ROTC takes Staff Ride on Battle of Brandywine

Last week, ROTC cadets participated in a two-day staff ride on the Battle of Brandywine, the largest land battle of the American Revolution. The battle took place in Chadds Ford, Pa. on Sept. 11, 1777 and fought between the American Continental Army of General George Washington and the British Army of General Sir William Howe.

Cadets spent a day in the classroom getting an overview and analysis of the battle from award-winning author and newspaper reporter Mr. Bruce Mowday and Provost Dr. Bob Smith. They were also briefed on the mission variables METT-TC (mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, and civil considerations) of the battle.

The second day of the staff ride was spent traveling to various sites and landmarks of the battle, including the Brandywine Battlefield Park and George Washington’s headquarters, Old Kennett Meeting House, Birmingham Hill, Thornbury Farm, Osborne Hill and Sandy Hollow. 

Mr. Mowday and other presenters like Mr. Troy Grubb and Mr. Randell Spackman provided more details throughout the different stops about the battle as cadets also applied their knowledge of the mission variables to what they learned.

A staff ride is a historical study of a campaign or battle that envisions a systematic preliminary study phase, an extensive field study phase on the actual historic site, and an integration phase to capture the lessons derived from each. Essentially, they place soldiers on the ground where important events took place and ask them to consider and analyze the actions of their predecessors. They are a key part to professional military education.