Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Hohman | Leaders with the 89th Military Police Brigade tour the Washita Battlefield National...... read more read more
FORT HOOD, Texas – Leaders with the 89th Military Police Brigade gathered together from across the country at the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, near Cheyenne, Oklahoma, for a two-day Brigade Staff Ride May 27-28.
The Staff Ride offered the Leaders the chance to learn about Lt. Col. George Custer and the 7th U.S. Cavalry's attack against the Southern Cheyenne village of Peace Chief Black Kettle.
Staff Rides are a tradition in the Army that allow Soldiers to gain a better understanding of the events that occurred and obtain best practices and lessons learned that can be applied to today’s operational environment.
“A well planned and executed Staff Ride gives professional Soldiers the unique opportunity to take a historical battle and try and use a theory of action to determine the complex chain of cause and effect modalities that were made during the battle,” said Lt. Col. Karst Brandsma, commander of the 720th Military Police Battalion. “In doing so we also gain a better appreciation for the rich heritage of our Army, which deepens our overall professional commitment.”
While not as wildly known as other battles, the Battle of the Washita River offered a wide range of educational opportunities for Senior Leaders of the 89th MP Bde.
Brandsma knew that by choosing such an unknown battle the Leaders would be forced to do their homework ahead of time in order to bring value to the ride.
“The Indian Wars, specifically The Battle of Washita, was a part of our nation’s and military’s history, of which I did not have an extensive knowledge,” said Capt. Megan Evans, commander of the 977th Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion. “The Staff Ride not only afforded an opportunity to learn more about The Indian Wars, but also reinforce brigade senior leader’s understanding of Operational Art and Mission Command.”
The focus of the Staff Ride was for the leaders to strategically understand the linkages associated with the battle and the connection to that environment within a strategic, operational and tactical level context.
“Looking at the definition of Operational Art and visiting the Battle of Washita, combined with the privilege of what Lt. Col. Custer's future held, it is obvious his failure to learn about the total ability of his enemy to quickly mass on an objective, as it relates to the actions of warriors from nearby camps after the initial assault, led to his demise in the following campaign,” said Capt. John Snider, commander of the Headquarters Headquarters Detachment, 97th MP Bn.
Leaders from the Brigade started the Staff Ride by visiting Camp Supply, Oklahoma. They were able to see tools and artifacts to gain a better understanding of the way of life during the 1800s.
After touring Camp Supply, the Leaders began to retrace the steps of the 7th Cavalry toward the Washita River. They would then stop at each campsite to discuss what decisions had been made during that day and how those decisions would affect the future battle.
“It was a good experience to get out and view the sites, because viewing the sites in person was a lot better than just looking at a map,” said Capt. Andrew Briggs, who serves as commander of the Headquarters Headquarters Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion.
The second day of the Staff Ride was spent touring the actual site of The Battle of Washita River.
“"The Staff Ride overall was an excellent opportunity to apply our doctrine against a historical battle,” said 1st Sgt. Stephen Palazzo, who serves as the first sergeant with the 212th Military Police Company, 93rd Military Police Battalion. “Being able to stand on the same spot that Lt. Col. Custer and his troops once occupied was quite nostalgic."
As they toured the battlefield, the Leaders would stop at key decision sites to discuss what decisions were made at each point, and relate it to what was going on during the battle.
“Application of the principles of Mission Command during analysis, specifically in regards to Custer’s inability to create a shared understanding among his subordinate commanders, and provide a clear commander’s intent for actions to take immediately after the attack on Black Kettle’s village, highlighted how critical all aspects of Mission Command are during battle,” said Evans.
The leaders across the 89th MP Bde. will be able to use the lessons learned throughout the Staff Ride in both their current and future assignments. Moreover, they’ll be able to apply these lessons learned to the present day operational environment and share them with the Army leaders of tomorrow.
"Staff Rides offer units the ability to not only gather the lessons learned from our military's predecessors, but they provide the opportunity to enhance leaders' critical thinking ability on military strategy," said Capt. Steven Abadia, commander of the 202nd MP Company, 93rd MP Bn. “In addition, Staff Rides provide an excellent venue for leaders to congregate, share ideas and experiences and grow the unit's esprit de corps.”
This event would prove to have a lasting impact on the Leaders with the 89th MP Bde. by providing in depth discussions on the actual battlefield.
"I had a good idea of how Mission Command was utilized during major battles, but to have it broken down in detail, both successes and failures, for two days straight on a single battle had me walking away with a very clear idea of its role in each phase of the battle and how all of the external factors and elements can effect or change the outcome throughout the entire process," said Capt. Matthew Morgan, commander of the Headquarters Headquarters Detachment, 93rd Military Police Battalion.
Overall, it was a world class event where the 89th Military Police Brigade set the standard for others to emulate—“Proven in Battle”!
| Date Taken: | 06.19.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.19.2015 17:30 |
| Story ID: | 167388 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 125 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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