FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov. 6, 2013) -- Officers and NCOs from the 198th Infantry Brigade on Sand Hill traveled Sept. 19-20 to Chickaumauga, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War and birthplace of two of the brigade's regiments.
"The staff ride's intent was for our Soldiers to know how meaningful their unit history is. We analyzed the fight from the perspective of mission command, training and warrior ethos," said Col. Jonathan Neumann, commander of 198th Infantry. The visit coincided with the 150-year anniversary of the battle.
The Battle of Chickaumaga was fought Sept. 19-20, 1863, and was the last major Confederate victory of the war. The defeat temporarily halted the Union advance toward Atlanta but at a high cost. It was the second bloodiest battle of the war -- 4,000 people died on both sides. On the first day the 19th Infantry Regiment, currently part of the 198th Infantry Brigade, lost more than half of its men in less than an hour.
On the second day of battle, bolstered by reinforcements, the 19th Infantry fared far better and earned the name "Rock of Chickamauga." Along with other units under the command of Maj. Gen. Henry Thomas, they mounted a final stand to cover the retreat of the Union Army. Outnumbered and running out of ammunition, their last ditch effort saved the Union Army from disaster.
"I am proud to be a member of a unit with as rich a history as the 19th Infantry Regiment and to be able to travel to the location where we earned our motto 150 years ago during a very bloody battle," said Capt. Matthew Berg, commander of A Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment.
Walking the hallowed ground had a clear effect on those involved. "It was a truly humbling experience to consider the adversity faced by our forefathers and the measures they took to overcome this adversity," said Capt. David Enderton of the 198th, who organized the staff ride.
There were also valuable lessons to be learned. "Despite changes in technology and doctrine, the importance of strong leadership on the ground has changed very little. Overall, I think we were all able to learn from the experience," said 1st Lt. Henry Dallam, an XO in 198th.
Enderton said, "when we stop looking at our military history and comprehending lessons learned as they relate to our modern day operations, then we will repeat that history. There is a lot of symmetry as it relates to mission command, and the decisions made by operational leaders connecting what we do today to our predecessors 150 years ago."
"The experience gave us a strong sense of unit identity and cohesion," said Sgt. Maj. Brian Safewright from the 198th Brigade.
"There is a lot of value in staff rides," Neumann said. "We gained important insights into mission command and training. Most importantly, we know our units' heraldry, we know about the courage and discipline of Soldiers fighting for our country. We know what it means to be a Soldier in the American Army."
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