JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The commander and senior noncommissioned officers from the 221st Military Police Detachment recently conducted a staff ride of the Battle of Chancellorsville in Spotsylvania County, Va.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Oliver Rose, Fort Eustis provost marshal, and 733d Security Forces squadron commander, led the MPs through the battlefield, conveying the lessons of the past to our present-day Army leadership for current application.
"By studying how past leaders deal with challenges, we can prepare today's leaders for future challenges we may face" said U.S. Army Capt. Samantha R. Hoxha, 221st MP Detachment commander.
In a proud, military tradition dating back to the late 1800s, military officers learn leadership lessons by participating in staff rides. Leaders study a historical battle, and survey the terrain to understand what happened, and what lessons can be learned for the future. Staff ride exercises bring to life, on the very terrain where historic encounters took place, examples of leadership tactics and strategy, communications, use of terrain, and above all, the psychology of men in battle.
These lessons are as applicable today as they were when they took place. Walking the terrain allowed MP leaders to visualize and understand the battle more comprehensively.
"Walking the battlefield gave me a greater understanding of battles took place during the Civil War," said Master Sgt. William Hale, 221st MP Detachment.
In conjunction with the Army's Birthday, the participants were able to reflect on our Army's history and its past leadership.
"At this time in history, it's nice to see senior leadership still taking the time to develop junior Soldiers with [tactics, techniques and procedures] learned from the past" said Staff Sgt. Matthew Sargent, 221st MP Detachment.
The Battle of Chancellorsville, fought from April 30 to May 6, 1863, during the height of the Civil War, is considered by many historians to be General Robert E. Lee and the Confederacy's greatest victory. Yet at the same time, it was the turning point of the Civil War for the Confederacy due to the massive casualties and loss of one of its greatest strategic minds due to the death of Confederate Gen. Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson.
Studying the strategies and decisions of some of the most famous military leaders of American History, such as Jackson, Gen. "Fighting Joe" Hooker, Gen. Robert E. Lee, etc., 221st MP Detachment Leaders were able to understand the reasons behind critical decisions made by these leaders during the Battle of Chancellorsville.