USAWC (US Army War College) Military Studies Program Paper. Factors Affecting Success in Coalition Command

Factors affecting success in coalition or combined command were obtained by conducting historical research into the problems of three senior US general officers in World War II. The command problems of Generals Mark Clark, Jacob L. Devers, and Joseph W. Stilwell were analyzed to determine those factors which contributed to their success or failure in combined command in various theaters of the war. Consumate professional skill, ingenuity, capacity for broad thought, knowledge of national and alliance policy matters, persuasive ability, legitimacy of position, diplomacy, tact and sensitivity to national issues, and the need for leverage were found to be important factors. Lastly it was determined that strong positive, agreeable personality was probably the most important factor contributing to success in coalition or combined command.