Leadership in the Valley Update #3


It was great meeting many of you on February 20th.  If you have any other 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...


Hopefully you've been reading up a bit on Jackson in the Valley.  If you'd like to borrow a hard-copy of Tanner's Stonewall in the Valley for some preliminary study, please see Dr. Joe Thomas.  Here's an example leadership thought for you...the kind of stuff we hope we can discuss with you on the trail...

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.
  • Your critical vulnerability will most likely be your feet.  It is most important that your footwear (socks and boots or trail shoes) fit well and do not cause blisters.  
  • We will hike carrying day packs, staging a second bag with overnight gear in JD's truck each morning.  In case of emergency, you need to be able to carry all the gear you bring, so don't bring a bunch of extra scrap.  DO be prepared to feed yourself and shelter yourself from the elements both in camp and while underway.
  • We will link-up with everyone in Luce Hall at 1500 on Sunday 9 March, load the vehicles, and head to our first campsite near Front Royal.
  • 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!

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