Personnel Systems in Europe in Preparation for Operation OVERLORD: How Did They Work?
Abstract
The lessons learned from personnel systems during WWII ultimately contributed to centralizing current G1 and AG divisions into one cohesive staff section at the operational level. Centralizing these two staff sections minimized and prevented duplicate personnel staff efforts. The primary research question of this monograph is what factors enabled the development of American and Commonwealth nations personnel systems in Europe during the preparation for Operation OVERLORD? The application and subsequent adaptation of 1940's US doctrine on personnel sections enabled experienced leaders to improvise and adapt during the preparation of Operation OVERLORD. In 1944, SHAEF, ETOUSA, and 21st Army Group focused on the development of personnel systems and personnel process at the operational level in Europe. The systems assured efficient personnel processes and continued to provide flexibility in decentralized processes at lower echelons. The first section explores the identification, selection, and empowerment of leadership throughout the American and Commonwealth nations staffs. Their selection provided strategic leaders and Eisenhower with the assurance that the best qualified leaders were available. The second section analyzes the development of US personnel organizational structures consisting of the reorganization, refinement, and synchronization of duties and responsibilities within the personnel system. These systems and processes provided American and Commonwealth nations with the necessary requirements to conduct operations in the ETO. The third section exposed the adaptation and innovation of US Army doctrine to incorporate the complexity of planning and eventually executing Operation OVERLORD. Although doctrine lacked a recommended course of action for all processes, leaders were able to adapt concepts to enable effective personnel processes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA612104
Entities
People
- Mark B. Howell
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College