When Should a Commander be Relieved? A Study of Combat Reliefs of Commanders of Battalions and Lower Units During the Vietnam Era - Softcover

Draude, Thomas V

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1025078780 ISBN 13: 9781025078786

Publisher: Hutson Street Press, 2025

Synopsis

This study attempts to determine when commanders of battalions and lower units should be relieved during combat. The investigation analyzed actual reliefs during the Vietnam era to determine why the commanders were relieved, the availability of replacements, the role of counseling, and the effect on the unit. Investigation reveals that most reliefs were not caused by a single deficiency but rather by a combination of perceived shortcomings. Mission failure was not a significant reason for relief. Captains and lieutenants were more likely to be relieved than lieutenant colonels. Replacements for the relieved commanders were usually available. Most reliefs were affected without prior counseling. The effect of the relief on the unit depended primarily on the unit's evaluation of the relieved commander's leadership and popularity. Further examination of the causes and effects of reliefs produced guidelines for commanders to consider before relieving a subordinate commander.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Edition details

• Publisher: Hutson Street Press
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1025078780
• ISBN 13: 9781025078786
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 90