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621st CRW officers visit Valley Forge

  • Published
  • By Capt. Patrick Markey
  • 819th Global Support Squadron
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  On Dec. 19, 1777, General George Washington selected a strategic location less than 60 miles from here as the winter encampment site for his Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Washington selected Valley Forge, Penn., due to its terrain, for protection of the Congress in York, and for its close proximity to the British who were occupying Philadelphia at the time. On Nov. 9, 2010, Colonel Keith Boone, 621st Contingency Response Wing vice commander, led a group of the CRW's PHOENIX MOBILITY officers on a visit to historic Valley Forge. The group had the opportunity to walk in Washington's footsteps and relate present day leadership challenges to those of the past.

Nearly 233 years ago, Washington's leadership abilities were put to the test. Park Ranger Bill Troppman highlighted many of the obstacles Washington had to overcome to keep his 12,000 men healthy and motivated despite being poorly fed, inadequately clothed, and ill-equipped throughout the brutal winter. Conditions were so poor at Valley Forge that as many as 2,000 men died as a result of exposure, sickness, and disease. Additionally, standardized training and regular resupply were relatively non-existent in late 1777.

General Washington's challenges provide us valuable lessons today, as leaders are responsible for organizing, training, and equipping our units to ensure mission accomplishment. At Valley Forge, General Washington relied heavily on a Prussian General, Baron Friedrich von Steuben, for this task. Despite language barriers, von Stueben's methods of discipline, training, and standardization turned Washington's weary, disorganized troops into an efficient fighting force. He employed what we know as the "train the trainer" approach, teaching specially selected men to successively train others at lower levels, standardizing and speeding training pipelines throughout the Army.

Valley Forge also demonstrated how critical military logistics are to mission success. Washington's army endured frequent food shortages, insufficient clothing, and tattered shoes and blankets due to limitations of logistical support. Despite these challenges, Washington capitalized on other logistical support by procuring large quantities of French muskets. The muskets could be acquired in greater numbers, faster, and at lower cost than other weapons of the time. Their availability enabled more standardized training, streamlined weapons maintenance, and ensured adequate replacement part availability. Leaders today must understand the importance logistics plays in any conflict and employ it effectively for mission accomplishment.

A final example of leadership still relevant today was explained by Park Ranger Troppman. General Washington's soldiers at Valley Forge would not have survived had it not been for the support from the families. A group of Regimental Camp Followers provided laundry services and clothing repair, as well as emotional support to the weary warriors. These steadfast women and children sustained soldiers during the grueling winter, and it is certain that camp morale would have suffered without their assistance. Today's leaders must recognize the tremendous sacrifices and critical backing provided by the communities, families, and friends of their people. A warrior's support structure, provided by the people surrounding their troops enhances morale and combat effectiveness.

Major Charles "Spanky" Gilliam, the CRW's senior ranking PHOENIX MOBILITY officer, summed up the experience. "Our experience at Valley Forge with Colonel Boone provided a valuable history lesson and practical leadership applications. The entire park staff's knowledge and professionalism was unmatched as they brought the past to life under General Washington's leadership. I believe each one of us is a better officer because of this experience."

Air Mobility Command's PHOENIX MOBILITY program is a 3-year professional development opportunity that cultivates future Mobility Air Force leaders by combining a strong foundation in expeditionary air mobility operations and deepening officers' exposure to senior leadership responsibilities. The officers are assigned to the Contingency Response Wing and deploy in support of Air Operations Center and Global Contingency Response operations.