Operational Leadership Failure

Operational Leadership and the Success or Failure of an Operation

Leadership at the operational level requires the ability to link tactical actions to meet strategic objectives. Successful use of operational leadership tenants combined with specific character traits of an operational commander provides a snapshot of an effective leader who can successfully accomplish the determined strategic objectives. Professor Milan Vego provides a framework for the tenets of operational leadership and Field Marshal Slim presents his viewpoint on essential qualities required of an operational commander. , The British leaders, Admiral Carden and General Sir Hamilton will be compared and contrasted with the German leader of the Turkish forces, General

He was asked by Churchill, the Lord of the Admiralty to determine if naval forces could penetrate the Dardanelles. Carden’s response to Churchill and the eventual subsequent plan are good illustrations of how he employed operational leadership. He initially responded to Churchill’s question by stating that he did not think the strait could be taken quickly, but also provided a ambiguous option by describing that opening Dardanelles “might” be possible with a large force and a commitment to a protracted operation. His follow on plan was essentially just a list of the shore forts that would be targeted rather than a fully developed plan of what forces would be required (means) and how they would be employed against the enemy (ways). This response lacked the rigor required of an operational commander, and contributed to the eventual failure of the initial naval only portion of the Gallipoli

Hamilton was thrust into a tough position in that he had limited experience with the region, and quickly realized the geographic challenges of an invasion of the Gallipoli peninsula. He started off exercising sound judgment by seeking advice from his commanders. This advice generated the complex plan of multiple landings on numerous beaches. Unfortunately, Hamilton’s initial good judgment began to break down once the orders were developed to give direction to his commanders who would be responsible for carrying out the invasion. Although there was significant preparation on where and how to land the forces, the final objectives of attaining the high ground and destroying the shore defenses were never stated in the orders given to Hamilton’s commanders. Additionally, the sector of main effort was also never explicitly identified, which left his commanders to assume that it was “V” beach where the most troops would be landed. This clearly did not adequately focus on successfully meeting the objective, since Hamilton’s vague commander’s intent did not even clearly articulate the ultimate objectives, let alone provide direction to successfully attain