Study of Senior Allied Army Combat Leaders

Two successful and two unsuccessful senior Allied Army combat leaders are studied to discern whether there are important differences in the qualities and abilities they demonstrated in combat.

The methodology used was to examine materials on the leaders for examples demonstrating courage, determination, coup d’œil, presence of mind, strength of will, and sense of locality—qualities and abilities which Carl von Clausewitz thought important. Any other qualities or abilities which appeared important in the cases studied were also noted.

The study, however, represents an initial exploratory look. It is qualitative and judgmental, not quantitative and empirical. It was found that the successful leaders demonstrated a balance of qualities and abilities while the unsuccessful ones either lacked a balance or demonstrated some fatal flaw. Further study by other researchers is recommended.