LTG Ridgeway Character Analysis

For a majority of a field grade Officer’s time in the United States Army, he or she will serve a majority time in either a leadership command position or a staff position. There is quite a mental shift that occurs when one transitions between the two positions. An Officer in the staff position is responsible for himself or a small staff only but, when an Officer assumes command, a mental trigger is turned on knowing one is responsible for everything the organization succeeds or fails to succeed. This type of responsibility weighs heavy on an individual and competent Officer’s know failure is not an option. LTG Ridgeway knew failure was not an option for the Eighth Army and did not tolerate anyone not in agreement. LTG Ridgeway fired a popular chief of staff for not having attack plans developed as a course of …show more content…
LTG Ridgeway knew retreat of Eighth Army was failure and this sent a clear message of his intent to the rest of the forces underneath his command. In addition, he demonstrated a positive attitude and effort not previous seen in Eight Army’s previous commander. This contagious attitude spread among the ranks and gave new life to worn out Soldier’s he observed while reconnoitering the front lines. The reconnaissance of the front lines enabled LTG Ridgeway to create a shared understanding of the situation on the battlefield and further communicate his intent of not retreating Korea to the subordinate commanders. For example, he met with the 1st Marine Division commander, Gen. O.P. Smith and ordered them to throw away all maps of Eighth Army retreat. This brought new life into the Marines creating a shared understanding and mutual trust among the two commanders. Transition to command from staff is similar to a player sitting on the sidelines and then going into the game. It is a complete different mindset, which LTG Ridgeway knew it was “game” time assuming command of Eighth Army and turning the