of Operational Leadership, and use these precepts correctly in order to secure success in future conflicts. This paper's approach towards Operational Leadership provides: (a) The Principles of Operational Leadership; (b) The historical examples of Operational Leadership through the case studies of three distinct battles during the Civil War involving General U. S. Grant, and; (c) Describes how the acquired Principles of Operational Leadership and historical lessons must be cultivated in a stressful academic atmosphere, prior to being tested on the battlefield. This paper judges Grant's performance using the Principle's of Operational Leadership. This review and analysis of General Grant's Operational Leadership through a 'window of history', offers a practical example for military leaders, to assist them in achieving their ultimate objective - victory. These practical examples from history and an education on the tenets of Operational Leadership, accomplished under a stressful regimen, can better guarantee success in tomorrow's conflicts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA328111
Entities
People
- William C. Martin Jr.
Organizations
- Naval War College