Foundation Home | Contact Us | U.S. Army War College
Strategic Leader Staff Ride Seminar
The Strategic Leader Staff Ride includes a one-day "staff ride" of the Gettysburg battlefield followed by a half-day of discussion on strategy and related topics at the Army War College. The concept of a staff ride originated in the Army of the 1880's and was used to teach various aspects of tactics and leadership to aspiring staff officers. Visiting a Civil War battlefield (originally on horseback, thus the term "staff ride") brought to life the importance of terrain, the interaction of battlefield commanders, tactics, leadership techniques, and command decisions.
The first day is dedicated to the staff ride in Gettysburg and discussions concerning the battle. The staff ride that the War College conducts is much more intellectually rigorous than a simple, publicly available sightseeing tour of the Gettysburg battlefield. Prior preparation is essential; this is accomplished by reading the novel, Killer Angels, or by watching the video, Gettysburg. Armed with this basic knowledge of the battle, the staff-ride guide then approaches the battlefield with the purpose of investigating the leadership climate, leadership issues, questions of strategy, lessons learned, communications, dealing with change, etc. The participant leaves the staff ride with a much better understanding of the battle and its leadership implications, and also with a much deeper appreciation of what this battle signifies as a military and political turning point of the Civil War. The staff ride is followed by dinner at the Commandant's house.
The second day of the program is conducted at the Army War College. Building upon the themes introduced during the staff ride, a series of facilitated discussions are held on topics such as crafting strategy, strategic leadership, and how U.S. grand strategy is conducted in the current world situation. The actual topics of discussion can be mutually agreed upon prior to the staff ride.
The total number of guests should not exceed 15 as this permits a more intimate discussion among the participants, Army War College faculty, and the Commandant of the College. However, the College has had up to 40 guests in previous staff rides. Without exception, this program has been extremely well received by individuals and other participating groups.