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Post by Beth on Jul 30, 2015 20:56:55 GMT
I am currently reading a book about the Battle of the Rosebud and have been struck by General Crook and his rather unique personality traits. I find that in many ways they echo Custer in the way they each stand out from the normal crowd while being polar opposites. Crook was as unfussy about his appearance as Custer was over fussy for example. Are their command styles so unique as well?
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dave
Brigadier General
Posts: 1,679 
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Post by dave on Jul 31, 2015 4:05:52 GMT
Beth
It is late so just a quick note for now. Crook and Custer both graduated low in their class at the Point with Custer being the Goat of his class. Crook had extensive experience fighting against and with some Indians. He spent nearly nine years 1852 - 1861 in the Pacific North West fighting with some tribes and acclimating himself to the conditions out in the field. His service during the War was extensive and brutal. He began as a Colonel of a regiment and ended as a division commander in both the infantry and cavalry, something Custer had not done.
Crook assigned to fight the Apache from 1871 to 1875 then ordered to the northern plains and to fight the Sioux and Cheyenne till 1882. He returned to fight against the Apache till 1886 when replaced.
Crook made better use of his scouts both civilian and Indian than Custer and used negotiations as a weapon. Crook certainly cared for and treated his soldiers better than Custer.
That is all I go for now.
I look forward to several posts helping me get on the right track.
Regards
Dave
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Post by quincannon on Jul 31, 2015 4:14:01 GMT
Command styles WOW. You do realize that every officer ever commissioned in every army since the world began has a different style. They are categorized by similarity, but just like ever house ever built there are no two exactly alike.
I think what you will find after reading is that Crook utilized his chain of command and contented himself with battle orchestration. Custer could not have done that in a million years, with a gun at his head, and a cash award at the end of the rainbow.
Mature, personally secure officers, give their subordinates their head, but remain close by and watchful lest they lose it. That type of command style was at loggerheads with Custer's personality.
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Post by deadwoodgultch on Aug 1, 2015 22:39:25 GMT
Neither one shared their plans openly with subordinates.
Regards,
Tom
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Post by quincannon on Aug 1, 2015 23:29:25 GMT
Neither did George Washington, not until he was ready to.
Nothing at all wrong with that in the planning stage. Where it becomes wrong is if you do not share your thoughts before your subordinates have to implement them. |
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