Military Profile: Colonel Emory Upton of The Harding Project
Emory Upton, a Union brevet major general in the Civil War, is celebrated for his significant contributions to the United States Army, shaping its infantry doctrine, military reforms, and professionalisation.
Upton's pioneering work in infantry tactics revolutionised the way battles were fought. He advocated for rapid, organised attacks using coordinated fire and movement, a departure from the traditional linear tactics of the time. This innovative approach was demonstrated during his command in the latter part of the Civil War, where he applied these tactics successfully in battle[3].
Post-Civil War, Upton became a vocal advocate for reforming the U.S. Army. He recognised the need for the Army to adapt to changing warfare technologies and organisational practices. His reforms targeted infantry training, command structure, and military readiness, laying the groundwork for a more professional, disciplined, and capable Army ready to face the challenges of the modern battlefield.
Upton's written works, including his seminal book, *The Armies of the United States*, critiqued existing military practices and analysed Civil War battles. This book served as a foundational reference for military officers, shaping future Army doctrine and education. His writings advocated for adopting European military principles and improving American training and organisation, directly influencing Army reforms in the late 19th century.
Upton's legacy is that of a forward-thinking reformer who pushed the U.S. Army towards modernisation. His emphasis on coordinated infantry tactics, comprehensive military reforms, and the professional education of officers made him a foundational figure in the evolution of the American military system.
Upton's impact was profound—he revolutionised infantry doctrine, championed essential military reforms, and left behind influential writings that guided the Army's transformation into a more systematic and effective fighting force after the Civil War[3]. His example serves as a reminder that bitterness should not excuse one from the imperative to improve their institutions, even after experiencing extraordinary suffering on the battlefield.
Upton's life ended tragically at the age of 41 in his San Francisco office in 1881. Despite his untimely death, his contributions continue to echo in the halls of the U.S. Army. His work on the 1867 manual on infantry tactics, credited with all but inventing the modern American infantry squad, served as the Army's infantry manual of record for nearly twenty-five years.
Upton's influence extends beyond the Civil War era. Secretary of War Lindley Garrison described a vision for a large "continental army" in 1915, attributing it to being "the unquestioned evolution of General Upton's mind." Elihu Root, the secretary of war, implemented a series of reforms in 1901, known as the Root Reforms, which were influenced by Upton's writings. Scholarship has even compared Upton's influence on the Army to that of Alfred Thayer Mahan on the US Navy, referring to him as "the Army's Mahan."
In summary, Emory Upton's impact on the U.S. Army was profound, revolutionising infantry doctrine, championing essential military reforms, and leaving behind influential writings that guided the Army's transformation into a more systematic and effective fighting force after the Civil War. His legacy continues to shape the Army's approach to warfare and military organisation.
[3] References omitted for brevity.
- Upton's leadership in the military sector extended beyond the Civil War, influencing the strategic financial planning of the U.S. Army, as Secretary of War Lindley Garrison credited the concept of a large "continental army" to being an "unquestioned evolution of General Upton's mind."
- In the business realm, the principles Upton advocated for in his military reforms, such as organised attacks and coordinated fire and movement, can be compared to effective business strategies, demonstrating the connection between military and commercial leadership.
- Upton's influential book, "The Armies of the United States," not only shaped future Army doctrine and education but also served as a foundation for business leaders to study and adopt European military principles, thereby improving American training and organization.
