Introduction
Valley Forge is an essential time in the history of the NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) in the 1700s because it brought to light several problems that the Continental Army faced during the winter of 1777–1778. However, the inefficient supply acquisition process and the absence of standardized drills and maneuvers were two significant problems that greatly added to these difficulties. The Army could resolve these problems, boost morale, lower desertion rates, and boost operational effectiveness by instituting policies and procedures for training and supplies acquisition, which would ultimately result in the war effort’s victory.
Background
After a failed fall campaign, George Washington looked for winter quarters for his troops in December 1777 and chose a location close to Valley Forge. Nearly 4,000 soldiers were deemed unfit for action when the 12,000 undernourished, ill-equipped Continentals arrived because many lacked shoes, blankets, or other essentials(Stewart, 2009). Poor performance in battle was caused by a lack of standardized training and movements, which added to confusion and danger (Stewart, 2009). Additionally, acquiring supplies fell short, resulting in shortages of necessities that exacerbated illness and demoralization.
Alternatives
Maintaining the current drill and maneuver method was an option, but doing so would have continued the uncertainty and danger. The Continental Army may have starved to death, dissolved, or been dispersed as a result of continuing the current supply acquisition process, which would have caused greater disease and demoralization. The Army was already engaged in battle, thus it was impossible to construct a new drill and movement system due to time restrictions(Shy, 2019). Similarly, the lack of resources and infrastructure made developing a successful supply acquisition procedure impossible.
Proposed Solutions
NCOs should have received training in standardized tactics and movements that were simple to comprehend and duplicate to overcome the lack of standardized exercises and maneuvers. Standardized exercises and maneuvers would have enhanced coordination and performance on the battlefield. A new supply purchasing procedure that gave the needs of the troops top priority could have been implemented by the Army (Shy, 2019). Inspections might have been carried out to ensure the troops received the essential supplies, and a coordinated procurement system could have been formed to guarantee a consistent supply of products.
Recommendations
The Continental Army could have offered regular training sessions for NCOs to build uniform drills and movements. The significance of standardized tactics and maneuvers and how to use them should have been highlighted during this training. The Army should have constructed a central purchasing mechanism to guarantee a consistent supply of supplies for the troops.
A mechanism for the inspection and distribution of goods and the nomination of a central authority to supervise the purchase process would have been needed to accomplish this (Shy, 2019). Prioritizing the demands of the troops while establishing clear, universally followed policies and procedures is the suggested course of action. Additionally, Soldiers’ wages might have been raised, and Soldiers’ families may have received necessities to combat low morale and defection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the winter in Valley Forge for the Continental Army was brutal for NCOs and soldiers. Confusion, danger, and demoralization caused by a lack of systematic drills and maneuvers and a subpar supply procurement method resulted in sickness and defection. The Army could have set up a centralized system for purchasing and training NCOs in standardized drills and movements to enhance synchronization and performance. To boost morale and lower desertion, the Army might have emphasized the requirements of the troops, raised pay, and given necessities to Soldiers’ families.
References
Shy, J. (2019). Logistical crisis and the American Revolution: a hypothesis. In Feeding Mars (pp. 161-179). Routledge. Web.
Stewart, R. W. (2009). History of the NCO 1700: Valley Forge. In R. W. Stewart (Ed.), American military history volume I, the United States Army forging of a nation, 1775-1917. Center of Military History.