I just finished “A terrible Glory”, which is a a great book on the campaign of the Little Big Horn. One item people forget is, that the 7th Cavalry was out gunned that day. Many of the Indian braves had repeating rifles (mostly Henry from what I’ve read). The US army’s leaders arrogance also contributed to the loses in the Battle of the Rosebud and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Great video Leif! I enjoy watching you and Jocko! Keep up the good work!
While I would not argue that the points in this analysis are not important, I would say that the biggest shortcoming in Custer's leadership was the inability to expect or adapt to the unexpected. Custer's expectation, and that of every man of the Seventh down to the lowliest private, was that when they attacked an Indian village, the opposing warriors would mount only a running rearguard action in order to give their noncombatants the ability to scatter and outrun the cavalry. This had happened every previous time the cavalry attacked a village. From the outset that was not the case here. After Reno halted his charge at the village he sent two messages to Custer saying that the Indians were not running and instead were moving aggressively forward, and in great numbers. Custer's strategy seemed to be to repeat the Washita battle from years earlier. But his inability to ford the river quickly enough to locate and capture noncombatants who could be held as hostages, as at the Washita, doomed his command. Ironically the aggressive leader's decision to wait for the pack train and Benteen's forces to arrive before making a push across the river allowed the Indians to surround and overwhelm him. Had Crook sent messages to Terry and Custer after his encounter with these same Indians at the Rosebud a couple weeks earlier, informing them that the Indians had not run and instead attacked and beat back his force, then Custer would have had at least a warning that maybe the old tried and true tactics would not work here.
Well couple points Custers command knew that the Indian force was immense- the scouts had counted over 800 firepits from the earlier Indian village- For months before LBH story's were ran in newspapers relating Sitting Bull threat "I have 8000 warriors and if the army comes near me we will fight " so every time I hear an expert say Custer underestimated the Indian village I know they have done minimal research- Bottom line was Custer had zero respect for the Indians as the Hunter became the Hunted
Don’t divide your command before an unknown enemy on unknown terrain. Then ride out beyond your line of communication and supply, then change your plan again? It was all bad. He was cavalry and got stuck on a hill in open country.
Of course it didn’t help that he graduated last in his class at WP. To me, Custer was reckless with his command. He had a certain amount of luck and a Brevet General rank.
It's easy to look at others and see their failings and shortcomings. It's harder, but more effective, to look at how we might be similar or susceptible to the same failings and make adjustments ourselves.
I just finished “A terrible Glory”, which is a a great book on the campaign of the Little Big Horn. One item people forget is, that the 7th Cavalry was out gunned that day. Many of the Indian braves had repeating rifles (mostly Henry from what I’ve read). The US army’s leaders arrogance also contributed to the loses in the Battle of the Rosebud and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Great video Leif! I enjoy watching you and Jocko! Keep up the good work!
Leif and all the troopers at Echelon Front are awesome. I am privileged to be able to sit through their sessions.
Appreciate the support. Keep getting after it
Love this series of videos! Would love to see more of Leifs perspective on historic battles too!
More coming soon.
@@leifbabin1512 great to hear, thank you so much Sir!
Very cool. Thanks for your input, sir.
Have a great day.
Thank you. Appreciate the encouragement.
Custer's scout told him there were 10,000 Indians there. Custer ignored him.
While I would not argue that the points in this analysis are not important, I would say that the biggest shortcoming in Custer's leadership was the inability to expect or adapt to the unexpected. Custer's expectation, and that of every man of the Seventh down to the lowliest private, was that when they attacked an Indian village, the opposing warriors would mount only a running rearguard action in order to give their noncombatants the ability to scatter and outrun the cavalry. This had happened every previous time the cavalry attacked a village. From the outset that was not the case here. After Reno halted his charge at the village he sent two messages to Custer saying that the Indians were not running and instead were moving aggressively forward, and in great numbers. Custer's strategy seemed to be to repeat the Washita battle from years earlier. But his inability to ford the river quickly enough to locate and capture noncombatants who could be held as hostages, as at the Washita, doomed his command. Ironically the aggressive leader's decision to wait for the pack train and Benteen's forces to arrive before making a push across the river allowed the Indians to surround and overwhelm him.
Had Crook sent messages to Terry and Custer after his encounter with these same Indians at the Rosebud a couple weeks earlier, informing them that the Indians had not run and instead attacked and beat back his force, then Custer would have had at least a warning that maybe the old tried and true tactics would not work here.
Well couple points Custers command knew that the Indian force was immense- the scouts had counted over 800 firepits from the earlier Indian village- For months before LBH story's were ran in newspapers relating Sitting Bull threat "I have 8000 warriors and if the army comes near me we will fight " so every time I hear an expert say Custer underestimated the Indian village I know they have done minimal research- Bottom line was Custer had zero respect for the Indians as the Hunter became the Hunted
Time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted
True statement
Don’t divide your command before an unknown enemy on unknown terrain. Then ride out beyond your line of communication and supply, then change your plan again? It was all bad. He was cavalry and got stuck on a hill in open country.
Of course it didn’t help that he graduated last in his class at WP. To me, Custer was reckless with his command. He had a certain amount of luck and a Brevet General rank.
All true. He had been lucky before and things worked out. The Disease of Victory is real.
It's easy to look at others and see their failings and shortcomings. It's harder, but more effective, to look at how we might be similar or susceptible to the same failings and make adjustments ourselves.
Note to self, always listen to your Indian scouts.
I'll give Custer this he wouldn't ask his men to do anything that he wouldn't do himself Custer luck
ISSO AI CARA!
Ask any "Native American" what they would like to be called, the answer will most likely be "Indian".
Custer didn't kill any native Americans.