Title:
Chief of Staff: The Principle Officers Behind History's Great Commanders Vol 1
Author:
Edited by Maj Gen David T Zabecki
ISBN:
978-1-59114-990-3
Publisher:
Naval Institute Press
Year:
2008
Hardcover
Pages:
241
Photos:
14
The
role of the Chief of Staff within a military hierarchy is perhaps one of the
most complex and nuanced of positions. Many references are made to it during
staff courses and historical analysis but it is, in many respects, one of the
least understood or properly utilized of positions; especially in the modern
context as the Commander has a myriad of methods with which to both gather and
disseminate the most minute of detail. Nevertheless, the role of the Chief of
Staff was and remains critical to the effective planning and execution of
operations. In this book, Zabecki and the contributors outline and analyze the
chief of staff systems of four major powers (France, the UK, Prussia and
Russia) and the effectiveness, via individual write-ups, of some of the more
note-worthy soldiers employed in these billets during wartime from the
Napoleonic Wars until the end of WW1.
It is
suggested in the narrative that this responsibility represents perhaps one of
the most difficult positions that a staff officer may be placed in, as their
success or failure will have profound implications for the operation within
which they are involved; this is very true. It is also true, and borne out by
the examples, that the relationship between the Commander and his COS is the
basis of that effectiveness and that this relationship often times transcends a
formal "orders driven" structure. Indeed the ideal COS is a
multi-faceted creature for the Commander: psychologist, interpreter, priest,
friend and motivator. They also hold the distinction, especially within the
Prussian model, of having the absolute trust of the Commander and the ability
to exercise command on his behalf without seeking approval first (in German
this is called 'Vollmacht' and was usually granted in crisis situations).
Zabecki
provides a synopsis of the different staff systems followed by the major powers
leading up to WW1. Each was unique in terms of structure and the expectations
levied against the COS's. The most formal and professional was without doubt
the Prussian/German model; however, as the author makes clear, it was also the
most difficult to emulate entailing as it did a philosophy of command not
inherent in the other nations. The authors explanations are clear and concise
and provide an excellent lead-in to the individual evaluations.
The
chapters on the individual COS's are more a of a mixed bag. As each is written
by a different individual the emphasis and approach is somewhat different. This
is, in my opinion, a strength as the analysis is fresh and unique; however,
there were a couple that placed too much attention on the individuals career
rather than his role as a Chief of Staff. Nevertheless, they are, for the most
part, extremely interesting and enlightening. Not all of the subjects were
exceptional COS's, indeed some were quite mediocre; however, all served at
critical points, were reflective of the national environment within which they
developed and each is a lesson for future Chief's of Staff.
A
critical book that discusses in an accessible and engaging manner the key role
that COS's play in the effectiveness of senior commanders. These are lessons
that modern militaries ignore at their peril. The advent of technology has not
diminished the importance of the COS, in fact, it is more important than ever
as armies become larger and more technical in nature. Included is a
comprehensive bibliography and endnote section. I highly recommend this book.
No comments:
Post a Comment