The US Army arguably has one of the best
leader development programs in the
country. The learning process for Soldiers,
which includes experience, self-development
and formal schooling, begins upon entry and
continues through the senior and strategic
leadership levels.
The Leadership Lessons program borrows
from one of the Army’s most creative
instructional programs, called “The Staff
Ride.”
Staff Rides examine the elements of
leadership and decision making, strategy
and planning, communications, and team
building for today’s leader in a fun and
imaginative way. They use history to add
vibrancy and connectivity to concepts, that
when taught in a classroom, are often
abstract and too theoretical.
This is not a course in history, nor is it a
detailed analysis of the battle. It’s a
program that frames the discussion of
contemporary leadership issues around
historic actions.
Leadership Lessons from the Battle Road
Thomas Williams has been leading military staff rides for more than ten years with the United States Army Reserve. Now a Lieutenant Colonel in the USAR, he teaches Leadership, Planning and History with the Army’s Command and General Staff College, andManagement, Communications, and Business Law at Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, MA.
Thomas' leadership experience includes commanding a Battalion of 600 Soldiers during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In his military career, he has also commanded an Armor Company and served as a Tank Platoon Leader.
He is a graduate of the United States Army War College where he earned a Master of Strategic Studies degree.
