William T. Sherman; An Operational Artist; Never Won a Battle, Never Lost a Campaign.

摘要

Identifying and acquiring operational art remains a difficult task in today's complex military profession. This study uncovers through primary source research material the intellectual aspects of operational art and character traits of Lieutenant General William T. Sherman before the Atlanta Campaign of May 1864. The author establishes a model to judge Sherman's intellectual capacity using existing U.S. Marine Corps and Army doctrine and Clausewitz's theoretical discussion on character traits to establish a character model. Investigating the little known Meridian Campaign of January 1864 this study highlights Sherman's developing intellect and character traits. The author concludes that Sherman possessed the basic elements of both to qualify as an operational artist; Sherman was able to weave strategic goals with a series of battles accomplishing his objectives efficiently due to his well honed leadership traits. Further the author asserts campaign studies and primary source documents provide an excellent vehicle to formally and informally instruct other military professionals in acquiring the operational art.