Leadership…
One of the keys to the US Army’s success in the Persian Gulf during Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM was the leadership that was taking place at every level of command. This was a by-product of the Army’s officer and NCO education programs and the extraordinary emphasis on leader development. It should also be noted that the senior leadership provided by GEN H. Norman Schwarzkopf was an example to all of us who were privileged to lead US military and coalition forces to one of the most decisive victories in our nation’s history. GEN Schwarzkopf embodied all of the bedrock Army values. Some would say that he was a controversial troop leader, acquiring a variety of nick names, such as “the Bear” and “Stormin’ Norman.” He was a big man. And he was emotional, sometimes outspoken, but highly effective and courageous when it came to getting things done. I worked directly for him twice and I would argue that his reputation would not always tell you the whole story. He was confident, yet clear and decisive in his decisions. During the most challenging times, he was always calm and thoughtful. Even though we did not agree on every issue, I had a high degree of respect and admiration for his extraordinary vision and leadership. He understood the history of the Middle East and the changes that were taking place economically, militarily and socially around the world. GEN Schwarzkopf was the right man, at the right place, at the right time.
I met GEN Schwartzkopf when he came to speak to my unit during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. I will never forget his candor with the us in assessing the situation – the sheer power of his presence boosted our confidence that we would be able to execute any mission we were given. It was as poignant reminder to a lowly company XO of the tremendous value that senior leaders have when they leverage their time and their presence with their subordinates.
Michael Oshiki, MD, MS, FAAFP, FACHE
Michael, thank you for sharing your memory of GEN Schwarzkopf during DS/DS. You are correct, he knew the power of leading from the front. He learned this early in his career and demonstrated it throughout his time in Vietnam. He was invaluable in keeping The Division motivated as it spent a long time in the desert after being the first to deploy. AATW!
GEN Stormin Norman and GEN Colin Powell were the right men, in the right place at the right time. Their legacies will be forever cemented in US history books and LDP courses.
Lee Knox Jr.
I will never for get this moment. General Schwarzkopf to Reporter: ‘You Ever Been in a Minefield?’
James Wright
That is a great note, James. You are correct. He always had the right words for the situation. He knew the value of straight-talk.
We are working on constructing the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial at the National Mall in Washington D.C. One of the quotes on the memorial will be from General Norman Schwarzkopf. Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial @ https://www.linkedin.com/company/desert-shield-desert-storm-memorial/
Jill Etter
Jill, that will be awesome! I ran into Cee Freeman at last week’s AAW. This is going to be a tremendously successful memorial that will honor all DS/DS participants.
Sir, I’m curious to know the story behind GEN Schwarzkopf’s nickname Stormin?
LTG Ike Henderson
I worked for-around then MG Schwarzkopf for two years at Fort Stewart when he commanded the 24th Division. I don’t know where the moniker arose, but in my first and second hand dealings, seeing him both pleased and pissed—or hearing accounts of the latter—I do not recall anyone, from the G3 on down ever using that name in reference to him. It was always simply ‘the General’ or occasionally ‘Norm’ or even ‘the Bear,’ but not Stormin’ Norman. So I am likewise curious if that moniker was really used in a widespread manner or merely the invention of a clever journalist.
Mike Hackney
Ike, that is a GREAT question. Since General Schwarzkopf was a larger-than-life leader, there are many larger-than-life stories surrounding his many nicknames. First, in what would be the definitive source if it had an answer, in General Schwarzkopf’s 1992 memoir, “It Doesn’t Take a Hero,” there is no discussion of nicknames that I recall or have highlighted in my copy of the book. In the West Point yearbook, ‘The Howitzer,’ he is noted as “Schwarzie.” Although that may just be something added to liven up his description. The most common nickname that people reference throughout his career is ‘The Bear,’ which of course is derived from his imposing physical demeanor. MG Robert Scales, Jr. stated in an interview after he finished his history of the Gulf War that “the general’s nickname, was in recognition of his “volatile temper.” As Scales said, “Schwarzkopf could sometimes speak ‘quite loudly and bluntly to those who worked for him’ if he thought they weren’t doing their jobs.” I prefer to favor the numerous sources that state that he earned the nickname, Stormin’ Norman because he planned and executed a strategic military strike that almost immediately crippled Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi forces by storming into Iraq.
My daughter served during Desert Storm and she served under this General. She said he was well respected and a dynamic military leader she ever worked under. God Bless you Gen🙏
Kaye Jancaitis
I served in the USAF during Desert Storm and while I didnt have any direct connection to the General, I was in awe of his leadership. I later did a bit of research on General Colin Powell. This man was also truly a leader in every sense of the word. If you havent read his book, you should! The first job I got when seperating from the military just after the Storm was in a small custom cabinet shop here in Tampa. The first job I did there was to build General Schwarzkopf’s office cabinets for his new Cheval home in northern Tampa. It was an honor to go to his home and contribute something so insignificant to someone I admired so much. RIP to both extraordinary men. You are missed!
Troy Brown
He was my Battalion Commander in Nam. We loved him and would have assaulted the gates of hell if he said “do it!”
Ernie Tucker
Concur. GEN Abrams did the political work for the Army to Re-organize itself after Vietnam. That was unique. Wrote Operation Steadfast for my USMC Command and Staff College monogram. DePuy, Gorman, Woodmansee, Thurman, etc made it happen. The training revolution and re-building the NCO Corps were huge.
6 of my classmates who commanded battalions in ODS wrote me that – minus the fear factor – our ARTEPs were longer and more strenuous than ODS. That’s good training.
The Army turned things around in the 70s with tough leadership and training with few resources. The American people gave us Reagan and he funded our hard training in the 80s. And paid for the Big 5 systems.
Prep for war in Europe made us overmatch for any combined arms force in the world. Need to get back there to beat the Chinese.
James Atticus Bowden
Great historical context James. Thanks. AATW!, Jim
This is a great write up, Jim. I was in 2-229th Attack Helicopter Regiment “Flying Tigers” and my battalion commander LTC Bill Bryan was a Vietnam War cobra pilot. He was an excellent leader.
My Apache battalion served with distinction and I was very proud to serve with them. They were trained, ready and fit to fight.
I was fortunate to serve my infantry lieutenant years in the 82nd prior to branch transferring to aviation. My unit was 1-504 PIR Red Devils, also led by a Vietnam War veteran, LTC Bob Killebrew. Another excellent leader. Strike Hold!
Scott Pacello
Great commentary on the 82nd’s success sir, and I would add a #5 overall; a clear strategy, with a defined objective, the concept, and John Yeosock’s 3rd Army War Plan, and resources, read, coalition. Credit Powell, all. Lord did we fail the American people 12 years later. And that brings us to The Class of ’77 50th Giftt. While war is too important to be left to the generals, Georges Clemenceau, 1932, it’s way too important to be left to amateurs. WIth the notable exception of DS, there’s a terrible pattern in play, from 1950, through the Afghanistan exit.
Ralph Masi
Ralph, Thank you for your insight. I agree with #5, 100%. I tried to keep my book as apolitical as possible, but I do note how the DS/DS CIV/MIL set-up was the best we have experienced because of great leaders. AATW!
Also the development and implementation of Air Land Battle Doctrine including the M1 Abrams Main. Battle Tank, M2. Bradley Fighting Vehicle and the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. Training and Training that doctrine at the training centers to further develop the TTP’s to sharpen those warfighting skills then executing it with perfection!
Timothy Diley
Great point Timothy. Thanks for posting