NEWPORT R.I. – As part of their studies in U.S. Naval War College’s Maritime Advanced Warfighting School (MAWS), 35 students and six faculty will visit Italy, April 2-12, to execute a fast-paced ‘staff ride’ examining the Allied Italian Campaign of World War II.
“Staff rides are a well-known and exceptional learning opportunity for students to heighten their contextual understanding of the battlefield and its impact on campaign planning,” explained Capt. Brian Koehr, director, Maritime Advanced Warfighting School. “While map study is useful, nothing in a book or in the classroom can replace the ability to walk the terrain and bear witness to the challenges and opportunities presented by any geographical location.”
As part of the curriculum block covering major operations and campaigns, MAWS students and faculty will follow classroom instruction and discussion on the strategic setting, order of battle, leadership, objectives and significant decisions made during the campaign with field study of the actual battle sites including Operations Husky, Avalanche and Shingle.
“Seventeen formal stops will be made on Sicily and in Salerno, Monte Cassino and Anzio, allowing for student presentations and group discussions at each site to highlight lessons learned during actual combat and opportunities either recognized or missed,” said Koehr. “This trip culminates with a visit to the NATO Defense College in Rome where discussions will be held with the senior class.
“Following the staff ride, armed with a more thorough understanding of the landscape of the battle, students will be tasked to redesign the campaign as a planning staff with the aim of improving on the original plan.The implications to planning are vividly illuminated, and the learning lightbulb glows brightly.”
The MAWS staff ride to Italy is a long-standing centerpiece of the curriculum and a necessary part of their education as NWC students make their journey to becoming experts in planning at the operational level of war.