During World War II commander, General Eisenhower made little or no decisions in operations. He generally relied on his senior commanders to plan and execute the actual missions. He spent most of his time making strategic level decisions. Two noteworthy decisions Eisenhower made occurred during Operations CORKSREW and OVERLORD. Though the Allied forces were successful in both Operations, Eisenhower failed to apply critical thinking during Operation CORKSCREW however with experience in war; he matured his critical thinking by Operation OVERLORD. This essay will use Dr. Steve Gerras’ Critical Thinking Model to evaluate Eisenhower’s critical thinking during CORKSCREW and OVERLORD. In addition, this essay examines his decision to invade Pantelleria …show more content…
and delayed Operation OVERLOAD to illustrate how initially Eisenhower’s critical thinking was impaired and how he improved. Eisenhower used assumptions in deciding to attack Pantelleria, yet he failed to evaluate the efficacy of his course of action. It will also show his critical thinking improved by operation OVERLORD, as evidenced by his ability to clarity decisions and analyzed potential implications. It took a process for him to reach this level. To elaborate, Eisenhower lack of critical thinking during CORKSREW influenced by his decision to invade Pantelleria based on an assumption that an Axis signal intelligence headquarters occupied the island, heavily manned and equipped with ground based communication and interceptors systems.
His assumption played a prominent role in his decision-making calculus. Assumptions can be both good and bad, but typically, little to no consciousness. Gerras describes assumptions as a perception of ones beliefs or beliefs taken for granted and usually operate at the subconscious or unconscious level of thought. Eisenhower based his decision assumptions rather than executing a critical thinking process. Ike had no data, facts, intelligence or other reports to validate his assumptions. A critical thinker focuses on the evidence, and evaluates the information to assess the validity of concepts. The information used should be accurate and relevant to the question or issue. In his discuss to invade Pantelleria; Eisenhower failure to evaluation information was met with resistance and skeptical from his ground commanders. Had Ike used a critical thinking process, it may have led to reassessing his commander’s …show more content…
concerns. As mentioned earlier, Eisenhower assumed an incredible risk by not applying critical thinking in his decision to invade Pantelleria. His actions amounted to a successful risk that lacked sufficient evidences to support his decision; however, the outcome caused Axis forces to surrender willingly. Another period to assess Eisenhower critical thinking is during his time as the Supreme Allied Commander. The second strategic decision Eisenhower made was his selection of the date to execute Operation OVERLORD.
Eisenhower's past lesson learned as the Mediterranean Commander contributed to his successful application of critical thinking in his decision pertaining to OVERLOAD. He viewed all problems and issues more holistically therefore that enabled him to apply lesson learned from his previous operations. The first critical element Ike applied was clarify objectives. He had to ensure all understood the objective to “aim at the heart of Germany and destroy her Armed Forces”. Clarity helps identified the problem or issues; it focuses on laying out the problem to ensure it is not framed in a way that unduly limits response options. Furthermore, Eisenhower’s clarity of purpose allowed him to assess potential
implications. The second critical element applied was implications. Implications are what we expect to happen before a decision. Eisenhower’s decisions to delay Operation OVERLORD came from the shift of battle plans; redirections of entrance points; troop relocations; additional deployment assets, and; weather conditions. Gerras states that a critical thinker analyzes the impact of his decision on all relevant stakeholders. He understands the long-term consequences of his decision. Gerras also provides, if the topic is complex, has important implications, or there is a chance that strong personal views on the issue might lead to biased reasoning, then thinking critically about the issue makes good sense. Eisenhower assessment of conditions during the planning and prior warrants his delay of the invasion. A Commander assesses his course of action along many lines, including the impact on his troops, adjacent units, local populace, enemy forces, police forces, and higher headquarters. Most importantly, a critical thinker reevaluates his or her decisions. In conclusion, this essay provided incite to application of critical thinking as demonstrated in two major decisions by General Eisenhower. Critical thinking is paramount when leaders are required to make major decisions. The Critical Thinking components Eisenhower applied during CORKSCREW were evaluation of information and assumptions, while during OVERLORD, he applied clarify concern and implications. Eisenhower initially lacked in the area of critical thinking but eventually mastered it by Operation OVERLORD.
This essay will evaluate Eisenhower’s moral judgement and ethical decision-making using three (of seven) ethical principles author Don Snider contends are applicable to all Army professionals. After evaluating Eisenhower’s integration of duty, loyalty and subordination, this analysis concludes that Eisenhower used appropriate ethical and moral judgement in his decision authorized the deal as Allied Commander. The first principle
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Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during World War II, was close to not achieving commander status. If this had happened, a different person would have taken control over Operations Torch, Avalanche, and Overlord. Eisenhower, in fact, was the key component in the victory for the Allies. Had he not been assigned by George Marshall to a planning officer in Washington D.C., President Harry Truman might not have saw Eisenhower’s potential. Eisenhower’s past 30 years of military experience, his strong mental and social stature, and his ideas and tactics were all key factors for his triumphant victory in World War II.
In 1943 the British and American Allies shared a common language and a common enemy, but they disagreed on the war’s grand strategy. (site) These strategic differences culminated in the Sicily Campaign, with Allied command and control exercise by Allied Commander, General Eisenhower, failed to employ the three essential attributes of mission command: commander’s intent, full understanding, and mutual trust among partners, as discussed in General Dempsey’s white paper. These failures in Mission Command also limited the Allies’ ability to effectively integrate the vital joint functions like Fires, Maneuver, and Protection. This essay will evaluate the Allies’ Command and Control and the other vital Joint Functions and expound on General Eisenhower
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