The Antietam Institute conducted it’s first Leadership Seminar with members of the Michigan Army National Guard. For several months Institute members have been working with Mr. Adam Betz, the Command Historian of the Michigan National Guard to plan and coordinate the two-day seminar held at Shepherd’s Spring Retreat Center.
Two senior non-commissioned officers (NCO) from the Michigan Army National Guard were the key leaders during the staff ride; Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Matthew Hopkins, the Michigan Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major Darin Alexander of the MI ARNG Regional Training Institute and Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment.
CMS Hopkins commented on the importance of the seminar stating that, “Visiting the Antietam Battlefield and conducting this Staff ride was a critical investment in the professional development of our future Michigan Army National Guard NCO Corps. Learning about these opposing American armies as they met face-to-face on the bloodiest single day in American history was a stark reminder of the price of freedom.“
The staff ride is the central component of the leadership seminar. A staff ride is a historical study of a campaign or battle that envisions a systematic preliminary study, an extensive visit to campaign sites, and an opportunity to integrate lessons derived from each. Staff rides represent a unique and persuasive method of conveying the lessons of the past to the present-day leadership for current application. When properly conducted, these exercises bring to life, on the very terrain where historic encounters took place, examples of leadership, comminutions, decision making, and the human endeavor that are as applicable today as in the past.
The day after Labor Day, twenty-five Non-Commissioned Officers participated in classroom discussions with Institute historians on the Fundamentals of the Staff Ride, Setting the Stage of the Maryland Campaign, and the Siege at Harpers Ferry. The afternoon was filled with on site visits to the Gaps of South Mountain analyzing the terrain, leadership, decision making of the commanders, and the courage of some Michigan soldiers.
On the second day of the seminar, the NCO’s of the Michigan National Guard participated in a full-day Staff Ride at the Antietam National Battlefield with the Antietam Battlefield Guides. Throughout the day the NCOs evaluated the decisions made, analyzed the terrain, learned about weapons and tactics of the day, and innovations in battlefield medicine. They gained a greater understanding for the enduring lessons of history to take back to their units.
At the end of the day the NCO’s stood in the hallowed ground of the Antietam National Cemetery to reflect on the two-day seminar as part of the integration phase of the staff ride. CSM Darin Alexander said that “In the chaos of Antietam, leadership wasn’t just about giving orders; it was about keeping Soldiers focused, disciplined, and alive in the face of unimaginable carnage. When the lines broke and confusion set in, the NCOs kept the Soldiers moving, reorganized the ranks, and turned disorder into resolve. Alexander added, “Reflecting on the grounds, Antietam is a stark reminder that every battle has a price, which is paid in our soldiers’ blood and lives. This reaffirms the deep sense of responsibility leadership carries. This staff ride provided an opportunity to reflect on the human cost of leadership decisions, an essential aspect for NCOs responsible for Soldiers’ well-being and morale. Antietam wasn’t the clean victory Lincoln had hoped for, but it was what he needed to change the course. Sometimes, in combat, ‘enough’ is all you get.”
After all the NCO’s had the opportunity to share their impressions and lessons learned from the staff ride, CSM Hopkins wrapped it with his thoughts. He said, “My key takeaway is this: when the world disappears due to smoke, fire, and death, creating hell on earth, ideals are forgotten, and it turns into an instinctual desire to survive and live another day with the men to their left and right. Much like today, in the heat of battle, Soldiers fight for the Soldiers next to them.”
The facilitators for the seminar were Jim Rosebrock, Chris Vincent, and Laura Marfut. All three are retired Army combat veterans whose span of service range from Grenade to the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan.
President, Chris Vincent said that, “This pilot program lays the foundation to work with other military units and companies in the private sector that wish to develop the leadership skills of their organizations. The integration of these seminars completes the last pillar of the Institute mission of conducting leadership forums.”
We look forward to working with the Michigan National Guard in the future as they look to bringing other soldiers and officers to Antietam from the units of the “Wolverine State”.