Military Strategy Essentials: The Five Generals Whose Tactics Every Military Expert Should Ponder
Five Army Leaders Worth Studying: An Overview
In the world of military strategy and leadership, there are certain figures whose influence continues to resonate, offering valuable lessons for today's officers. One such authority is retired U.S. Army officer and author, Joe Byerly, who has curated a series called the War Books, highlighting key historical Army leaders and their associated readings.
One of the leaders worth studying is Ulysses S. Grant, who made his mark during the US Civil War. Despite starting his career as an average officer, Grant led the Union Army to victories at the Battle of Shiloh and in the Vicksburg Campaign, and ultimately defeated Gen. Robert E. Lee. Two recommended reads to understand Grant's leadership and life are his own "Personal Memoirs" and the biography by Ron Chernow.
Another important figure is George Washington, a self-taught general during the Revolutionary War. With no professional military education or extensive career before commanding the Continental Army, Washington's commitment to self-development included reading military science and history books, making notes, and producing orders from them. A few recommended reads to learn more about Washington's leadership include "A Powerful Mind: The Self-Education of George Washington," "George Washington and the American Military Tradition," and "Washington's Crossing."
The list also includes Gen. George S. Patton, a field commander known for his aggressive nature. Patton's self-development included extensive reading and note-taking, which significantly impacted his leadership style. Notable biographies on Patton include "Patton: A Genius for War" by Carlo D'Este and "The Patton Mind" by Roger Nye, which analyses the roots of Patton's genius by examining the books he read and his notes on them.
Gen. Donn Starry, who commanded the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam and later developed the AirLand Battle Doctrine in the early 1980s, is another leader worth studying. His writings cover topics such as strategy, logistics, leadership, and training, and are considered an important addition to professional libraries. The Combat Studies Institute at Fort Leavenworth has published Starry's most important speeches, articles, and memorandums in a free two-volume series titled "Press On!".
Lastly, we have Gen. Fox Conner, who served as Gen. John J. Pershing's assistant chief of staff for operations and later became deputy chief of staff of the Army. Conner is notable for mentoring future generals George Marshall, Dwight Eisenhower, and George Patton early in their careers. Insights into Conner's mentorship can be found in the book "Grey Eminence: Fox Conner and the Art of Mentorship" by Edward Cox.
J. Furman Daniel III's book "21 Century Patton" contains a selection of Patton's articles and speeches, along with commentary by Daniel. While specific details about the War Books series and the recommended Army leaders and their associated books by Joe Byerly could not be found in the available sources, Lt. Col. Joe Byerly emphasizes the importance of studying past leaders for the development of one's own leadership abilities.
In conclusion, these five Army leaders - Ulysses S. Grant, George Washington, George S. Patton, Donn Starry, and Fox Conner - offer valuable lessons in leadership, strategy, and self-development. By studying their lives and works, modern officers can gain insights into effective leadership and apply these lessons to their own careers.
- In addition to Joe Byerly's War Books series, the works of military strategist and historian J. Furman Daniel III, such as "21 Century Patton," provide a valuable resource for modern officers seeking to study the lives and works of Army leaders like George S. Patton.
- The self-taught leadership skills of George Washington, who commanded the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, can be studied further through books like "A Powerful Mind: The Self-Education of George Washington" and "Washington's Crossing."
- The development of Fox Conner's mentorship skills, which shaped the careers of future generals like George Marshall, Dwight Eisenhower, and George Patton, can be explored through the book "Grey Eminence: Fox Conner and the Art of Mentorship" by Edward Cox.
- To gain insights into effective military leadership, modern officers can study Gen. Donn Starry's works on strategy, logistics, leadership, and training, such as those published in the free two-volume series titled "Press On!" by the Combat Studies Institute at Fort Leavenworth.
