Joint Operations in the Vicksburg Campaign - Unity of Command or Unity of Effort

摘要

This analysis examines joint operations in the Vicksburg Campaign. It first focuses on the commanders and their personalities, and then discusses the significance of the relationship between Generals Grant and Sherman, and Admiral Porter. With the absence of formalized doctrine for joint operations and unity of command, unity of effort became critical to success. A brief overview of the campaign is provided for orientation, and to show its strategic significance. A discussion of the actual joint operations, with emphasis on the principles of unity of command and unity of effort follows the general overview. In concluding, the paper asserts that joint operations were essential to success at Vicksburg, and that these operations were only possible because of the commanders and the unity of effort they were able to achieve. A valuable lesson derived from this study is that a systemized unity of command is essential in operational warfare. Future campaigns may not have commanders like Grant, Sherman, and Porter, who develop such a strong unity of effort and focus toward a commonly recognized objective, as was accomplished at Vicksburg.