How To Write An Essay On The Battle Of Command

Leadership Summary In August 1962, the 20th Main Infantry Regiment was created under the command of Colonel (COL) A. Ames and Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) J. Chamberlain. The regiment was comprised of soldiers from around the state of Main and was initially comprised of 1621 men. The unit would fight in some of the initial bloodiest battles in the Civil War to include Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. LTC Chamberlain, a college professor with no military training, actively sought out mentoring by his commander COL Ames at every opportunity. He diligently sought opportunities to learn by reading military manuals as well as book on the art of war. This passion laid the initial foundation for his military leadership, which would soon come into play (Useem, 1983). By May 1863, the unit had dwindled down to 358 men due to death, disease, injuries and desertion due to the Battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. COL Chamberlain was
After an exhaustive march with little time to rest, Chamberlain’s unit was rushed into battle to defend Little Round Top from the advancing confederate forces. His orders were simple – defend the ground at all costs. The 20th Maine withstood wave after wave of attacks, five in all, by the forces of the 15th Alabama. With ammunition exhausted, Chamberlain sought out options to defend his position. Chamberlain, who had no prior military training other than mentoring by Ames, came up with a bold plan. He ordered his men to fix bayonets and to attack. This unexpected tactic caused the attacking 15th Alabama to falter and ultimately retreat from the field of battle earning the 20th Maine victory.
Overcoming adversity is something that all leaders will face in their careers – how the individual responds to that adversity is what can make or break a leader.
Leadership Strengths/Weaknesses