USAWC (United States Army War College) Military Studies Program Paper. The Development of the American General Staff: 1880 to 1920

Abstract

Abstract : The principal issue concerning the War Department during the period 1880 to 1920 was the executive control over the resources required to raise, train, equip and supply the Army. Information was gathered using a literature search. Emphasis was given to selected leaders who pioneered the notion of a general staff, reasons for such an organization, and the actual development of the staff compared to the design. After the American Civil War a group of reformers assessed the performance of the War Department as lacking in executive control. Reform proposals including a general staff model were presented to Congress in 1879. The proposals were defeated causing the Army to struggle through a 'dark ages' as a useless organization designed to fight Indians when there were no Indians. The War Department's poor performance during the Spanish American War demanded a change. Elihu Root met the demand by instituting a general staff system headed by a Chief of staff. The system proved itself during the Mexican Border campaign and World War I and, although modified to meet the times, remains today as the capstone for executive control over the resources required to meet the needs of the Army.