Leadership in the Valley Update #5
Greetings!

It was great meeting many of you on February 7th.  If you have any questions about backpacking, leadership, equipment, conditioning...whatever...please e-mail us.  We're really looking forward to our time in the backcountry! Here's a photo looking west northwest with the morning sun at our backs from a few miles north of Swift Run Gap...


As you have seen if you've been following our Facebook posts, we've been busy scouting the stands for our staff rides. We've also been reading up on Jackson in the Valley.  Here's an example leadership thought for you...

In January of 1862, Thomas Jackson was a very inexperienced leader and manager assuming command of the Valley Army in the Shenandoah.    He had gone from being a professor at VMI to being a Brigade Commander at Harper's Ferry and First Manassas to being an Army Commander in Winchester - all within 6 months.  His first foray as an Army Commander was a winter campaign to Romney where he is characterized by author Robert G. Tanner  as one whose ambition clouded his judgment, who demonstrated an inability to effectively communicate and work together with others, but whose personal energy and example gave sustained impetus to operations.  "Stonewall" Jackson recognized these patterns in himself, and employing a maneuver mindset, within the next 6 months became one of the most celebrated commanders in military history, commanding the Second Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia.   Attitudes are more important than skills.  General Lee knew that Jackson had the right attitude!  

 

To remind...

  • You should be walking 5 miles a day in the boots and socks you plan to use on the trail.  A little barefoot walking on asphalt would be good too.  You should also be taking the ladders instead of elevators!  Both of these are good disciplines to practice for life.
  • Dr. Thomas is getting inquiries from the Washington Post wanting to run a story on our adventure.  Please respond to Dr. Thomas with your answers to the following questions:
    • 1) Would you be willing to speak to a Washington Post reporter about the staff ride experience and if so,
    • 2) Can the Post Reporter join you in any leadership or ethics class you're currently taking in Luce Hall.  The USNA PAO wants to give the guy maximum access.
  • As we've mentioned last time, please read all you can about the Blue Ridge mountains with emphasis on leadership in the Valley campaign of 1862,
We look forward to hiking with you!

Dr. Joe Thomas (USNA)
J.D. Baker (OMNA)
Eric Carlson (OMNA)
USNA supported by OMNA International
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