John Keegan is a British military historian, lecturer. He is also author of The Mask of Command (London, 1987). Keegan is best known for his comprehensive works on military history, with particular focus on military figures and battles from fourteenth through twenty-first centuries. Keegan is also known for uncovering the psychology used in battle. In that respect, Keegan points out effectively the technical aspects of warfare, particularly relates to Alexander the Great, Arthur Wellesley Wellington, U.S. Grant, and Adolph Hitler in the Mask of Command. The Mask of Command separated into five parts. Although each part is separate unto itself, the parts are frequently referenced in other areas in term of comparison. Although The Mask of Command was written 30 years ago, it continues to stand up as an excellent examination of military leadership for the general reader. Each leader is analyzed as a product of the society they are raised in, and why they were so successful based on the political/military system they were born into and used. His book’s main theme is how character of generalship over two thousand years of Western history is changed. In that case, he uses four case studies of Alexander the Great, the Duke of Wellington, Ulysses Grant and Adolf Hitler, to support his thesis, and he points out numerous historical comparisons to widen the study 's focus.
In his introduction part of book, pre-heroic leadership, John Keegan 's describes his book as, "a book about
The Purpose this paper is to explore the leadership attributes and competencies of one of the Revolutionary War?s most influential generals, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. Originally from Prussia, he became a crucial leader in the Continental Army, and played a key role in winning the war against British forces. Through his presence, character, and intellect, General von Steuben made a lasting impression on the United States (U.S.) Army and my leadership philosophy. I?ll discuss his leadership attributes and competencies throughout this paper and conclude with how General
The movie “Twelve O’ Clock High” is a case study in the application of leadership theory during World War Two. Gregory Peck portrays Brigadier General Savage, a United States Army Air Force officer thrust into a situation that requires a maximum effort both on the ground and in the air as he attempts to re-invigorate an undisciplined, anxiety ridden, and ineffective combat unit. Throughout the movie we observe Peck’s character employing a variety of leadership methods, but ultimately discovering that true combat effectiveness and cohesion is accomplished through a
The purpose of this paper is to address how I, SSG Schumacher, have identified Major Robert Rogers as a legacy leader and a leader of influence in my military career as a non-commissioned officer and member of the military intelligence community. This paper will cover three main topics in which I will first discuss a brief history of the life of Major Rogers. Then, his impact on the evolution of warfare and leadership attributes on the United States Army. Finally, I will discuss how his leadership attributes led to him making an impact on the military today and Soldiers such as myself.
Once an Eagle by Anton Myrer is a very influential novel in the military. In fact, it is required reading material for all 1st Lieutenants in the Marine Corps as well as in the United States Military Academy at West Point. Many Army leaders have read the book and often discuss it among themselves in social situations. Although a fiction read, many leaders extrapolate the use of mission command as well as the leaderships attributes. In this analysis I will be comparing a single event in the novel to the Army’s leadership principles as well as Mission Command. I will then provide a personal reflection and conclude.
Operation Verbal Image is an exercise based on command and control. It used many leaders who used command and control to accomplish their assigned mission. This command and control shaped the battlefield and took the fight to the enemy. This paper will discuss, how important command and control is, what is command and control, what does command and control do, and command and control in the information age. This paper will also discuss how command and control was used, how it affected the outcome of the battle, and my personnel opinions on how command and control could have been done differently.
From a fiercely brave General, who strictly enforces customs, bravery, formalities, and success; to a General with a lighthearted-mood, down to earth attitude, a steadfast courage, and a integrity and decency to lead the nations of the world into battle; while both these legendary Generals fought on the same side, both General S. Patton and General D. Eisenhower were distinctly different Generals. This paper seeks to outline the differences and similarities between the two Generals by taking a close look at their lives, and the impacts they had on WWII.
Referencing situational theory, Bonaparte was excellent at reading his soldiers and the people as both a military leader and a politician. He knew what to say and to whom to say it, to accomplish his tasks: “A leader is a dealer in hope.”. He developed enough of a relationship with his subordinates to identify and adapt what methods of leadership he needed to be successful, whether that was a ruthless dictator, the seen leader, or the strategist.
In the fifth part, "Conclusion: Post-Heroic: Command in the Nuclear World", Keegan explains the military tactics and ideals that have worked over the centuries and why those tactics will no longer apply in a nuclear world. He names it as a “post-heroic" style, leaders must inhibit the conflict, not instigate. Keegan, also, indentify it such as less posturing, less readiness to use foreign policy for domestic political ends, and more modesty, prudence and rational thinking to counter the computerized technology. Keegan's recommended style is to be related to keeping peace or not to increase conflict. So, according to his approach this limited and different kind of heroism, post-heroic, is needed for world peace. This part causes us to think
The main points of this article relate to the changing nature of warfare (think terrorism and advancements in technology) and the adjustments military leaders are obliged to make. Hence, according to the article, leaders must: a) be trained in critical thinking skills; b) be "committed to life-long [and self-directed] learning"; c) be willing to take the initiative to "diagnose" their goals, needs,
Marshal De Saxe was born in Goslar, Germany in 1696 and was immediately thrusted into nobility shortly thereafter. This nobility allowed him to be exposed to the military lifestyle of his time at a very young age, which would be a major contributor to his future success. He would eventually serve under and study with such greats as Alexander the Great and then be hired to serve in the French Army. This would lead him to earn the title of “Marshal-General of the Kings camps and armies” while serving under the French. He died in 1750 of “putrid fever”, which is a very un-glorified death compared to a death on a battlefield. Over his life he would be exposed to several different types of leadership and approaches to the battlefield and would document his findings. His findings covered from the individual solider to expectations of future military leaders. After his death Marshal de Saxe’s own writings would be published posthumously and secure his place as a military theorist. Marshal de Saxe used his personal experience and observations over his military career to influence his theory’s that were highly influential to military leaders and military theorist of his time and is studied in modern day by historians and military leaders.
In the 2004 movie, Ike: Countdown to D-Day, a profile of the leadership style of General Dwight D. Eisenhower is presented as planning and preparation for the single greatest invasion in the history of the world is engaged. This paper examines the leadership style and qualities of the Supreme Allied Commander as presented in the movie and in other literary references.
Mission command belongs to the Army’s list of seven war fighting functions. While the other six of the Army’s war fighting functions specifically align to the application of combat power, mission command applies to leadership and its application. Mission command redefines the old construct of C2, command and control, by morphing the ideology into two distinct thoughts, the art of command and the science of control. Although mission command is a relatively new concept, it’s principles and application transcend time. This paper examines General Robert E. Lee’s application of the mission command principles at the Battle of Gettysburg.
One of the most imperative characteristics of a successful king and ruler is their military leadership. According to Machiavelli, a king’s main thought
Throughout the ages of history, there were many wars that were fought. For every victory and defeat, what was it that really determined the outcome of the war? Which army leader had the better or worse battle plan? With the plan they had, did it increase their chances of victory? Were there key factors in an army leader’s plan that lead to their defeat? Or, was the best decision made to completely avoid war? For a lot of the wars that took place and the ones that were avoided many years ago, the mystery still remains unsolved on how and why certain army leaders were victorious or gained a certain advantage because of the choices they made. On the other hand, it is also unknown on how or why an army leader failed to a certain extent
John Keegan, author of The Mask of Command (London, 1987), is a British military historian, lecturer. Keegan is best known for his comprehensive works on military history, with particular focus on military figures and battles from fourteenth through twenty-first centuries. Keegan also worked on uncovering the psychology which was used in battle. In that respect, in the Mask of Command, Keegan points out effectively the broad aspects of warfare. The Mask of Command breaks into five parts. These include Alexander the Great, Arthur Wellesley Wellington, U.S. Grant, and Adolph Hitler parts. Each part is separate, but the parts are frequently compared each others. Each part gives excellent examination of military leadership. By these