OCS History Notes

Overland Campaign

"Lee's Army will be your objective point" - Grant (Union) Grant is pushing his Army to attack Lee Grant has good UNITY OF COMMAND Grant maintains the initiative by being OFFENSIVE This means that Lee cannot exploit his OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE strategy Grant elected to bypass Richmond and move in on Petersburg (Crater) Grant had many tactical defeats but was able to operationally succeed because he kept pressure on Lee's army Overland Campaign not an example of OFFENSIVE-DEFENSIVE

3rd Day

"Pickett's Charge" The Rebels' massive cannonade prior to and during Pickett's Charge is not well controlled because three separate artillery commanders are doing their own thing on wider external lines Meade's single artillery commander controls his fire much better, and is able to mass arty and direct galling fire into the advancing Rebels Attempted penetration → poor use of MANEUVER Pickets Charge fails

1776 Battle of Trenton:

After defeat at NYC, support was collapsing and Washington needed a victory immediately. Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Day and SURPRISED the Hessians. The Hessians surrendered after 40KIA, 200 captured). Washington took advantage using MANEUVER

Maryland Campaign

Aim was to get the war out of Virginia, encourage Maryland to join the confederacy, gain European support, and win a decisive battle in the North While moving into Maryland, desertion due to exhaustion became a major problem for Lee and some men just didn't want to go North Rebels thought they had more popular support than they actually did

US Philippine War

Aims US wanted to retain the Philippines Aguinaldo wanted independence Wanted to frustrate Americans until the next election COIN McKinley has strong political will US used both military and local forces Constabulary forces: Basically local police Local forces helped because US was conducting civil affairs, improving roads, building schools etc. Americans had to mitigate the threat presented by Aguinaldo and the rebels This was a classic COIN operation Included political will, CA (conciliation) and violent force The 'carrot' was the civil operations The 'stick' was the kill zones, scorched earth Election year (1900) surge with US troops in the Philippines McKinley won (supported the war), which demoralized Filipinos who thought the election could be a turning point Surge in US forces because McKinley wanted to have a win prior to the election to show progress Surge works in the Philippines McKinley wins election in 1900 which frustrates Aguinaldo's campaign and increases American legitimacy in the area

Battle of the Bismarck Sea

Air attack from land-based bombers; targets are Japanese convoys/transports headed to Lae Didn't allow Lae to be reinforced

Gettysburg Campaign

Lee gave Jeb Stuart a vague offensive-defensive oriented plan which gave Stuart the impression that independent raids were preferred Stuart raided to the east of the Union army and placed the Union army between him and Lee Stuart arrives at Gettysburg the 2nd day Lee had long LOC's and could not get ammo stores quickly Lee withdraws after 3 days and is not pursued Did not achieve a decisive victory in the North Union wins Gettysburg tactically and operationally No real political impact from the battle

Battle of Antietam

Lee had his back to the Potomac River and had interior lines Lee knew that McClellan was slow and decided to fight from where he was at Lee did not budge but took significant casualties. This was the bloodiest day of combat in US history Lee failed to win foreign support McClellan was fired because he was not aggressive enough and let Lee retreat back to Virginia McClellan did not mass or maneuver his troops well and did not use 20k troops that were in reserve Union victory enabled Lincoln to introduce the emancipation proclamation and gave them the idea for Union African American soldiers

POW's Korea Stalemate

POW's wanted to stay in South Korea; National government in Taiwan wanted custody of Chinese POW's who still support anti-communist struggles POW exchange was a major sticking point of truce talks Communist POW's who wanted to remain in UN custody embarrassed communist regimes POW's became a CENTER OF GRAVITY because each side wanted to show the world that POW's liked their treatment and war aims

General Thomas (The Rock of Chickamauga

Sets up rear guard so Rosecrans can retreat back to Chattanooga Has UNITY OF COMMAND for his troops Holds the line but does not counterattack Under cover of darkness he withdrew and went back to Chattanooga

Cisterna

airborne rangers try to take it against an armored force in the germans.

2nd Seminole War (1835-1842)

1830's Indian removals spark Seminole/escaped slave insurrection led by Osceola, Coacoochee, and Billy Bowlegs Seminole attacks supply fort at Dade and Massacres troops Goal is Indian removal = CENTER OF GRAVITY Indians fight guerilla style wat and have little external support. Instead they live off of subsistence Did not remove every Indian

Sioux War (Plains Tribe)

1876-1877 Gen. Custer found Sioux Indians and is tasked with bringing them back to the reservation Took an aggressive approach, and Sioux Indians were victorious Aggressive action that FAILED Custer was killed in this fight (Custer's Last Stand) Custer's death led to further action by DC, and more troops/supplies were sent

Early-1900s Defense Acts

1903, 1908, 1916 The guard's national role/reserve status Guard Restrictions Guard Standards Creation of ROTC Army War College established Army General Staff created

Vera Cruz

1st major amphibious landing in US Army history (bold operation) Scott landed about 3 miles south of the city - out of range from the Mexican guns Scott used terrain well Scott tried and failed to effectively bombard the town and asked Commodore Perry for Naval Guns Perry obliged and shelled the city demoralizing the defenders Beats el vomito

Airborne Operations

82nd and 101st Airborne landed behind Utah beach to facilitate a breakout from Utah and the Cotentin Peninsula into mainland France Ease the seizure of Cherbourg port on the peninsula

Anzio

Amphibious turning movement Ordered by Winston Churchill after mounting frustrations with Cassino Allied generals had reservations but Churchill promised extra resources and got consent Landing site was flat coastline Wanted to cut German LOC to Gustav Lucas (Allies) moved very slow and cautiously off the beachhead Failed to force immediate German retreat from Gustav line Still controversial Lucas gets relieved a month after landing Germans failed to destroy beachhead (Good COMBINED-ARMS to hold Anzio) Operation diverted Germans from the Gustav Line but not the result Churchill wanted

US Fire Support

Army had arguably the best fire-support of any service of any nation in WW2 Already assigned mortar platoons to small infantry units Artillery batteries at regiment as well Flexible IDF procedures Time on target strikes were especially devastating Germans and Japs commented on outstanding fire support and Americans reliance on it

Combined Arms WW2

Army troops used combined-arms to handle hedgerows Tanks, infantry, mortars, and self-propelled guns worked together to ease the effort Tanks would break holes in hedgerows as artillery laid suppressive fire Infantry/Tank teams would then penetrate into the hedgerows Alternating field penetrations would outflank other hedgerow squares

Hardee's Tactics

Based upon French manuals, but commanders thought the tactics had the answers for rifled muskets Larger regiment-sized units that would move more quickly than usual Hardee's Tactics used more skirmishers to provide to harass/disrupt opposing forces Skirmishers were supposed to distract enemy riflemen (while reloading) Line troops would follow the skirmishers at a higher speed than usual (linear tactics still used) Hardee's tactics made MANEUVER more difficult and probably would not work against well-trained enemies Rifled weapons were not favored in the offense Must have good command, control, and communication (C3) Problems with tactics are identified early in the Civil War but they still use these tactics anyway

1777 Philadelphia Campaign

Brandywine - Washington waiting for attack and gets outmaneuvered at Brandywine Creek Germantown - Washington maneuvers ambitiously, but poorly. Washington did NOT use maneuver well at these two battles Ft. Mifflin crowds Howe's seaport LOC. Fort Mifflin will fall, but not before it spoils Howe's exploitation of his Philly victory

New York Campaign

British Commander is William Howe; Patriot Commander is George Washington British win tactically throughout campaign but could not decisively end the Patriot Army and could not control the Center of Gravity. George Washington is run out of NYC because he had no Navy and no experience They are outmaneuvered and face encirclement repeatedly Washington must decide whether NYC or the war is more important (OBJECTIVE) Washington chooses to retreat multiple times rather than fight to the death

1814 Battle of Lake Champlain

British General (John Prevost) advances into Upstate NY (Lake Champlain) US troops were much better trained, and were more skilled in fighting US ended up winning, and British were forced back into Canada Lake Champlain is the COG for this fight because it provides LOCs and supply routes OUTCOME: Ended the British invasion into Upstate NY People started talking much more seriously about peace negotiations Supports the war aim of CONFIRMING AMERICAN SOVEREIGNTY (Operational and Strategic victory)

1777 Saratoga Campaign

British General Burgoyne began an offensive through NY Burgoyne was using EXTERIOR LINES, and was forced to surrender Impact: France recognizes US independence and forms military alliance Impact: Snuffs serious threat to NY and New England Boosts Patriot morale

Bunker Hill

British aim was to take the hill and crush the rebellion British were supposed to occupy the base of the peninsula but decided to surprise attack instead Daylight penetration was used by the British because they underestimated the Patriots and wanted the battle to be seen by all Initial assaults were frivolous and costly in terms of officers lost. British took the hill when Patriots ran out of ammunition. Tactical victory but failed to suppress the rebellion

1778 Battle of Monmouth:

British counterattack gains momentum US repels a British counterattack Not the victory Washington wanted, but the draw confirms Washington's leadership and Von Steuben's training in linear tactics Both the US troops and British troops were regular armies using linear tactics

1780 Battle of the Waxhaws (+British use of locals / policy problems)

British victory (they seem to be gaining) British used bad locals The Waxhaws massacre withered RESTRAINT and LEGITAMACY British commander claimed to have lost control of his men, which led to the British troops killing US men who were surrendering Bad policies (Mandatory Service Policy) both of these turn US individuals against the British The British do not exercise restraint once they begin to gain momentum Their actions are counterproductive because they are trying to win public support in the South

Close Air Support (CAS)

CAS lessons were sometimes learned via fratricide incidents but paid off in France Good CAS = good use of troops Air-task setup, communication networks, forward air controllers, and training in air control and weapons delivery TTP's

Balangiga

CPT Connell goes to Balangiga with a small company of 70 soldiers Did not use guards or set a perimeter which showed poor SECURITY Forced locals to do work parties which upset locals Connell disrespected Pilipino culture Locals assisted rebels Rebels overran Connell and killed 53 of 74 men

1792 Militia Acts

Called for every white male citizen between 18-45 should be part of the militia Citizens were supposed to provide own weapons and ammunition Volunteer units were created Improvements v Restrictions Only 3 months of federal service per year, and could not be sent overseas Did not adhere to Constitution

The big bug out

Chinese infantry swarms out of the hills. It's very cold. They had them surrounded. Kunu-ri Situation: Cinese and 2ID? Chinese have them surrounded 2ID run the gauntlet they make it out but barely and they are combat effective. MacArthurs complaints and Truman's reaction.

Communications in civil war

Communications at the time were poor and affected the ability to control disparate arms across the battlefield

Weapons and/or Tactics in civl war

Could not place artillery effectively for assaults with Calvary units which led to less use on battlefields for shock and exploitation Offensive operations also could not be supported by artillery within rifled musket range because It was too dangerous for troop

Chickamauga

Densely wooded terrain Very close quarters battle 1st day in the evening Bragg sent orders to flank on the northern line and supplement with an attack at the center Bragg did not confirm that the orders were understood Resulted in delayed, uncoordinated, costly and ineffective Rebel attacks On the 2nd day, Rosecrans made a critical communication error (still has UNITY OF COMMAND) Rosecrans removed a division out of line because of an erroneous staff report Rosecrans ordered Thomas Wood (who he publicly chastised about failure to follow orders) that made him close the gap as fast as possible. Wood did exactly what the orders stated creating a hole in the center of the Union line Bragg exploited this opportunity (hole in the Union line) Friction led to a near catastrophic defeat for Rosecrans Bragg pushed the Union army back

Luzon

Do the Japanese oppose beach landings at Luzon? No. Are they outmaneuvered? Yes. Do they quit? No Okinawa: Blitzkieg maneuver, or more direct fighting? Kamakze fighting. making the enemy come to them. more direct fighting. Island size? Small Terrain? Doesn't allow for maneuver. Enemy? Tries to draw us in.

Organization in civil war

Early in the war commanders divided assets among subordinates which led to commanders being unable to MASS special assets when and where they wanted

1944 France Ports & Logistics

Eisenhower realized that his LOC's thin due to limited ports along the 300 mile LOC Rather than thrust forward and risk a single-shot advance he opted to regroup until he got more ports and the supply situation improved

1781 Yorktown Campaign (impact):

French Navy blockaded the port, which trapped Cornwallis with no possibility of retreat Helps the Patriot Army because it cut Cornwallis off and had nowhere to go or get supplies British had internal lines (they were surrounded), but Patriot/French succeeded This was the "beginning of the end" for the British (they lost a large portion of their forces) The British War cabinet is toppled

Local Forces/Funston

Funston captures Aguinaldo with local Pilipino forces pretending to be rebels Fake rebels said they captured Funston and brought Aguinaldo to see Aguinaldo was then captured through deception

Utah Beach

Gave Allies a strong foothold on the Cotentin Peninsula and better access to the port of Cherbourg 82nd and 101st did nighttime air drop behind the beach to support the amphibious landing Would open egress routes from the beach and block German counterattacks Unexpected weather and German gunfire split plane formations Paratroopers ended up scattered all over Still able to disrupt German efforts to react to the Utah landing US 4th ID landed at Utah Landing went well Naval gun-fire support suppressed most of the German artillery Nearly all landing craft reached the shore Landing force landed 2000 yards from intended point Had fewer obstacles and weaker defenses BG Theodore Roosevelt Jr. landed and took immediate charge and rushed forward to seize the land and the tactical initiative Engineers cleared obstacles quickly Amphibious tanks helped movement off the beach In the end 22000 men ashore with only 200 casualties

Battle of Kasserine Pass (+Sidi bou Zid)

Gen. Dwight Eisenhower was the commander of Operation Torch (N. Africa) Germans and Americans fight on the Tunisia/Algeria border Germans defeat the Americans Fredenhall is too far behind his troops Poor use of obstacles Led to changes in training and tactical air power FM 100-20

Sidi Bou Zid

German Panzers attacked the 1st Armored Division defending Sidi Bou Zid US Forces had good terrain but did not use it well 2 BN's from the 168th IN were cut off and forced to surrender Germans continued East until they encountered the main force for the 1st Armored Division US conducted an uncoordinated stubborn defense at the Kasserine Pass and Germans retreated after 2 days General Fredendall's slow counterattack cost him his command and was replace by General Patton Poor command-arms, misuse of troops

Battle of the Bulge

German offensive that burst through US troops Germans SURPRISED allied high command No one though Hitler would try and offensive in such a desperate situation Germans launched the attack in bad weather which denied allied armies their tactical air support Terrain is complex, wooded and hilly Avenues of approach are narrow Eisenhower and subordinates did not panic, because the broad front would be able to handle it German logistics were not effective at this point, and they hoped to capture US oil Germans wanted Bastogne because it was the crossroads of the region MCAULIFFE NEVER SURRENDERS (even when given the opportunity by the Germans) When the weather cleared, Americans were able to bring in air power to destroy the Germans US never encircles the Germans

WW1 Infantry Tactical Evolution (Hutier Tactics)

Germans started to hone in on their tactics Determined that if they condensed forces, they would be able to rely on lower-level leadership to accomplish tasks Germans aimed to avoid strong spots and slice through weak spots Leadership was delegated to lower levels They were expected to make decisions on the spot NO TANKS YET (not in WWI for the Germans) Mission Command Principles of mission command come into play Build mutual trust, create shared understanding, provide clear commander's intent Because lower-level leaders have more delegated authority/responsibility, they must be on the same page as the commander so they are enabled to make decisions (but within the scope of what is intended)

Arracourt

Good example of combined-arms tactics American armor divisions had 3 subordinate combat commands which the division commander could feed units and weapons as needed to enhance tactical flexibility COL Bruce Clark provoked a counterattack from German Panther tanks American commanders took initiative and aggressively used combined arms Tanks, self-propelled artillery, tank destroyers and airplanes) Used rolling farm land as COVER and CONCEALMENT Maneuvered to hit Panthers from weaker sides and rear sections Artillery and CAS struck panthers in other directions Armor doctrine envisioned rapid movement in open country and discouraged slugfest in urban or closed terrain

Cold Harbor

Grant maneuvered his men south to outflank Lee's army Sheridan (Union) seized a vital crossroad near Cold Harbor Grant needed to possess Cold Harbor so he could maneuver his army between Lee and Richmond Grant launched a frontal assault on the fortified position at Cold Harbor A 2nd assault was delayed 24 hours while Grant waited for II Corps to arrive Assault briefly penetrated the rebel line but were repulsed and lost a large portion of his men

Phillip Sheridan's Shenandoah Campaign

Grant needed to combat Early's success in the Shenandoah Valley Grant assigns Sheridan to take on Early in the valley Sheridan had good UNITY OF COMMAND and employed his force well Sheridan had combat proven leaders under him Sheridan used COMBINED ARMS (infantry and artillery) to press Early ay Third Winchester Sheridan then ordered a cavalry reserve to charge Rebel lines and exploit an ensuing breakthrough Sheridan's combined arms use was very good and had very good TIMING with his cavalry charge Sheridan uses experience, training and organization well

Missionary Ridge

Grant planned a double-envelopment to seize the ridge east of Chattanooga 2 attacks would focus on the ends of the ridge and a diversionary attack at the center The attack on the north end met terrain OBSTACLES and tough Rebel defense The attack on the south end developed too slowly The diversionary attack in the center actually took the ridge Rebel defenses were poorly planned 2 unsupported trenches (1 at the bottom and 1 at the top) Poor Rebel use of SECURITY If any enemy broke into either trench there was no backup Poor fields of fire from the top trench Rebels panicked when both trenches were taken by the Union and fled Grant took Missionary Ridge as a result

Forts Henry and Donelson (impact)

Grant's capture of Ft Henry and Ft Donelson Cracked the Confederates thin, forward defensive line Cost the South the key to the gateway of the Confederacy in the West (both forts were KEY TERRAIN and huge for operational and strategic impacts) Opened a riverine superhighway into the deep South Levered Johnston out of west and central Tennessee and cost Johnston about ¼ of his existing army Rebel UNITY OF COMMAND was not good

Artillery in civil war

Guns, Howitzer's, and Mortars Smoothbores had about a 1mile range Rifled had 3-5mile range

Hedgerows

Hedgerows were an obstacle keeping the US troops from moving forward from Omaha Beach Combined arms had to be used to move forward with penetration MISSION COMMAND initiative taken in order to determine that combined arms was the right answer to move forward (decisions made on the ground by low-level leadership) Tanks pushed through the hedgerows/berms, artillery surppressed, and infantry teams followed behind

Battle of Chancellorsville

Hooker (Union) planned to use exterior lines to envelope Lee Lee uses ECONOMY OF FORCE to successfully use the principles of war, MANEUVER, SURPRISE and MASS (Good representation of Offensive-Defensive) Hooker misuses OFFENSIVE and his external lines Hooker tried to use the telegraph and the Union had poor communication Telegraph fails to support tactical operations Hooker became tentative in the woods Lee's aggressive nature led to him to envelope Hooker's main force Hooker ends up retreating Jeb Stuarts Calvary screen gave Lee the SECURITY to execute bold moves in the field Stonewall Jackson helped envelope Hooker in the woods but during the night it lost momentum Jackson rode to the front to figure things out and was shot by his own troops

Saipan

How did the Japanese try to defend it? They tried suicidal charges to get U.S. to push back and it faild Amount/type of terrain? Too rough of terrain to manuever Impact upon Us fighting: Japanese strategic conclusions? they can't stop the U.S. landings. Why? fight till the last man and make the Americans bleed.

Artillery Conquers, Infantry Occupies

Improved steel and improved gunpowder improves artillery French military proverb of WWI Artillery still could not effectively support offensive operations No communication gear at the tactical level Could not run a simultaneous operation (had to operate sequentially) because of trenches Complex trench networks = complex terrain Tanks appear for the first time around 1916-1917 Germans don't build many tanks (until WWII) Tanks were not reliable (same as most new technology) Tanks were not great at navigating across trenches

Creek War Campaign

Individual war within the War of 1812 Aim was to eliminate the Creek Red Stick resistance (in the South) Andrew Jackson led the offensive from Tennessee, and was an aggressive general He moved too quickly and outran his LOCs and logistics (but he succeeded) Red Sticks were preoccupied with other fronts

Lae

Lae was key terrain because it had an airfield Lightly defended due to Bismarck Sea battle Uses airborne operation to take Lae Goes there via a turning movement; uses amphibious forces and airborne operations (NOT a ground attack); Successful

Jubal Early's Shenandoah Campaign

Lee sent Early to hold the Shenandoah Valley for the south Early forced Hunter (Union) to retreat west making OFFENSIVE-DEFENSIVE possible Early used OFFENSIVE to go north and attack Washington D.C. Early outmaneuvered a small Union force but got to Washington D.C. which was heavily fortified This meant that a direct assault would be required Early retreated back to the Shenandoah Valley and was chased by Crook (Union) Early lured Crook into an attack and MANEUVERED towards weak spots in Crook's line Early drove Crook out of the valley Early then raids north into Pennsylvania and burned Chambersburg to the ground This caused Lincoln to lose POLITICAL support and his pro-war aims declined during an election year

Seven Days' Battles

Lee used OFFENSIVE, SECURITY, ECONOMY OF FORCE, MASS, and MANEUVER when concentrating his forces against McClellan's flank at Mechanicsville Lee used OFFENSIVE-DEFENSIVE well but was not winning decisively Lee attacked McClellan all 7 days However, Lee's orders were not as clear as he thought and he needed more ability to follow-up commands of separate forces Rebel forces suffered from poor communication throughout the campaign Jackson's forces were tired from the Valley Campaign and he over-estimated his troops ability to cover ground Jackson did not know the area well and he was unwilling to share information with subordinates which led to them not knowing what to do when Jackson was not there Even though the attack at Mechanicsville was thwarted, McClellan believed Jackson was planning to surprise attack his army leading him to retreat (Jacksons Legend) to re-direct his supply line from the York River Lee tried to trap McClellan's retreating army at Glendale. Instead, Jackson missed the attack and other subordinates failed to do their part. McClellan was able to retreat past Lee's trap and was able to set up a defense at Malvern Hill Lee tried to test the defense and his assault plan was unclear and failed Most of the Seven Days battles were tactical defeats for Lee but McClellan was mentally defeated and ordered back to Washington after he retreated further down the James River Lee did not successfully use the principle of OFFENSIVE Loss of men and Momentum McClellan Many tactical victories but an operational and strategic defeat because McClellan retreated out of the region

2nd Day

Little Round Top Lee's forces saw an opportunity to take Little Round Top (key terrain) Union troops anticipated the attack and prevented Lee from taking the hill Confederate TIMING was not effective

Inchon Landing

MacArthur takes advantage of the stretched N. Korean LOCs, and conducts a turning movement from the west coast to cut the LOC Terrain at Inchon Landing was not favorable to US forces because of the narrow channel and tides that are difficult to time MacArthur timed the landing well

Terrain in civil war

Many battles fought in difficult terrain that limited effective use of Calvary or rifled Artillery Also, wooded terrain disrupted food command and coordination (i.e. fratricide at Chancellorsville by Stonewall Jackson)

Command, Training, and Experience in civil war

Many commanders were new to the Army and lacked experience in warfighting Even experienced officers were having issues because they didn't have much large-unit experience

Omaha Beach

Military planners knew there would be issues landing on Omaha beach Plan was for bombers to take the beach before the landing, but cloud cover caused bombers to drop further inland (which complicated the landing) Planners knew that the terrain at Omaha was problematic Some things that helped save the operation were the junior leaders that took command and persevered, as well as naval support to the operation There was not unity of command under these lower-level leaders, but there was unity of effort Ship to shore communications were not good

1813 Battle of Thames

Militiamen are led into Canada to fight British, who retreat Tecumseh is also killed here This victory confirms American sovereignty (one of the key war aims) This loss stifles Indian support for the British in the Old Northwest

Cassino

Monte Cassino (mountain) was key terrain following US invasion into Sicily Best avenue of approach to the Gustav Line Envelopment for Cassino was not possible (because of the hills) US bombed CASSINO because they did not want Germans using it The aim was to cut the LOCs of Germans (chose Cassino over Anzio MG Lewis did not achieve his objective/does not cut off LOCs.

1781 Battles of Cowpens

Morgan (Patriot) selected the most advantageous position for his troops Morgan had his militia forces in front, his regular forces in the middle, and cavalry in the back Seeing the militia in the front, the British were overly confident, but the well-planned attack put them in a double envelopment between the regular forces and cavalry Relatively open terrain, but the slight rise ("hill") was used well by Morgan Morgan exploited Tarleton's recklessness by having militia retreat knowing Tarleton would chase Morgan used good timing by waiting till Tarleton committed to the attack then double enveloped him with Calvary and Regular Army.

Guilford Courthouse

Nathanael Greene (Patriot) tried to repeat Cowpens but did not have as good of terrain. Greene inflicted heavy casualties and broke contact. Greene was not routed. General Cornwallis (British) won the battle in an aggressive penetration maneuver, but lost many forces, so it was not a complete victory. Tactical win but operational and strategic set back Cornwallis does not have any supplies remaining, and flees to Virginia OUTCOME: He abandons his campaign

1815 Battle of New Orleans

New Orleans is key terrain because of the Mississippi River that covers much of central North America (i.e. riverine trade routes) Jackson's army was full of regulars, militia, volunteers, locals, free blacks, and pirates General Andrew Jackson defended against British attack, and used cover and concealment provided by using the river on one side and the swamp on the other US had clear observation and fields of fire on the British This battle was fought after the Treaty of Ghent because news did not travel Although this was fought after the war was over, it did fulfill a war aim CONFIRM AMERICAN SOVEREIGNTY

Nez Perce War (Hills Tribe)

Nez Perce are mountainous people Really good at feints and setting envelopments Dismounted operations and know how to use terrain well US Army too timid at times and too aggressive at others Poor experience at first but get better as the war goes on US had Indian allies in the Crow Indians US Prevails and sends Nez Perce to Reservation

Modoc War (Lava Bed)

Northern California (mountains) Tensions rose between whites and Modoc's, and Modoc's were forced to move to a reservation that was shared with a rival tribe US struggled initially because of poor terrain and lack of experience US did not have much public support Captain Jack (Modoc) led his men in fights against the US Army, and held for a few months He attended peace talks but killed the negotiators (thinking it would push others to leave) US was reinvigorated and fought back, and Modoc's eventually surrendered

Patton and M4's in France

OFFENSIVE Speed and durability of the M4 Sherman helped Patton sweep across France Patton was successful and aggressive, and took a loose interpretation of his orders to move forward and continue attacking His superiors did not reign him in, and allowed him to continue taking the initiative Patton used combined arms and coordinated numerous turning movements to PUSH GERMANS BACK

Task force Smith

Part of the 24th IN working in peace operations US troops were not prepared to fight the KPA (Korean People's Army) -- CONVENTIONAL KPA has tanks from the Soviets, but US troops do not have a lot of manpower or equipment TF Smith was overrun by Korean division with 30 tanks sustaining 50% casualties

Newburg Affair

Patriot service members planned to march on Congress due to pay issues (pension) Washington did not allow this to happen because it would set a negative precedent GW convinces officers not to participate in this march GW did not make promises to fix this issue, but convinced officers that this action would betray what they fought for This sets the precedence of civilian control of the US military

1780 Battle of Kings Mountain

Patriots surrounded the British/Tories on King's Mountain British/Tories had interior lines (they were surrounded), but had failed to set up clear fields of fire Patriots had cover/concealment with the wood-line (did not need to use linear tactics) Patriot victory over the Tory forces had a significant operational impact because it forced the British to give up on their Southern Campaign Tory recruitment and British support fell drastically

Patton in Sicily

Patton was aggressive, with a focus on discipline. Tactically/operationally savvy Patton got in trouble for hitting subordinates more than once, but he was not fired because he was good at his job Some consequences but not as severe as people wanted Patton was reckless but successful Weather was good Logistical support and Air power were good Enemy was taken by SURPRISE Patton MANEUVERED well Patton ordered a nighttime paratrooper drop to reinforce the beach head (AIRBORNE OPERATIONS Tried to make sure everyone was informed of the plan (bad communication) Allied Navy anti-aircraft opened fire on planes carrying paratroopers Ended with fratricide 23/144 planes shot down and 229 casualties for paratroopers

1813 Battle of Lake Erie

Perry's naval forces protect Harrison's flank, and British retreat back into Canada This opens up the LOCs for the US forces (US now controls Lake Erie which is key terrain)

Crater

Petersburg is a major railroad hub Rebels fight hard for Petersburg If Petersburg falls so will Richmond Lee's army can't move because Grant had created a siege Lee knew he was trapped and it was only a matter of time Grant couldn't take the city because of Lee's trenches Grant couldn't take the trenches so he placed a bomb Burnsides (Union) does not handle his troops well and there were delays in action after the bomb went off SURPRISE worked against both the Union and Confederates However because of Burnsides delay, the Confederates were able to regroup and defend against the attack Poor use of African American soldiers Poor use of MASS and MANEUVER Burnside was relieved of his command

Buna

Problems MacArthur made poor assessment of enemy Terrain cannot support maneuver Had to penetrate Problems: Bunker to bunker fighting; tough terrain No blitzkrieg; no big envelopment...just a head on slough because of the jungle environment After Buna, MacArthur does not want to go after strongholds anymore...wants weak points with airfields

Pusan Perimeter

Pusan is the southern deep water port and is both a COG and key terrain North Korea has exterior lines and had to move forces further to mass for attacks UN Commander Walton Walker shifted forces quickly via interior lines to parry North Korean attacks As MacArthur gets pushed further south, his LOCs get shorter and he maintains Pusan port, so he is able to receive resupply North Koreans overstretched their LOCs, which allowed the US a bit of a break Allowed US good ECONOMY OF FORCE and helped MacArthur mass forces at Inchon

Civil War Guerilla War

Rebels → Lee did not support guerilla warfare because hard to control

Battle of Horseshoe Bend

Red Sticks had internal lines, but Jackson's troops surrounded them and overran the fort Jackson killed the majority of the Red Sticks Jackson uses OFFENSIVE very effectively and aggressively Jackson's Indian allies were very aggressive IMPACT: Confirmation of American sovereignty British troops were preoccupied and could not help the Red Sticks This ended Red Stick resistance and defeated last stronghold

The Constitution's Military-Related Clauses

Retains power to collect taxes and provide for the common defense, power to declare war (5 times) Power to exercise exclusive legislation (implication for local, state, federal control) Raise and support Army, with no appropriation for use greater than two years Make rules for government and regulation of the land and naval forces Provide for calling forth of militia (NG) to execute laws of the union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions Provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia (NG) and for governing those employed in service to US Reserves to the States respectively the appointment of officers and the authority of training Executive Cannot declare war formally, but can commit troops to combat President is Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy all the time Commander in Chief of the militia (NG) when called to federal service

Atlanta Campaign

Sherman (Union) continues extending his LOCs (from TN through GA) Sherman is concerned with SECURITY and protects LOCs as he moves Sherman uses MANEUVER via turning movements Sherman has good terrain awareness Johnston (Confederate) does not attack (only protects Atlanta) and "concedes the initiative" Johnston keeps backing up as Sherman continues pressing Hood (Confederate) thinks he sees an opportunity to attack Sherman, and takes the chance but fails Sherman does not back down, and Hood continues to make reckless decisions Sherman aims to complete a turning movement around Atlanta Hood sends cavalry to raid Sherman's LOCs, but this does not phase Sherman Hood did not assess Sherman well (Sherman is not intimidated) Hood tires out his men, who abandon Atlanta

March to the Sea

Sherman aims to destroy Rebel morale by taking food/supplies and destroying railroads within the Confederacy The Rebel forces and locals were both negatively impacted (morale plummeted) Sherman did not need a long LOC to move in on Savannah because he knew he would have supply Sherman linked up with Navy in Savannah for supply IMPACT: Union victory at Atlanta has a positive impact on the Presidential election Lincoln re-elected because he supported the war and it was gaining momentum

Gettysburg impact

Significance: Did not get big victory, lost a lot of men

1st Seminole War (1816-1818)

Skirmishes along the Georgia-Florida border General Jackson invades Florida with American and Creek troops Captures Spanish forts and executes British adventurers

Chapultepec

Small fortress on top of a hill that was KEY TERRAIN. Key terrain because controlling it allowed access to the only 2 causeways that lead to Mexico City Mexicans trained young cadets there Scott uses PENETRATION to attack the fortress (only one avenue of approach)

Solomon Islands Campaign (Henderson Field, night naval actions)

Solomon Islands COG is Guadalcanal Henderson Field at Guadalcanal is key terrain for the airfield Use of RADAR helped in naval night operations, training, and tactics all improve Land Land forces fight for airfield (Henderson) at Guadalcanal (COG) Sea Navy protected the island once the airfield was secured NAVY CUT JAPANESE LOCs AND ASSISTED US LOCs Air Henderson Field (airfield) - KEY TERRAIN Unsinkable aircraft carrier (Henderson) which could create an air-superiority 'bubble' to assist with sea control, close air support, interdiction, and logistical protection/support THIS PROCESS WAS REPEATED ON MANY ISLANDS (TAKE AIRFIELD FIRST) PLANES DID NOT CONTINUOUSLY FLY BACK TO JAPAN

Vicksburg Campaign

South's last key stronghold on the Mississipi Also had a railroad that connected to the riverside making an important west to east rail for moving goods across the South Lincoln believed Vicksburg was key to cutting western food and other supplies to rebel armies Grant (Union) had trouble taking Vicksburg because of the terrain challenges Johnston (Confederate) is the main leader, and sees his Army as the main COG (rather than key strongholds), which put him at a disadvantage because he did not prioritize protecting Vicksburg Rebels had poor UNITY OF COMMAND Jefferson Davis wanted Vicksburg defended at all costs and Johnston thought Pemberton should maneuver away from Vicksburg to beat Grant in the field Grant used a TURNING MOVEMENT in conjunction with naval gun ships Grant was successful because he cut off supply to Johnston's army and they surrendered Grant had good MANEUVER, OFFENSIVE, ECONOMY OF FORCE, and JOINT Ops Johnston abandoned Vicksburg

Southern Guerilla Campaign

Sumter/Marion have local support which allows them to have better intel and get supplies much easier Black Mingo Swamp - Marion uses local support for intel and planning Blackstock's Farm - Sumter good local intel on Tarleton's pursuit These small victories give the Patriot cause much more legitimacy and undermines British legitimacy further; momentum building

Campaign/Battle of Midway:

TIMING was crucial Nagumo (Jap) was receiving poor communications of US positions so he couldn't use his planes US Navy aviators are actively looking for Nagumo's force (torpedo planes find Nagumo) US uses OBJECTIVE and finds Nagumo even though they were low on fuel) Dive bomb and destroy Jap carriers OBJECTIVE, PERSEVERANCE, TIMING, and CHANCE TRINITY plays a role Tactical victory for the US Operational and Strategic success for US Japanese lost resources, ships, planes, and pilots and is a huge loss

Monterey Campaign

Taylor decided to move before his logistics were ready Lost many men before moving in to Monterrey Taylor was a "polar opposite" of Winfield Scott (irt planning) Monterrey was a fortified city, so it became an urban fight Taylor won the battle, but there was not a significant strategic impact He made a deal with the enemy and let them go home without their weapons President Polk was not happy because the mission was to inflict a crushing defeat and gain land for the US The war was going to last longer than expected

Battle of Buena Vista

Taylor had fewer troops than Santa Ana, but he utilized key terrain to protect his men He funneled Santa Ana into an avenue of approach that was less protected HIGH MOUNTAIN VALLEY Taylor was a better leader, while Santa Ana sat on his horse the entire battle

Tarawa

Technology: Naval Artillery Terrain US is ultimately successful but the price is high 1000 USMC KIA Japanese fought to the death, only 12 survivors

Telegraphs in civil war

Telegraph enabled the President to communicate with Generals Cumbersome and rarely seen on the battlefield Impact was at the strategic level (sometimes operational and rarely tactical) Can't help shift fires or direct tactical units rapidly on dynamic battlefields

Douglas MacArthur and his fate in the Korean War

Tends to be aggressive, cocky, flamboyant, offensive MacArthur threatened to widen the war and fight China elsewhere Truman tells him no wider war and to clear all public policy statements with him first MacArthur goes directly against his orders and makes a policy statement without clearing it with Truman MacArthur is fired by Truman, which reaffirms civilian authority over the military

Apache Wars (Desert Tribe)

Terrain Hot dry plains Crook uses the terrain to his advantage Tactics Preferred fast and light troops to out maneuver Apaches Uses Apaches enlisted in the Army to help scout Crook was careful about employing local Apache troops but did so effectively

1776 Battles of Trenton / 1777 Battle of Princeton

These were small battles, but had a big political/strategic impact Morale, perseverance Washington retained an Army Rallied fence-sitters & local militias How did they address center of gravity? Increased the WILL OF THE PEOPLE TO CONTINUE

1950 Run to the North

This is the second phase of the Korean War (when US is pushing communists toward China) MacArthur is aggressive and offensive Units become divided by the rugged terrain MacArthur keeps ground communication structure divided caused confused and shaky logistics No unity of ground command MacArthur spends his time in Japan due to overconfidence

Spanish-American War South Cuba Theater (amphibious ops, logistics, tech/comb. arms/tactics, black regiments):

This was part of the Spanish-American War Justification for this war was to push the Spanish out of Cuba Overall victory over Spain (took Philippines, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico) Disease Bad hygiene in the camps More people died in training camps than died in theater (typhoid) Tropical disease in theater Malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever Logistics Big logistical challenges in the S. Cuban theater No preparation, no benefit from previous wars Logistics do not support OFFENSIVE operations Tactics There were no clear tactical solutions or lessons learned from this war

St. Mihiel (Obstacles, Tanks, Training/Tactics)

US 1st Army attacks Germans near Verdun US was successful US uses good TIMING to assault the Germans 1 attack on one side to draw attention followed by another on the other side to exploit the SURPRISE Germans were already planning to withdraw but were SURPRISED by the US attack METT-TC Terrain was rough due to manmade obstacles (trenches) Terrain was flat but very muddy Tanks Weren't effective Broke down, bad communication and rough terrain Tanks were independently used (not working with Infantry)

Interdiction

US Air Force leaders believed an air interdiction campaign could force communists to sign a peace treaty Often dangerous campaign against improving air defenses Helped prevent communist from being able to launch large offensives Ultimately failed because UN forces exerted little OFFENSIVE pressure on communists Dictatorships forced troops to endure bombarding Air bombings did not strike true sources of communist combat power

Meuse-Argonne (Obstacles, Logistics, Training/Tactics)

US continues to pressure the Germans following St. Mihiel US did not have any room to maneuver (too many forces in the same area) Required a frontal assault as a result Creates combined arms problems Fire Support is spread out Communications are still bad between units and lines became mixed Tanks were still poorly used METT-TC Wooded, hilly, ravine filled terrain Manmade obstacles (trenches built over 4 years) 6-7 trenches every 15 miles Logistics Problems with logistics due to long LOC's from aggressive maneuvers Ammunition was priority Other supplies took a back seat (i.e. food) Troops began going hungry as a result Tactics/Training Better tactics Overall perseverance helps US win at Argonne

Battle of Shiloh (Security, lines)

Union arrogance led to major violations of SECURITY and allowed the Confederates to surprise them. Grant and his army were still celebrating the wins at Ft Henry and Ft Donelson and posted no guards Johnston divided his troops up and all the artillery and he had no control of them Johnston was killed in action which led to poor Rebel communication Rebels could not MASS their artillery Grant successfully defends his lines after initial surprise by the attack and gets reinforcements overnight. Grant had good defensive interior lines Easy for Grant to MANEUVER forces Terrain was tough to maneuver in (ravines and swamps) Grant then counterattacks and pushes the rebels off the field Rebels took some terrain but did not win the battle Grant created controversy because he was surprised and people began the rumor mill

Post-Civil War Reconstruction

Union sends Army into the South to enforce the laws/policies of the government Congress used its authority to make this decision Significant public opposition to Congress sending the Army KKK Secretive actions; never led a large, open rebellion KKK committed actions (hangings, lynching) that were key errors (took it too far) Merrill Former Union Commander responsible to conduct operations against KKK in S. Carolina Arrested KKK members on the terms of 'suspicion of habeas corpus' Protected his informants identities and was able to go after KKK leaders Reconstruction ends up being incomplete

Stonewall Jackson's 1862 Valley Campaign

Union troops did not have UNITY OF COMMAND. Lincoln tried to run the campaign by telegraph but failed Union TIMING was poor Union commanders moved to slow because they didn't know what was going on Jackson took advantage of Union not knowing what was happening and exploited them aggressively Jackson and his officers new the terrain like the back of their hand Jackson had good UNITY OF COMMAND and maneuvered well Jackson utilized good MANEUVER, OFFENSIVE, and SURPRISE Jackson used interior lines which helped him operate more freely and quickly Impact: Huge morale boost for Rebel army who has had a series of big losses Jackson held off 3 Union armies from helping McClellan outside Richmond Jackson was able to support Lee in Richmond instead Rebel morale increased and showed the telegraph was not effective for communication

Railroads in civil war

Used for movement of supplies was crucial which meant securing or destroying railways were as important as campaign objectives. Played big part in the siege of Chattanooga transferring 25k Union troops from Virginia to Tennessee. Transformed overland logistics Operations based on rail support As a result nearly every single major campaign railroads were key objectives

1777 Battle of Princeton

Washington utilizes SURPRISE and TIMING and strikes early in the morning. Washington used a flanking maneuver and defeated Cornwallis at Princeton. Washington used campfires to make Cornwallis think he was still at Trenton. Washington used good SECURITY, MASS, SURPRISE, and MANEUVER to win.

Anaconda Plan

Winfield Scott devised this plan Designed to blockade and slowly crush the enemy like a snake strangling prey. Blockade Confederate Seaports Seize control of the Mississippi River to isolate and bisect Confederacy Use Union's external lines to isolate South and destroy its economy and ability to resist Scott did this because he did not want a bloody and destructive war. Critics believed the plan wouldn't be effective and thought a quick and decisive campaign against Richmond would be best. After 4 years the implementation of a plan similar drove the South to its knees

Mexico City Campaign: Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Chapultepec, COIN

Winfield Scott employed guerilla tactics and helped the US prevail Scott made good use of the locals and had good COIN