Accession Number:

ADA331356

Title:

General George S. Patton, Jr: Master of Operational Battle Command. What Lasting Battle Command Lessons Can We Learn From Him?

Descriptive Note:

Monograph rept.,

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KS SCHOOL OF ADVANCED MILITARY STUDIES

Personal Author(s):

• Sanderson, Jeffrey R.

Report Date:

1997-05-22

Pagination or Media Count:

64.0

Abstract:

This monograph discusses General George S. Patton, Jr. and Operational Battle Command. Six primary elements Leadership, Decision Making, Information Assimilation, Visualization, Conceptualization, and Communication make up the dynamics of Battle Command. General Patton mastered the application of these dynamics. This monograph defines and provides examples of the dynamics of Battle Command as used by General Patton while he commanded the Third Army. The monograph first discusses Command and Control of Third Army, as well as General Pattons relationship with his primary staff The monograph then defines and provides examples of each of the dynamics of Battle Command using General Patton and his staff as the example. In conclusion the monograph provides three relevant lessons for future operational commanders concerning operational Battle Command based upon a historical study of General Patton. The lessons learned from the study include the training and retention of a competent staff, the commander personally focusing the intelligence effort, and the commander issuing clear intent and guidance especially regarding endstates.

Descriptors:

• *LESSONS LEARNED
• *LEADERSHIP
• *MILITARY COMMANDERS
• *MILITARY ART
• MILITARY OPERATIONS
• MILITARY HISTORY
• WARFARE
• MILITARY STRATEGY
• DECISION MAKING
• ARMY
• GENERAL OFFICERS
• ASSIMILATION
• BATTLES
• SECOND WORLD WAR

Subject Categories:

• Administration and Management
• Humanities and History
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE