This episode goes back to our roots of good old-fashioned military history. It's something we'd like to start doing more of. Of course, West Point and Annapolis are the most famous, but we think that diving into the officer training of forces like the Wehrmacht or Red Army could tell us a lot about their histories. There is also a whole bunch of options for military history topics that we'd like to get into. Let us know in the comments if you have any suggestions. Before commenting, read our rules of engagement: community.timeghost.tv/t/rules-of-conduct/4518
Yes please, that is a great idea! I would definitely like to see the difference of army officer training, especially of the Britain and Germany (with their know military tradition), and Japan.
My Father had been in and out of the Army or National Guard several times. When WW2 broke out, he was on active duty. Began as Sergeant, moved up through the ranks as a Mustang, all the way to Captain. His philosophy was to see to it his men were taken care of before he was. His people were watered, fed, sheltered, and medically before he was. And he treated everyonefairly and equally. No officer elitism in his command. And his people would do anything tasked to them. He earned a BS degree in psychology while in the Army. Retired in 1959, with a total of 24 years. Said he felt the Army treated a country boy who never completed high school (got a GED while in the Army) very well.
I was born and raised in Japan, yet my older sister was born in the USA and went to the Naval Academy. (she had to give up joint citizenship to do so) And is Commander now. She says while the Acadamy concept may seem archaic and traditionalistic yet does well weeding out those not of the character required for naval service. Thank you so much for your presentation as always Indy-san.
@Naim Miah Yes wish I was American Citizen it would be cool to go to the Academy as she has. But I am 19 now and not a US citizen oh well always next life.
Given the behavior of the US military during the political turbulences of the last year they are certainly doing a better job in sorting out people of questionable charakter than the civil authorities or the police. And this can not be noted as important enough because it is the difference between an army that defends democracy and a power that can be used to destroy it.
@@kikufutaba1194 Well, since you're a Japanese citizen, why don't you apply to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force school at Etajima Naval Base? That would be the Japanese equivalent.
I saw the word Naval and remembered that it was the Navy in the Pacific that meant the US was going to win. It was the Navy and Naval aviation that held on and kept fighting.
Addendum: US Coast Guard Academy (founded 1876) also contributed officers in all theaters of WWII. Meritorious as both officers and enlisted coxswains alike on landing craft and landing zones as marshals ashore, during the preceding North African, Sicilian, Italian landings, and leading up to the great D-Day Invasion as well as the island hopping campaigns of the Pacific, the US Coast Guard endured the highest casualty rate precapta of any American service throughout WII. The US Coast Guard Academy is in New London, CT. No congressional appointment is necessary nor accepted. There are no notable heroes in the US Coast Guard. That is not for want of valor, just not many medals big enough for what they do every day in the first place. "The book says you got to go out. Nothing says you got to come back." Semper Paratus!
"There are no notable heroes in the US Coast Guard." If you are speaking of higher ranks (Admirals and such) you may be right. However, I would submit that Douglas Munro, who received a posthumous Medal of Honor for his actions rescuing Marines at Guadalcanal while under heavy fire, certainly fits the criteria of a 'notable hero'. Just before succumbing to his wounds, his final words to a fellow Coastguardsman were, "Did we get them all out?" To the very end he placed others above himself. Semper Fi.
I wasn't good enough for the Coast Guard, so I had to settle for being a Marine. ;) Whether it was after Katrina or at Umm Qasr, y'all were always great to work with. Immense respect. 👍🏼
1:12 not sure if I mentioned it before, but I really love the "old fashion" slideshow of images used here. Somehow it makes it more cozy, so high-five to the person on the team who came up with it
I think Japan could be interesting since all we hear most of the time is about their interservice rivalry and not much about how do they train their officers in the Naval academy at Etajima. Edit: I believe it's also a good chance to do a biography special on Captain Tameichi Hara. His life in the IJN is a hell of a story from having an affair with a Geisha and almost got disowned by the Navy and his family, creating a new torpedo doctrine, participating in almost all major actions during the war, criticizing almost every Japanese admiral for their ineptness and cautiousness, and almost being court martialed for sending a direct letter to Emperor Hirohito.
Eisenhower is credited with saying, "If you want a report, get a West Pointer, if you want something done, get an Aggie." I don't know the Nimitz version, but am certain it existed.
I served as an Army officer in the 70s, via ROTC. There were many more of us than there were ‘ring knockers’ from West Point. It was understood that they were ‘Generals in the making’, and not in tune with the average young soldier. Having spent our college years, Having spent our college years, carousing with the civilian population, we had a better feel for society. The troops considered them naïve in the ways of the world, as they had just spent their formative, college years, under the cloistered, military discipline regimen of the Academy. A popular joke described an officer and a soldier leaving a restroom. “You didn’t wash your hands!” The West Pointer scolded. “My momma taught me not to pee on my hands.” The soldier replied, casually.
Over the years I had one company commander (CPT) and one company XO (2LT, filling in) who were West Point grads. And can confirm - they were seriously out of touch with how the real world worked versus what they were taught the Army was supposed to be like. Especially when it came to dealing with lower enlisted soldiers, they really didn't understand the concept of 'soft power' and how to get people to do stuff without having to bark orders and make threats. The OCS folks and especially the prior-enlisted officers tended to be better leaders in that department.
This officer training episode could become a special series for several other nations in World War Two. Not just including Britain, Italy, The Soviet Union, and Germany, but also countries like Hungary, Bulgaria, Finland, and more. If you wanted to, you could go further into discussing how regular soldiers were trained in each country to prepare for war. You could also talk about how the training for soldiers and officers evolved as the war went on.
I would definitely be interested in specials for the less talked about nations. Finland seems to have a lot going for it in many ways that may merit digging into, and an episode about Italy's system (with the hindsight that Italy's greatest flaw was probably in its command) would definitely add some flavourful context
The officer training programs of the branches of the Wehrmacht (the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany) during the Second World War were integral to Germany’s military strategy and operations. Each branch of the Wehrmacht-Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy), and Luftwaffe (Air Force)-had distinct training protocols tailored to their operational needs, but all shared common elements rooted in a highly disciplined, meritocratic, and militarized educational system. Below is a detailed exploration of the officer training processes across the Wehrmacht's branches: General Overview of Officer Training in the Wehrmacht Recruitment and Selection Prospective officers were selected based on physical fitness, leadership potential, loyalty to the Nazi regime, and prior military service. Candidates typically came from either military schools or the ranks of enlisted soldiers who demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. Emphasis on Leadership and Initiative Officer training focused heavily on developing independent thinking within a structured command system. The German military tradition encouraged junior officers to take initiative in the absence of orders, a concept known as Auftragstaktik (mission-oriented command). Integration of Ideological Indoctrination After 1933, Nazi ideology became a central part of the training curriculum, emphasizing loyalty to Adolf Hitler and the ideals of the Third Reich. Officers were expected to act not only as military leaders but also as ideological representatives of National Socialism. Heer (Army) Officer Training Pathways to Becoming an Officer Cadet Schools (Kriegsschulen): Most officers were trained at military academies, or Kriegsschulen, which provided foundational training in tactics, leadership, and discipline. Field Promotions: During the war, many officers were promoted directly from the ranks due to battlefield performance, especially as casualties mounted. Training Curriculum Basic Training: Physical conditioning, weapons handling, and close-order drill. Tactical Training: Emphasis on small-unit tactics, reconnaissance, and combined-arms warfare. Leadership Skills: Practical exercises in command under stress, including wargames and field exercises. Ideological Training: Instruction in Nazi racial and political ideology. Advanced Officer Schools Aspiring senior officers attended specialized schools such as the War Academy (Kriegsakademie) for advanced training in operational planning and staff duties. These institutions were rigorous, focusing on strategy, logistics, and coordination between different branches of the Wehrmacht. Field Exercises and Realism The training often incorporated live-fire exercises, simulated battle conditions, and stress tests to prepare officers for the rigors of combat. Kriegsmarine (Navy) Officer Training Selection Process Naval officer candidates were often recruited from families with maritime traditions or demonstrated technical aptitude. Naval academies prioritized candidates with a strong academic background due to the technical demands of naval warfare. Naval Academy (Marineschule Mürwik) Located in Flensburg, this was the primary training institution for naval officers. The curriculum included seamanship, navigation, engineering, gunnery, and signals. Specialized Training Officers destined for submarine (U-boat) service underwent additional training at specialized schools like the U-boat School in Kiel, which focused on underwater warfare, torpedo tactics, and stealth operations. Surface fleet officers received training in commanding warships, fleet coordination, and amphibious operations. Emphasis on Discipline and Technical Mastery Kriegsmarine training emphasized strict discipline and technical expertise, given the complexity of naval equipment and the high stakes of maritime combat. Luftwaffe (Air Force) Officer Training Recruitment of Pilots and Officers Luftwaffe officer candidates were selected for their physical fitness, quick reflexes, and technical aptitude. Many Luftwaffe officers began their careers as enlisted personnel or through flight schools. Flight Training Pilot candidates underwent a rigorous multi-phase training process: Basic Flight Training: Ground school and introductory flight instruction on trainers. Advanced Flight Training: Specialization in fighter, bomber, or reconnaissance roles. Combat Training: Simulated air combat, navigation, and tactics. Leadership and Technical Training Officers were trained in air-ground coordination, aerial tactics, and mission planning. Luftwaffe academies emphasized the integration of air power with the Wehrmacht’s overall strategy. Challenges During the War As the war progressed and losses mounted, training periods were shortened, and the quality of new officers declined. The Luftwaffe increasingly relied on less experienced officers, which contributed to its declining effectiveness. Common Themes Across Branches Rigorous Physical Standards All officer candidates were expected to meet strict physical requirements, as combat roles demanded endurance and resilience. Practical and Field-Based Training Training emphasized realism, with extensive use of field exercises, live-fire drills, and simulated combat scenarios. Adaptability and Initiative Officers were taught to make independent decisions under pressure, adhering to the Wehrmacht’s emphasis on decentralized command. Impact of War on Training As the war dragged on, training programs were shortened due to urgent manpower needs. This affected the overall quality of officer candidates, particularly in the latter years of the conflict. Comparison to Allied Officer Training German officer training was often more focused on developing initiative and practical combat skills compared to the Allied forces, which tended to emphasize hierarchy and standardized procedures. The Wehrmacht’s training programs were initially highly effective, contributing to early successes in the war. However, resource constraints and the growing attrition of experienced personnel eventually eroded their effectiveness. Legacy and Critique Effectiveness in Early War Years The Wehrmacht’s officer training produced highly capable leaders, contributing to its early victories in Poland, France, and the Soviet Union. Limitations in Later Years As experienced officers were lost in combat, the Wehrmacht struggled to maintain the same level of training and leadership. The increasing influence of Nazi ideology and political loyalty sometimes undermined operational effectiveness. Post-War Influence Many aspects of Wehrmacht training, particularly its emphasis on initiative and decentralized command, influenced post-war military doctrines, including those of NATO. In summary, officer training in the Wehrmacht was rigorous, comprehensive, and tailored to the specific needs of each branch. While highly effective early in the war, the system struggled to sustain its quality under the pressures of prolonged conflict. This duality reflects both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the German military during the Second World War.
Pershing- “West Point isn’t behind the times” Also Pershing- Couldn’t catch Pancho Villa Marshall- “Its outdated” Also Marshall- Architect of Victory in WWII
George C. Marshall never went to West Point, he was a graduate of VMI. Not being a member of "The Club" meant that he wasn't beholden to West Point relationships and nepotism. After Kassreine he had no problem firing the peacetime officers for incompetence.
Can you do a special about raising an army ? The processes of going from a peace time army of a few tens of thousands to a world spanning army of millions ?
That would be a great episode especially if they could contrast the different nations scaling up. The Soviet Union, the US and China all had to scale up vast populations for the war and it would be pretty fascinating to see the differences and similarities between them.
America's scaling up unintentionally started in the 1930s with the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Army provided cadre to run the program, and participants learned about following instructions, eating and living in military conditions. Some participants even learned Morse Code and radio operations at night.
@@ethank5059 China was actually in a slightly different boat. China, since the 1911 revolution, had had way too many troops under arms. Part of the Warlord era of the 1920's was that there were so many small armies that were not loyal to the center and had vastly varied training. The big project of KMT in the 1920's and 1930's was bringing these troops under central government control and demobilizing many of them.
The great depression created the right circumstances. Millions of unemployed men in poverty with no safety net benefits. A war came. Millions of unemployed could be moved into factories without protests, because there was no factory owners who lost their workers over to the state armaments industry when the government could hire unemployed instead. And the Americans did not demand higher wages to change from a good job in the private sector to work for the government - because they were unemployed and starving and happy to get any stable job they could get. And joining the military was the same situation. The government did not have to compete with the private sector for workers, as it normally would have if there had been peace and low unemployment. But now could the military suck of millions of men without starving the private sector from workers. And neither did the standard of living for the people who were moved over to wear uniform or making that uniform in a factory. On the contrary. Now did unemployed people get a stable income so they no longer had to feel hungry and wonder how they could afford to pay their bills. The army could therefore expand with millions of men without much protests from the public or powerful rich people. Unused car factories that had been closed down during the depression due to lack of consumer demand, could now quickly be turned into factories for making tanks, jeeps, and trucks. America had been attacked on their own soil by Asians. So now was America angry and going to teach Japan a lesson, and Germany's declaration was a stab in the back on a country which had just been attacked. Germany and Japan was trying to take over the world, and America was defending itself, and its ally Britain and was going to liberate Europe from German occupation. So many Americans also felt a strong patriotic duty to unselfishly serve their country and join together in a dark time. Before the war had America been a segregated country - segregation between rich and poor, black and white, and between state border lines, and according to which country their ancestors came from. But under and after the war had everyone became Americans first. Americans grow tired of rationing and started to hate it after a few years. But it had positive effects. It prevented people from buying stuff and wasting their money. So soldiers and factory workers were forced to save the money they earned. And when the war was over had Americans built up huge savings. And the damage that the great depression had caused American households was repaired. The huge war time demand had created full employment and given large corporate profits for American firms. The economy was rolling full speed, and Americans was eager to spend money again after years of waiting to do so, after being prevented from it by all rationing... so the consumer demand after the war was huge, and created huge profits for the private sector and many jobs after the war. America now had a skilled work force after the war, since so many tanks and planes had been built. And now civilian products were made instead. And Europe needed to import things to repair their countries.
Hey Indie, your team should really do another episode or another Out of the Foxhole about Texas A&M and it’s Corps of Cadets. During the war it would produce 14,123 officers, more that West Point and Annapolis combined. It would also have 7 Medals of Honor recipients, as well as the schooling for James Earl Rudder one of the founding members of the U.S. Army Rangers and the commanding office that lead the attack at Pointe du Hoc during D-day.
Speaking of which, I saw a few years back there was a ceremony/light show in Bastogne, BE highlighting Texas A&M's contribution to the Battle of the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge).
All of this is true. Texas A&M was one of 6 senior military colleges the US had, and there was a set of traditions around preference for officers from those schools (VMI was another).
Texas A&M University, established in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, was one of the nation’s premier land-grant institutions and a cornerstone of military officer training during World War II. Its Corps of Cadets and university-wide commitment to the war effort shaped its legacy during and after the war. Here’s a deep dive into its role and contributions: Overview of Texas A&M University in the WWII Era Historical Background Founded as part of the Morrill Act of 1862, Texas A&M was established to focus on agriculture, mechanical arts, and military training. By the 1930s, the university had a mandatory Corps of Cadets program for all male students, making it a central hub for military preparation. Military College Classification Texas A&M was one of six senior military colleges in the U.S., providing Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs in multiple branches of the armed forces, including the Army and the Air Corps (later the U.S. Air Force). Campus Infrastructure The university maintained extensive facilities for military training, including drill fields, armories, and classrooms dedicated to engineering, logistics, and other skills critical for wartime service. Faculty and staff, many of whom were veterans, played active roles in aligning the university’s curriculum with national defense needs. The Corps of Cadets Structure and Organization The Corps was organized into units mirroring military divisions, such as infantry, artillery, engineering, and aviation. Cadets adhered to a strict regimen of drills, academic studies, and leadership development, which instilled discipline and prepared them for officer roles. Leadership Training All cadets were required to participate in ROTC, where they received advanced training in military tactics, leadership, and strategy. By the time cadets graduated, many had already completed officer candidate training, making them immediately eligible for commissions. Role in Preparing Officers Texas A&M’s Corps produced more officers during World War II than any other institution outside the service academies. Graduates entered all branches of the military, with a significant number serving in the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Texas A&M’s Contributions to the War Effort Massive Mobilization of Aggies Over 20,000 Texas A&M alumni and students served in the armed forces during World War II. Of these, approximately 14,000 were commissioned as officers, fulfilling roles ranging from combat leadership to technical and logistical operations. Notable Alumni in Service General Earl Rudder, a D-Day hero, commanded the 2nd Ranger Battalion and led the assault on Pointe du Hoc during the Normandy invasion. Many Aggies rose to high ranks, including generals and admirals, with several earning distinguished honors for valor and leadership. Training Programs on Campus Texas A&M ran specialized training programs in fields such as engineering, artillery, and aviation. The Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) and Navy V-12 program operated on campus, providing accelerated education for technical roles. Research and Technical Contributions The university conducted research to support the war effort, including innovations in agriculture, engineering, and materials science. Faculty and cadets worked on projects to improve equipment, rations, and military infrastructure. Aggie Casualties and Heroism Sacrifices in Combat Nearly 1,000 Aggies lost their lives in service during World War II, a significant loss for the university community. Their sacrifices are memorialized at the campus's Memorial Student Center and other commemorative sites. Decorated Heroes Several Aggies received the Medal of Honor, including Lt. Col. Horace S. Carswell Jr., who displayed extraordinary heroism as a pilot during a bombing mission in China. Many others were awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Distinguished Flying Cross for their valor. Global Impact Aggies served in every theater of war, from the beaches of Normandy and the Pacific Islands to the deserts of North Africa and the jungles of Southeast Asia. Cultural and Institutional Impact Legacy of Service The overwhelming participation of Aggies in World War II cemented Texas A&M’s reputation as a patriotic and service-oriented institution. The phrase "Once an Aggie, always an Aggie" became synonymous with commitment to duty and community. Post-War Growth The G.I. Bill led to a surge in enrollment after the war, bringing many veterans back to campus to complete their education. Texas A&M expanded its academic programs while maintaining its military traditions. Memorialization Annual events like Aggie Muster honor the sacrifices of those who served. The university's traditions, such as Silver Taps and the Aggie Ring, continue to emphasize the enduring values of service and remembrance. Why Texas A&M Stood Out Commitment to Military Preparation The Corps of Cadets provided a level of military readiness unmatched by most universities, producing graduates who seamlessly transitioned into leadership roles. Integration of Academic and Military Training The university's emphasis on engineering, agriculture, and technical sciences aligned perfectly with wartime needs, making it a critical part of the national defense infrastructure. Community Support The College Station community rallied behind the war effort, supporting cadets and faculty in their endeavors to contribute to victory. Enduring Legacy Texas A&M’s contributions to World War II resonate to this day, with the university's Corps of Cadets remaining one of the largest and most respected uniformed student organizations in the country. The university's motto, "Leadership, Excellence, Integrity, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service," reflects the principles that guided Aggies through one of the most challenging periods in world history. In summary, Texas A&M University and its Corps of Cadets not only exemplified the spirit of service during World War II but also laid the foundation for a lasting legacy of military and civilian leadership. The institution’s impact on the war effort remains a point of pride for Aggies and the nation alike.
Great episode! I have two brothers who went through Annapolis and served as officers, one in the US Naval surface fleet (gunnery officer, among other things), and one who went into the US Marines. I think the officer training, conduct, and experience in various militaries is quite important - especially today, when we compare conduct of field forces in combat in eastern Europe. Among many other things, I also watch various analysis by combat veterans of what we can see of the conduct of units in the field, particularly those of Russia - and I would love to see how the training and unit organizations are different.
It warmed my heart that y’all mentioned VMI a lot of history in Lexington va, and new market… George Marshal is highly underrated as a general…. Both got mentioned today so it’s a good episode!
I think it is important to note that these videos are timeless. 10 yrs from now someone will discover this video, as people are discovering all your work with the Great War. They create perspective that will influence future generations. Which will inspire them to DIG DEEPER. To all who have read this comment, I wish you the very best regards,
Looking forward to coverage of Sandhurst, Dartmouth, Saint-Cyr and Potsdam, as well as any others you choose to cover. I love these windows into the cohorts, because I feel like it helps explain some of the actions (and inaction) of various groups.
That was really cool! Thank you. I love how these special episodes go into details that I hadn't thought of before. I can't wait to see the episodes on the other countries military schools!
Interesting post. My own grandfather graduated West Point in the "War Emergency" class of 1918 - only two years into the normally four year program. They were recalled as 'student officers,' and nominally considered class of 1920. He served 17 years as a lieutenant and retired a Major General. With that said, the larger point about US officer training is what happens after pre-commissioning training. It could be argued that from an American perspective, World War II was won in the classrooms of Ft. Benning (Infantry Officer training), Ft. Leavenworth (the Command & General Staff College), and the War College. Same is true for the US Navy; War Plan Orange was almost entirely refined at the Naval War College during the interwar years. So apart from commissioning a cadre of officers, those officers then developed their skills and achieved a commonality of purpose, at the staff schools. And of course, George C. Marshall famously selected nearly all the Army and Army Group commanders from the cadre that served with him at Ft. Benning.
the academies' student bodies populations are set by congress; by federal law. they are national public schools and draw their students from all states & territories (ensured by requiring congressional, presidential, or VP appointments ... besides good grades, etc)
@@rickmazzoli4116 Served 24 years as a Regular Army Officer, so knew that. Was pointing out that while the Academies have their purpose, almost all of our officers are not from those institutions.
@@yzfool6639 George C. Marshall was not a West Point Graduate, so not sure wha you point is, if you have one. The Father of American Military Logistics: not an Academy Graduate. The Father of American Missile Development, not an Academy graduate, the list goes on and on. The Academies have proven their worth, but the vast majority of America’s military in WW2, not Academy Graduates, and that means most companies, most battalions, most divisions, most ships, most submarines, most pilots, .......
My grandfather was a US Naval Academy graduate of the Class of 1918 (who were hastily graduated in June 1917 after the U.S. had entered WWI that April). On the topic of education, I'd like to mention that the U.S. Navy in the 1920's sent a certain number of junior officers every year for post-graduate education to M.I.T. for aeronautical engineering and to Harvard for radio engineering (like my grandfather). These officers would then apply their graduate education and experiences in the fleet to tackling technical challenges that the Navy faced as it modernized its fleet during the Inter-War period.
Please make more like this video. It's important to understand and knowing not only the logisticks of an army but also about the manpower and the leaders. In many cases you can "decode" triumphs or big failures in battles and war in general if you know about the people who fought them. One suggestion maybe is to make more videos about some special units during ww2 and their training.
The American officers who were stationed in my family's house after the war once asked "who's the guy on this picture?" My great-grandmother said it was her grandfather. It was a picture of Frederick the Great.
After the 1980 military coup in Turkey, police came into an apartment and saw a picture of a bearded man on a wall. The tenant of the apartment was asked who it was and he said it was his grandfather. In fact it was Karl Marx but the police did not know that.
@@generalhyde007 Frederick the Great didn't have any descendants. The lady was mocking the American officers and their lack of general culture; they couldn't even recognize Frederick the Great.
I really enjoyed this. I thought I had no particular interest in the US military system but this was engaging and explained a lot of things that filled in some blanks in my understanding of the currently most powerful military on the planet. Cheers.
I’d love to see an episode on French officer training, and how that training prepared them for their ineptitude in the Battle of France. My understanding is that the French soldiers in general were equal to anybody, but their leadership failed them. What level of leadership failed? Only the higher levels, or mid and small unit levels, too? And certainly part of the leadership that failed them goes above their officers to the government officials who controlled the purse strings, etc. A question I have that I do not know the answer to is; was the failure of French leadership during the Battle of France generally universal, or did it come from a few key individuals who either held influential positions of power, or were just unfortunately distributed in catastrophically key positions and locations? My understanding is that the failure in French leader ship precedes the events of the summer of 1940 by many years, and includes poorly made war plans and poorly planned procurement of modern arms. The increased enlightenment that your research and a special on this subject could provide would be very interesting and educational.
The Chieftain has a good episode about the French armour development between the wars and talking doctine. The French government feared the French army more than the German Army is rather alarming.
They mentioned this briefly in a previous episode that one of the biggest failings of the French army was the lack of flexibility given to the lower level officers to take initiative and exploit enemy weaknesses while the German officers were given far more flexibility to operate independently from high command. I'd personally call this a failing of high command because low level officers don't exactly write their own training and doctrine but the lower level officers for Germany were clearly better suited for actual combat than the French. They begin talking about this a little after the 9:00 minute mark of the video on the defeat of France. th-cam.com/video/-bhaZeJVZQA/w-d-xo.html
@@ethank5059 Good point, but that's not all. The french plan for a potential war with Germany was extremely inflexible because the French went all-in on the Maginot line and the military alliance with Belgium (cooperating in order to hold river crossings, chokepoints etc). When the Belgians declared neutrality, the entire plan should have been cancelled and replaced. However they decided to go with it, even though they knew they could not hold Belgium in time in case Germany invaded. In other words they would not leave them to their fates, even if saving them was nearly impossible. Then there's general Charles Huntziger who managed to do everything wrong and literally allowed the Panzers' breakthrough at Sedan. To sum up, it was the high command that failed.
My dad was a WW2. He got thrown in the cooler for the claiming OCS (Officer Candidate School) stood for Ordinary Can of Shit. That was GI humor for 90 day wonders.
The Armed Forces of the USA were in WW2 and continue to be until this time led, supported, and molded by the vast numbers of officers that came out of the Reserve Officer Traing Corps (ROTC) and Officer Candidate School (OCS) programs. Enlisted soldiers, including myself for 33 years, were much more likely to report to Officers who had received their commissions from those programs, then those that had attended a service academy. If the majority of Full Colonels and General Officers, grades O-6 to 0-10 came out of West Point, Annapolis, and after WW2 in the Air Force Academy, then it must be said that a great majority of the Company and Field grade Officers O-1 -to O-5 had been trained through ROTC and OCS, and were more likely to be directly involved in combat, while leading platoons, companies, and battalions of enlisted soldiers and officers.
Academies, ROTC and even basic training just teach the basics and scratch the surface. To be good at being a leader in the military one must do. Those who don't teach.
I recently moved pretty close to Annapolis, and sometimes I go there to see the beautiful view of the bay/harbor. I often see guys walking around in navy uniforms. I have no idea how harsh a learning environment it is to be a young cadet/whatever it's called in the navy, but it's a cool town.
The 1951 Gary Cooper comedy "You're in the Navy Now" explores the difficulties of preparing citizen sailors to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding Navy. The 1956 Jeff Chandler movie "Away All Boats" deals with this same issue in a more serious (and sometimes comic) manner.
I'd love to see some episodes about the lives of civilians during the war, both on the homefront and under Nazi, Italian/ Japanese rule. It could be a whole series. Covering the Balkans and the partisan activity would be interesting, also Soviet partisans, and the surprisingly large use of calvary on the Eastern Front. I'm also very curious what the Allies did right to avoid partisan activity by the defeated Axis countries.
My father was a graduate of the University of Michigan who graduated and then joined the Essex and Kents Scottish in Essex/ Windsor Ontario right after graduation. He ended up going through the “90 day wonder program“ in Brockville Ontario and became an officer in the Royal Canadian engineers. [I still have a framed copy of his officers Commission which gloriously starts off with “his Majesty the King King George the fifth, emperor of India, defender of the Faith etc. etc.] he served in Normandy and the Netherlands finishing the war as a captain. Will Time Ghost be covering how the other allied nations increased their officer corps?
Since you mentioned the isolation of West Pointers from normal soldiers, it would be worthwhile to discuss the history of summer cruises in the Naval Academy. The middies are taught by repeated example about the relative skills of senior noncoms vs their middie selves.
LOL, yes! I got stuck, er, had the priveledge of being a "running mate" to a few Middies. Most were smart and eager, very aware of their own ignorance. A couple seemed a bit priveledged, but were smart enough to get over it. As disruptive as it can be, Summer cruises, in my opinion, are an invaluable training tool.
The mention of the restrictions on total enrollment at West Point and their intent of preventing political partisanship reminded me of something else I’ve read about the founding of West Point: the Jefferson Administration was worried about the U.S. Army being politically unreliable due to Alexander Hamilton and his political allies packing the officer corps with Federalist Party supporters for the past decade.
I have heard from many of my friends who served in the Army that they vastly preferred officers (especially junior ones) trained at West Point to those who came up through ROTC or OCS. They were better schooled in the mantra "Mission, Men, Me", and were more diligent taking care of their troops.
Lived in Annapolis in the 70s, and twice wrecked my motorcycle on the cobblestone streets around the Naval Academy wall. Both times (wet cobblestone, the bike slips out from under you) a couple of midshipmen ran and help me pick it up, and offered to call a medic. Nice guys...
Love this one. Wanted to ask for germany and GB but it is not needed as it seems. I have learned not only from books but also from personal experience how big the impact of good or bad leadership is in the military and business. Not unheard of that organisations that failed suddenly excelled under new leadership. The impact of leadership can not be rated high enough. As General Schwarzkopf said: An army is not made of tanks and planes. You need men to run them. And you need these men to trust and respect you. To get people to trust and respect you in a way they will follow you into enemy fire is no small feat.
Correction. Many ways to receive an appointment to the military academies. Congressional is one but there is Presidential and Vice presidential. And each service receives appointments. This info s how my father went to West Point.
Two bits of trivia from a dirtbag midshipman: The summary of the founding of USNA is pretty good. But it leaves out the best part (that they usually don’t like to teach the mids at USNA). Part of the reason that they made a shoreside academy for midshipmen (vs training them on ships a la Master and Commander) was the USS Somers Mutiny. It’s a long story but basically a midshipman on that ship was accused of trying to start a mutiny and hung at sea. There is controversy as to if he actually was trying to start a mutiny or if he was actually trying to start a pirate themed frat (the dude was into pirates and had been in a frat in college). But either way, he was the son of the Secretary of War, so that obviously didn’t go over well. And so that’s part of what started the move towards shore based training. You also briefly mentioned West Point’s honor code. USNA had a similar ‘honor concept’ that was written by Ross Perot (yes that one) when he was a midshipman. Ok ok, some more: it is commonly said that you need a Senator or Congress to send you to the academy. But there are some other ways as well. If you are awarded a Metal of Honor, your kids don’t need a congressman. Bruce McCandless was awarded a MoH off of Guadalcanal, and his son Bruce McCandless II went to Annapolis. Bruce McCandless II became an astronaut, of which there is a famous picture of him space walking. ADM Kidd was killed on USS Arizona, and a week later his kid graduated from Annapolis. And Gen Eisenhower’s son graduated from West Point in June 6th 1944. His father was not in attendance.
I'd also love to see the officer education of other nations, since the substantial differences in doctrine sometimes also hail from different perspectives on the qualities that make a good officer. I think it would be especially interesting for nations which already fought quite a lengthy war like Japan, but also the nations that capitulated early like France and Poland, who later had substantial armies in exile. Its easy to forget that fourth largest allied army by the end of the war were the Polish-in-Exile.
The German Army tradition is for all men to attend the same basic training, but those who appear to be officer material are identified while at basic. After basic, they are then sent to a sort of officer candidate school. That means every soldier and officer went through the very same basic training. In the American and British systems, the split happens even before basic training.
Do you have a source for the Polish in Exile as the fourth largest allied army? Given the size of the British, US, Soviet Union and Chinese forces it's kind of hard to believe Poland's army in exile was larger than any of them. Maybe the fourth largest in Europe but not the fourth largest overall?
@@ethank5059 Yes, exactly like that. I'm also not sure if the Chinese were technically part of the Allies or just a Co-Belligerent, like Finland was. Those were never part of the Axis, even though they fought with the Germans against the Soviets in the Continuationwar.
@@amerigo88 That same manner is used in FDF as well. Of course it gets its recruits from conscription (quite short) so pool of recruits is diverse. I think USMC uses similar training regime in which all troops get same basic training.
@@hendrikgreiner8449 China was officially a member of the allies and declared war on Germany after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Prior to 1941 they weren't really a member of the allies but afterwards they absolutely were. China's role as one of the four major allied powers is the reason they are on the UN Security Council today.
The ramp up for officers for the first world war also had seen many universities begin to create officer training programs. This diversity in commissioning source is important. As for ranks of general being more so graduates of West Point, well, above the rank of Lt.Col in the Army, those positions become more political than before. West Point historically has the political edge from appointees.
Another great special episode! Another great special episode topic could be US Army and Naval War Colleges where American doctrine and strategic theories and war plans were developed and war-gamed.
@@WorldWarTwo Keep up the great work! I’m thinking a special on Operation Drumbeat is in the works since the disaster along the American coast is not mentioned a lot in the weekly episodes. The damage inflicted surpassed Pearl Harbor. Thanks again!
That honor code and those four basic responses (there are now 7 basic responses) are basics STILL drilled into all US Officer cadets to this day. As an addendum: could we also get an episode on the other US commissioning sources, such as ROTC and OCS?
The book "Command Culture" describes in detail the differences between German and American officer training programs and helps solve the riddle of the superb fighting qualities of the German army. Dupuys' book, "A Genius for War" describes the evolution of German training methods started under Scharnhorst which led to the battlefield superiority of the German army.
This is interesting, very interesting. The only officer i ever heard my dad complain about, he specifically pointed out to be a West Point graduate, but I didn't hear the West Point comment about all the Officers he liked.
@@heathercontois4501 I had two that were ar the bottom 2/3. There were good in their own right. There was one in one of the companies that was just horrible. I took that as him beingba chitty human being.
My dad was at WWII Lt in the Pacific. The west pointers didn't last long. They were too proud of their bars. The bars on the helmet made a great target.
The British Army reformed officer recruitment in WW2 in an attempt to make it less dependent on social background. Officer cadets wore a band of white cloth or tape on their headgear. Peter Ustinov tried but failed to become an officer in the British Army and wrote rather scathingly about the process in his autobiography "Dear Me".
@@craigclemens986 Actually, no - he was a private soldier in the British Army. This caused problems in his film work during the war - for example an assistant cameraman or make-up artist might be an army officer - the normal hierarchy of films was not in line with military ranks. Ustinov was made a batman or military servant to David Niven, who was a lieutenant-colonel - this was the only way they could associate in military terms otherwise.
He was a corporal at times commanding the first pill box facing France at Dover Castle in an interview with Michael Parkinson he explained because the men stationed there were from all over eastern Europe the language of command was German!
@@robertskrzynski2768 In his autobiography he mentions manning a guard post on the coast. The only other soldiers were a Polish Jewish refugee who spoke no English, and a Yorkshireman who was a farmer in civilian life. Ustinov was assigned to the Jew because he could speak German and this was close enough to the latter's Yiddish to make communication possible.
That was fascinating. Could you do a comparison (as opposed to being part of specific nationally focused analyses) of the training and expertise of differing warring nations airforces, and their officer corps? My father at one point was an instructor at a training command for aircrews from a wide spread of Allied nations (US, Australia, Canada, Czechoslovakia, IIRC). His stories of how the crews from the differing nations responded to the training were eye opening (spoiler, the Czechs were the most focused, and the Aussies were the most willing to learn).
Not only should you do the mentioned episode(s) on other nations Military Academies and how their professional officer corps was trained, but also, as you alluded to in this episode, talk about how the vast bulk of Officers were trained during wartime. Specifically, I'm referring to OCS, ROTC and the other nation equivalents.
This was a great episode, I never understood the context of Annapolis, West Point has a more prominent profile. Covering the officer cadres of the Empire nations to see the influence of the British interests over national interests would be a bucket load if extra work but would be cool. Perhaps a question for the Chair of Infinite Knowledge ( or whatever it's called now😁)
The second world war was also notable in that the enormous need for capable officers meant that many non-academy men also received a chance of promotion to commissioned officer rank in the US Army. One such was my grandfather, who enlisted as a private in the great war, had risen to seargent by 1918, and eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, commanding a front-line AA batallion in the western theater from June 1944. He survived the war and retired a full colonel in the late 1940s.
not one word about OCS. This was where most of the officers came form and still do today. I am VN Vet In my 2yr 9mo 5d in army of all the officers I encountered under 05 only 2 went to West Point. As for those 05 & 06 only 5 went to West Point. I was a S-3, S-2 Cherk and did some time In S-1 as well. Finished by time in Army as Supply Sgt, 2 Supply Cherk's, &7, a supply driver and ass armor. Ya I was the only person in Supply for 4 months for Co B, 101st Aviation Bn. Now back to officers. B/c the the jobs I filled (Germany 8th Div Support Com S-3) I came in contact with a lot of officers. Many more then a ground pounder & I had access to their 201 files so I know where they all came form. When in Germany anything the div did went through my typewriter. This gave me good working knowledge of most every officer in the 8th Div. The Military Academies are not the major source for officer in the US military now nor have they been since at least 1940. So Indy go back a do a little on OCS this is where the best officer come form IMHO.
It would be interesting to know not just what the officers went through, but also the basic training programing for the enlisted men. WW1 era vs WW2 era vs modern times, and also how it varied nation to nation.
While I was seldom overly impressed with the officers I served under, I served with a couple of West Point cadets and I have to say, they certainly impressed me.
In 1967 as the Viet Nam war was building up, the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School at San Antonio, Texas was turning out about 900 shavetails every six weeks for an all-time-high total of 7,894 for that year--myself among them [1]. Combined with numerous ROTC programs across the country, the total obviously dwarfed the output of the Air Force Academy. The AF was "officer-heavy" because you had to be commissioned to be a pilot or navigator--a tradition that most other countries have not found it necessary to emulate. Later on I ran into AF Academy graduates, as well as a few West Pointers, Coast Guard Academy types, and even a Marine or two who had somehow transitioned into the AF. Nowadays, OTS is much smaller and has relocated to Montgomery, Alabama. 1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Officer_Training_School
I think taking a look at the other military academies or major colleges with military programs would've been interesting, such as the Citadel in South Carolina, the Virginia Military Institute, Texas A&M (who contributed the most officers to the war), Virginia Tech, and Norwich.
Excellent. But many personnel in WWII were 'products' of other schools and programs. Many schools in WWII participated in the USNs "V2" program, and the Army had a similar program. How were those programs structured? (You already answered one question by pointing out that most of the Flag officers came from the Academies.)
i cant wait to see the other nations specifically the axis who to my understanding had put more emphasis on strategy and tactics then technical training which i think is pretty apparent in the field. also to my understanding you can also get into west point if you do 2 years at a junior academy first. we had a company of older kids at military school that seemed like most were trying to go in that direction.
If possible, I think it helpful to look at the officers trained at the elite institutions (just now), but since they account for such a small percentage of the officers, I am also just as interested in learning about the training that was given to the bulk of the officers at lower status institutions.
Some interesting things I found was West Point and Annapolis study battles throughout ww2. Such as the winter war and the battle of ratte road and Erwin Rommel's books of infantry tactics as well as 101st Airborne attack on brecourt manor. Overall pretty good video.
This episode goes back to our roots of good old-fashioned military history. It's something we'd like to start doing more of. Of course, West Point and Annapolis are the most famous, but we think that diving into the officer training of forces like the Wehrmacht or Red Army could tell us a lot about their histories. There is also a whole bunch of options for military history topics that we'd like to get into. Let us know in the comments if you have any suggestions.
Before commenting, read our rules of engagement: community.timeghost.tv/t/rules-of-conduct/4518
OCS was a much more important source of non-career officers.
of the remaining 30% of general officers back then they were just about all from VMI, Citadel, and Norwich.
Could you also look at the officer training in Britain
One on germans also
Yes please, that is a great idea! I would definitely like to see the difference of army officer training, especially of the Britain and Germany (with their know military tradition), and Japan.
My Father had been in and out of the Army or National Guard several times. When WW2 broke out, he was on active duty. Began as Sergeant, moved up through the ranks as a Mustang, all the way to Captain. His philosophy was to see to it his men were taken care of before he was. His people were watered, fed, sheltered, and medically before he was. And he treated everyonefairly and equally. No officer elitism in his command. And his people would do anything tasked to them. He earned a BS degree in psychology while in the Army. Retired in 1959, with a total of 24 years. Said he felt the Army treated a country boy who never completed high school (got a GED while in the Army) very well.
I was born and raised in Japan, yet my older sister was born in the USA and went to the Naval Academy. (she had to give up joint citizenship to do so) And is Commander now.
She says while the Acadamy concept may seem archaic and traditionalistic yet does well weeding out those not of the character required for naval service. Thank you so much for your presentation as always Indy-san.
@Naim Miah Yes wish I was American Citizen it would be cool to go to the Academy as she has. But I am 19 now and not a US citizen oh well always next life.
Given the behavior of the US military during the political turbulences of the last year they are certainly doing a better job in sorting out people of questionable charakter than the civil authorities or the police. And this can not be noted as important enough because it is the difference between an army that defends democracy and a power that can be used to destroy it.
@@kikufutaba1194
Well, since you're a Japanese citizen, why don't you apply to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force school at Etajima Naval Base? That would be the Japanese equivalent.
@@spaceman081447 I'd imagine that be equally prestigious/rigorous if not more so.
I saw the word Naval and remembered that it was the Navy in the Pacific that meant the US was going to win. It was the Navy and Naval aviation that held on and kept fighting.
Addendum: US Coast Guard Academy (founded 1876) also contributed officers in all theaters of WWII. Meritorious as both officers and enlisted coxswains alike on landing craft and landing zones as marshals ashore, during the preceding North African, Sicilian, Italian landings, and leading up to the great D-Day Invasion as well as the island hopping campaigns of the Pacific, the US Coast Guard endured the highest casualty rate precapta of any American service throughout WII. The US Coast Guard Academy is in New London, CT. No congressional appointment is necessary nor accepted. There are no notable heroes in the US Coast Guard. That is not for want of valor, just not many medals big enough for what they do every day in the first place. "The book says you got to go out. Nothing says you got to come back." Semper Paratus!
I only wish I could have liked this one thousand times! (6yrs USAF, 19yrs USCGAUX)
"There are no notable heroes in the US Coast Guard." If you are speaking of higher ranks (Admirals and such) you may be right. However, I would submit that Douglas Munro, who received a posthumous Medal of Honor for his actions rescuing Marines at Guadalcanal while under heavy fire, certainly fits the criteria of a 'notable hero'. Just before succumbing to his wounds, his final words to a fellow Coastguardsman were, "Did we get them all out?" To the very end he placed others above himself. Semper Fi.
@@tomjustis7237 Monro was nominated by none other than Chesty Puller whose Marines Monro rescued.
I wasn't good enough for the Coast Guard, so I had to settle for being a Marine. ;) Whether it was after Katrina or at Umm Qasr, y'all were always great to work with. Immense respect. 👍🏼
@@tommcdonald1873 Which in itself speaks volumes for his courage and dedication.
1:12 not sure if I mentioned it before, but I really love the "old fashion" slideshow of images used here. Somehow it makes it more cozy, so high-five to the person on the team who came up with it
a nice detail indeed
Would you make episode about other country's officer training such as the soviet, Germany, britain or japan? It would be great if you do
I agree 100%. I think the SS, Unit 731 & the NKVD should be War Against Humanity Specials
I think Japan could be interesting since all we hear most of the time is about their interservice rivalry and not much about how do they train their officers in the Naval academy at Etajima.
Edit: I believe it's also a good chance to do a biography special on Captain Tameichi Hara. His life in the IJN is a hell of a story from having an affair with a Geisha and almost got disowned by the Navy and his family, creating a new torpedo doctrine, participating in almost all major actions during the war, criticizing almost every Japanese admiral for their ineptness and cautiousness, and almost being court martialed for sending a direct letter to Emperor Hirohito.
@@BlueVentricle honestly, I think a subject such as the SS is wayyyyy too enormous for simply a single episode
Seems this is a very popular idea so will certainly think about it.
Also Italy
10:32... Duty, Honor and Country again. Also hardship builds Character.
Eisenhower is credited with saying, "If you want a report, get a West Pointer, if you want something done, get an Aggie." I don't know the Nimitz version, but am certain it existed.
As an Aggie Air Defense Artillery Officer, I am contractually obligated to like this comment.
@@natekaufman1982 are you on Patriots? My dad was in the gulf on those
GIGEM!
@@goreoproductions6955 THAAD.
What does Aggie mean in this context?
I served as an Army officer in the 70s, via ROTC. There were many more of us than there were ‘ring knockers’ from West Point. It was understood that they were ‘Generals in the making’, and not in tune with the average young soldier. Having spent our college years, Having spent our college years, carousing with the civilian population, we had a better feel for society. The troops considered them naïve in the ways of the world, as they had just spent their formative, college years, under the cloistered, military discipline regimen of the Academy. A popular joke described an officer and a soldier leaving a restroom. “You didn’t wash your hands!” The West Pointer scolded. “My momma taught me not to pee on my hands.” The soldier replied, casually.
didn't help many of them were also the products of the VMI
Over the years I had one company commander (CPT) and one company XO (2LT, filling in) who were West Point grads. And can confirm - they were seriously out of touch with how the real world worked versus what they were taught the Army was supposed to be like. Especially when it came to dealing with lower enlisted soldiers, they really didn't understand the concept of 'soft power' and how to get people to do stuff without having to bark orders and make threats. The OCS folks and especially the prior-enlisted officers tended to be better leaders in that department.
When Indy calls, we answer
Let’s get him his racehorses!
This officer training episode could become a special series for several other nations in World War Two. Not just including Britain, Italy, The Soviet Union, and Germany, but also countries like Hungary, Bulgaria, Finland, and more. If you wanted to, you could go further into discussing how regular soldiers were trained in each country to prepare for war. You could also talk about how the training for soldiers and officers evolved as the war went on.
Interesting idea, will consider it!
@@WorldWarTwo great! Love the channel 👍
I would definitely be interested in specials for the less talked about nations. Finland seems to have a lot going for it in many ways that may merit digging into, and an episode about Italy's system (with the hindsight that Italy's greatest flaw was probably in its command) would definitely add some flavourful context
It would be very interesting indeed. But as they are always busy I think some of those will be made after 1945 lol
The officer training programs of the branches of the Wehrmacht (the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany) during the Second World War were integral to Germany’s military strategy and operations. Each branch of the Wehrmacht-Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy), and Luftwaffe (Air Force)-had distinct training protocols tailored to their operational needs, but all shared common elements rooted in a highly disciplined, meritocratic, and militarized educational system. Below is a detailed exploration of the officer training processes across the Wehrmacht's branches:
General Overview of Officer Training in the Wehrmacht
Recruitment and Selection
Prospective officers were selected based on physical fitness, leadership potential, loyalty to the Nazi regime, and prior military service.
Candidates typically came from either military schools or the ranks of enlisted soldiers who demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
Emphasis on Leadership and Initiative
Officer training focused heavily on developing independent thinking within a structured command system.
The German military tradition encouraged junior officers to take initiative in the absence of orders, a concept known as Auftragstaktik (mission-oriented command).
Integration of Ideological Indoctrination
After 1933, Nazi ideology became a central part of the training curriculum, emphasizing loyalty to Adolf Hitler and the ideals of the Third Reich.
Officers were expected to act not only as military leaders but also as ideological representatives of National Socialism.
Heer (Army) Officer Training
Pathways to Becoming an Officer
Cadet Schools (Kriegsschulen): Most officers were trained at military academies, or Kriegsschulen, which provided foundational training in tactics, leadership, and discipline.
Field Promotions: During the war, many officers were promoted directly from the ranks due to battlefield performance, especially as casualties mounted.
Training Curriculum
Basic Training: Physical conditioning, weapons handling, and close-order drill.
Tactical Training: Emphasis on small-unit tactics, reconnaissance, and combined-arms warfare.
Leadership Skills: Practical exercises in command under stress, including wargames and field exercises.
Ideological Training: Instruction in Nazi racial and political ideology.
Advanced Officer Schools
Aspiring senior officers attended specialized schools such as the War Academy (Kriegsakademie) for advanced training in operational planning and staff duties.
These institutions were rigorous, focusing on strategy, logistics, and coordination between different branches of the Wehrmacht.
Field Exercises and Realism
The training often incorporated live-fire exercises, simulated battle conditions, and stress tests to prepare officers for the rigors of combat.
Kriegsmarine (Navy) Officer Training
Selection Process
Naval officer candidates were often recruited from families with maritime traditions or demonstrated technical aptitude.
Naval academies prioritized candidates with a strong academic background due to the technical demands of naval warfare.
Naval Academy (Marineschule Mürwik)
Located in Flensburg, this was the primary training institution for naval officers.
The curriculum included seamanship, navigation, engineering, gunnery, and signals.
Specialized Training
Officers destined for submarine (U-boat) service underwent additional training at specialized schools like the U-boat School in Kiel, which focused on underwater warfare, torpedo tactics, and stealth operations.
Surface fleet officers received training in commanding warships, fleet coordination, and amphibious operations.
Emphasis on Discipline and Technical Mastery
Kriegsmarine training emphasized strict discipline and technical expertise, given the complexity of naval equipment and the high stakes of maritime combat.
Luftwaffe (Air Force) Officer Training
Recruitment of Pilots and Officers
Luftwaffe officer candidates were selected for their physical fitness, quick reflexes, and technical aptitude.
Many Luftwaffe officers began their careers as enlisted personnel or through flight schools.
Flight Training
Pilot candidates underwent a rigorous multi-phase training process:
Basic Flight Training: Ground school and introductory flight instruction on trainers.
Advanced Flight Training: Specialization in fighter, bomber, or reconnaissance roles.
Combat Training: Simulated air combat, navigation, and tactics.
Leadership and Technical Training
Officers were trained in air-ground coordination, aerial tactics, and mission planning.
Luftwaffe academies emphasized the integration of air power with the Wehrmacht’s overall strategy.
Challenges During the War
As the war progressed and losses mounted, training periods were shortened, and the quality of new officers declined.
The Luftwaffe increasingly relied on less experienced officers, which contributed to its declining effectiveness.
Common Themes Across Branches
Rigorous Physical Standards
All officer candidates were expected to meet strict physical requirements, as combat roles demanded endurance and resilience.
Practical and Field-Based Training
Training emphasized realism, with extensive use of field exercises, live-fire drills, and simulated combat scenarios.
Adaptability and Initiative
Officers were taught to make independent decisions under pressure, adhering to the Wehrmacht’s emphasis on decentralized command.
Impact of War on Training
As the war dragged on, training programs were shortened due to urgent manpower needs.
This affected the overall quality of officer candidates, particularly in the latter years of the conflict.
Comparison to Allied Officer Training
German officer training was often more focused on developing initiative and practical combat skills compared to the Allied forces, which tended to emphasize hierarchy and standardized procedures.
The Wehrmacht’s training programs were initially highly effective, contributing to early successes in the war. However, resource constraints and the growing attrition of experienced personnel eventually eroded their effectiveness.
Legacy and Critique
Effectiveness in Early War Years
The Wehrmacht’s officer training produced highly capable leaders, contributing to its early victories in Poland, France, and the Soviet Union.
Limitations in Later Years
As experienced officers were lost in combat, the Wehrmacht struggled to maintain the same level of training and leadership.
The increasing influence of Nazi ideology and political loyalty sometimes undermined operational effectiveness.
Post-War Influence
Many aspects of Wehrmacht training, particularly its emphasis on initiative and decentralized command, influenced post-war military doctrines, including those of NATO.
In summary, officer training in the Wehrmacht was rigorous, comprehensive, and tailored to the specific needs of each branch. While highly effective early in the war, the system struggled to sustain its quality under the pressures of prolonged conflict. This duality reflects both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the German military during the Second World War.
Pershing- “West Point isn’t behind the times”
Also Pershing- Couldn’t catch Pancho Villa
Marshall- “Its outdated”
Also Marshall- Architect of Victory in WWII
Chasing bandits is not the work of the military
@@craigclemens986 Yet there they were, trying and failing to do that work...
@@craigclemens986 it is if that’s the mission given to you by the elected leaders.
References: see Global War on Terror (2001-TBD)
@@matthewg.305 BWAHAHAHAHA
@@craigclemens986 Found the 'Pointer.
I live in Annapolis, never thought I'd see tiny little Annapolis on the channel! Greetings from Maryland!
George C. Marshall never went to West Point, he was a graduate of VMI. Not being a member of "The Club" meant that he wasn't beholden to West Point relationships and nepotism. After Kassreine he had no problem firing the peacetime officers for incompetence.
Can you do a special about raising an army ? The processes of going from a peace time army of a few tens of thousands to a world spanning army of millions ?
That would be a great episode especially if they could contrast the different nations scaling up. The Soviet Union, the US and China all had to scale up vast populations for the war and it would be pretty fascinating to see the differences and similarities between them.
America's scaling up unintentionally started in the 1930s with the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Army provided cadre to run the program, and participants learned about following instructions, eating and living in military conditions. Some participants even learned Morse Code and radio operations at night.
@@ethank5059 China was actually in a slightly different boat. China, since the 1911 revolution, had had way too many troops under arms. Part of the Warlord era of the 1920's was that there were so many small armies that were not loyal to the center and had vastly varied training.
The big project of KMT in the 1920's and 1930's was bringing these troops under central government control and demobilizing many of them.
It was a huge organisational effort. The goal of creating 100 US infantry divisions was set, but never reached.
The great depression created the right circumstances. Millions of unemployed men in poverty with no safety net benefits.
A war came. Millions of unemployed could be moved into factories without protests, because there was no factory owners who lost their workers over to the state armaments industry when the government could hire unemployed instead.
And the Americans did not demand higher wages to change from a good job in the private sector to work for the government - because they were unemployed and starving and happy to get any stable job they could get.
And joining the military was the same situation. The government did not have to compete with the private sector for workers, as it normally would have if there had been peace and low unemployment.
But now could the military suck of millions of men without starving the private sector from workers. And neither did the standard of living for the people who were moved over to wear uniform or making that uniform in a factory.
On the contrary. Now did unemployed people get a stable income so they no longer had to feel hungry and wonder how they could afford to pay their bills.
The army could therefore expand with millions of men without much protests from the public or powerful rich people. Unused car factories that had been closed down during the depression due to lack of consumer demand, could now quickly be turned into factories for making tanks, jeeps, and trucks.
America had been attacked on their own soil by Asians. So now was America angry and going to teach Japan a lesson, and Germany's declaration was a stab in the back on a country which had just been attacked. Germany and Japan was trying to take over the world, and America was defending itself, and its ally Britain and was going to liberate Europe from German occupation.
So many Americans also felt a strong patriotic duty to unselfishly serve their country and join together in a dark time. Before the war had America been a segregated country - segregation between rich and poor, black and white, and between state border lines, and according to which country their ancestors came from. But under and after the war had everyone became Americans first.
Americans grow tired of rationing and started to hate it after a few years. But it had positive effects. It prevented people from buying stuff and wasting their money. So soldiers and factory workers were forced to save the money they earned. And when the war was over had Americans built up huge savings. And the damage that the great depression had caused American households was repaired. The huge war time demand had created full employment and given large corporate profits for American firms. The economy was rolling full speed, and Americans was eager to spend money again after years of waiting to do so, after being prevented from it by all rationing... so the consumer demand after the war was huge, and created huge profits for the private sector and many jobs after the war.
America now had a skilled work force after the war, since so many tanks and planes had been built. And now civilian products were made instead. And Europe needed to import things to repair their countries.
Hey Indie, your team should really do another episode or another Out of the Foxhole about Texas A&M and it’s Corps of Cadets. During the war it would produce 14,123 officers, more that West Point and Annapolis combined. It would also have 7 Medals of Honor recipients, as well as the schooling for James Earl Rudder one of the founding members of the U.S. Army Rangers and the commanding office that lead the attack at Pointe du Hoc during D-day.
Speaking of which, I saw a few years back there was a ceremony/light show in Bastogne, BE highlighting Texas A&M's contribution to the Battle of the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge).
GIG ‘EM!!!
All of this is true. Texas A&M was one of 6 senior military colleges the US had, and there was a set of traditions around preference for officers from those schools (VMI was another).
Gig em.
Texas A&M University, established in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, was one of the nation’s premier land-grant institutions and a cornerstone of military officer training during World War II. Its Corps of Cadets and university-wide commitment to the war effort shaped its legacy during and after the war. Here’s a deep dive into its role and contributions:
Overview of Texas A&M University in the WWII Era
Historical Background
Founded as part of the Morrill Act of 1862, Texas A&M was established to focus on agriculture, mechanical arts, and military training.
By the 1930s, the university had a mandatory Corps of Cadets program for all male students, making it a central hub for military preparation.
Military College Classification
Texas A&M was one of six senior military colleges in the U.S., providing Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs in multiple branches of the armed forces, including the Army and the Air Corps (later the U.S. Air Force).
Campus Infrastructure
The university maintained extensive facilities for military training, including drill fields, armories, and classrooms dedicated to engineering, logistics, and other skills critical for wartime service.
Faculty and staff, many of whom were veterans, played active roles in aligning the university’s curriculum with national defense needs.
The Corps of Cadets
Structure and Organization
The Corps was organized into units mirroring military divisions, such as infantry, artillery, engineering, and aviation.
Cadets adhered to a strict regimen of drills, academic studies, and leadership development, which instilled discipline and prepared them for officer roles.
Leadership Training
All cadets were required to participate in ROTC, where they received advanced training in military tactics, leadership, and strategy.
By the time cadets graduated, many had already completed officer candidate training, making them immediately eligible for commissions.
Role in Preparing Officers
Texas A&M’s Corps produced more officers during World War II than any other institution outside the service academies.
Graduates entered all branches of the military, with a significant number serving in the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.
Texas A&M’s Contributions to the War Effort
Massive Mobilization of Aggies
Over 20,000 Texas A&M alumni and students served in the armed forces during World War II.
Of these, approximately 14,000 were commissioned as officers, fulfilling roles ranging from combat leadership to technical and logistical operations.
Notable Alumni in Service
General Earl Rudder, a D-Day hero, commanded the 2nd Ranger Battalion and led the assault on Pointe du Hoc during the Normandy invasion.
Many Aggies rose to high ranks, including generals and admirals, with several earning distinguished honors for valor and leadership.
Training Programs on Campus
Texas A&M ran specialized training programs in fields such as engineering, artillery, and aviation.
The Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) and Navy V-12 program operated on campus, providing accelerated education for technical roles.
Research and Technical Contributions
The university conducted research to support the war effort, including innovations in agriculture, engineering, and materials science.
Faculty and cadets worked on projects to improve equipment, rations, and military infrastructure.
Aggie Casualties and Heroism
Sacrifices in Combat
Nearly 1,000 Aggies lost their lives in service during World War II, a significant loss for the university community.
Their sacrifices are memorialized at the campus's Memorial Student Center and other commemorative sites.
Decorated Heroes
Several Aggies received the Medal of Honor, including Lt. Col. Horace S. Carswell Jr., who displayed extraordinary heroism as a pilot during a bombing mission in China.
Many others were awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Distinguished Flying Cross for their valor.
Global Impact
Aggies served in every theater of war, from the beaches of Normandy and the Pacific Islands to the deserts of North Africa and the jungles of Southeast Asia.
Cultural and Institutional Impact
Legacy of Service
The overwhelming participation of Aggies in World War II cemented Texas A&M’s reputation as a patriotic and service-oriented institution.
The phrase "Once an Aggie, always an Aggie" became synonymous with commitment to duty and community.
Post-War Growth
The G.I. Bill led to a surge in enrollment after the war, bringing many veterans back to campus to complete their education.
Texas A&M expanded its academic programs while maintaining its military traditions.
Memorialization
Annual events like Aggie Muster honor the sacrifices of those who served.
The university's traditions, such as Silver Taps and the Aggie Ring, continue to emphasize the enduring values of service and remembrance.
Why Texas A&M Stood Out
Commitment to Military Preparation
The Corps of Cadets provided a level of military readiness unmatched by most universities, producing graduates who seamlessly transitioned into leadership roles.
Integration of Academic and Military Training
The university's emphasis on engineering, agriculture, and technical sciences aligned perfectly with wartime needs, making it a critical part of the national defense infrastructure.
Community Support
The College Station community rallied behind the war effort, supporting cadets and faculty in their endeavors to contribute to victory.
Enduring Legacy
Texas A&M’s contributions to World War II resonate to this day, with the university's Corps of Cadets remaining one of the largest and most respected uniformed student organizations in the country.
The university's motto, "Leadership, Excellence, Integrity, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service," reflects the principles that guided Aggies through one of the most challenging periods in world history.
In summary, Texas A&M University and its Corps of Cadets not only exemplified the spirit of service during World War II but also laid the foundation for a lasting legacy of military and civilian leadership. The institution’s impact on the war effort remains a point of pride for Aggies and the nation alike.
“In my book experience out ranks everything.” -Captain Rex Grand Army of the Republic.
Wise words from one of the best soldiers in the Clone Wars
Roger , Roger .
It's a shortcut to mastery. If it doesn't get you killed first.
@@yzfool6639 Fear a old man who’s in a profession where good men die young .
There’s a plus and minus column to field commissions.
Very interesting video! Great job.
This is the kind of special I want to see!
Showing the strength, weaknesses and techniques of the different warring armies. Please do keep it up.
Great episode! I have two brothers who went through Annapolis and served as officers, one in the US Naval surface fleet (gunnery officer, among other things), and one who went into the US Marines. I think the officer training, conduct, and experience in various militaries is quite important - especially today, when we compare conduct of field forces in combat in eastern Europe. Among many other things, I also watch various analysis by combat veterans of what we can see of the conduct of units in the field, particularly those of Russia - and I would love to see how the training and unit organizations are different.
It warmed my heart that y’all mentioned VMI a lot of history in Lexington va, and new market… George Marshal is highly underrated as a general…. Both got mentioned today so it’s a good episode!
I believe it was General Pershing who said: "Having all the race horses you need is half the battle."
G.I. Joe taught me that knowing was the other half.
I think it is important to note that these videos are timeless. 10 yrs from now someone will discover this video, as people are discovering all your work with the Great War. They create perspective that will influence future generations. Which will inspire them to DIG DEEPER. To all who have read this comment, I wish you the very best regards,
Looking forward to coverage of Sandhurst, Dartmouth, Saint-Cyr and Potsdam, as well as any others you choose to cover. I love these windows into the cohorts, because I feel like it helps explain some of the actions (and inaction) of various groups.
That was really cool! Thank you. I love how these special episodes go into details that I hadn't thought of before. I can't wait to see the episodes on the other countries military schools!
Thanks, Hannah! Glad you enjoyed these kinds of special episodes.
Interesting post. My own grandfather graduated West Point in the "War Emergency" class of 1918 - only two years into the normally four year program. They were recalled as 'student officers,' and nominally considered class of 1920. He served 17 years as a lieutenant and retired a Major General. With that said, the larger point about US officer training is what happens after pre-commissioning training. It could be argued that from an American perspective, World War II was won in the classrooms of Ft. Benning (Infantry Officer training), Ft. Leavenworth (the Command & General Staff College), and the War College. Same is true for the US Navy; War Plan Orange was almost entirely refined at the Naval War College during the interwar years. So apart from commissioning a cadre of officers, those officers then developed their skills and achieved a commonality of purpose, at the staff schools. And of course, George C. Marshall famously selected nearly all the Army and Army Group commanders from the cadre that served with him at Ft. Benning.
And a little country boys school in Texas produced 20,000 officers for the war, more than both US Military academies combined.
Quantity over quality or quantity has its own quality?
the academies' student bodies populations are set by congress; by federal law. they are national public schools and draw their students from all states & territories (ensured by requiring congressional, presidential, or VP appointments ... besides good grades, etc)
@@rickmazzoli4116 Served 24 years as a Regular Army Officer, so knew that. Was pointing out that while the Academies have their purpose, almost all of our officers are not from those institutions.
@@yzfool6639 George C. Marshall was not a West Point Graduate, so not sure wha you point is, if you have one. The Father of American Military Logistics: not an Academy Graduate. The Father of American Missile Development, not an Academy graduate, the list goes on and on. The Academies have proven their worth, but the vast majority of America’s military in WW2, not Academy Graduates, and that means most companies, most battalions, most divisions, most ships, most submarines, most pilots, .......
Great episode. I'd like to see more like it. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for your kind words Michael!
My grandfather was a US Naval Academy graduate of the Class of 1918 (who were hastily graduated in June 1917 after the U.S. had entered WWI that April). On the topic of education, I'd like to mention that the U.S. Navy in the 1920's sent a certain number of junior officers every year for post-graduate education to M.I.T. for aeronautical engineering and to Harvard for radio engineering (like my grandfather). These officers would then apply their graduate education and experiences in the fleet to tackling technical challenges that the Navy faced as it modernized its fleet during the Inter-War period.
Please make more like this video. It's important to understand and knowing not only the logisticks of an army but also about the manpower and the leaders. In many cases you can "decode" triumphs or big failures in battles and war in general if you know about the people who fought them. One suggestion maybe is to make more videos about some special units during ww2 and their training.
Million thanks for all hands. Very well prepared material with passionate hearts and sophisticated minds.
It's good to hear you enjoyed the video Sam, we appreciate the compliment!
The American officers who were stationed in my family's house after the war once asked "who's the guy on this picture?" My great-grandmother said it was her grandfather. It was a picture of Frederick the Great.
That is so cool!!!
@@generalhyde007 But absolute bullshit. Frederik the Great died childless.
After the 1980 military coup in Turkey, police came into an apartment and saw a picture of a bearded man on a wall. The tenant of the apartment was asked who it was and he said it was his grandfather. In fact it was Karl Marx but the police did not know that.
@@generalhyde007 Frederick the Great didn't have any descendants. The lady was mocking the American officers and their lack of general culture; they couldn't even recognize Frederick the Great.
@@GerackSerack Thank you!
I really enjoyed this. I thought I had no particular interest in the US military system but this was engaging and explained a lot of things that filled in some blanks in my understanding of the currently most powerful military on the planet. Cheers.
Good to hear that Julian, it's nice to hear that we did a good job with it.
Hi Indy and team
This video is very informative.
Please cover other countries military training..
Enjoyed this video.
Thanks..🙏👍😊
Cheers from a Cow at West Point Indy and TGA crew! Cool to hear about the Long Gray Line in this context.
OK, what is a "Cow at West Point"?
@@Mondo762 It’s a junior.
I’d love to see an episode on French officer training, and how that training prepared them for their ineptitude in the Battle of France. My understanding is that the French soldiers in general were
equal to anybody, but their leadership failed them. What level of leadership failed? Only the higher levels, or mid and small unit levels, too? And certainly part of the leadership that failed them goes above their officers to the government officials who controlled the purse strings, etc. A question I have that I do not know the answer to is; was the failure of French leadership during the Battle of France generally universal, or did it come from a few key individuals who either held influential positions of power, or were just unfortunately distributed in catastrophically key positions and locations? My understanding is that the failure in French leader ship precedes the events of the summer of 1940 by many years, and includes poorly made war plans and poorly planned procurement of modern arms. The increased enlightenment that your research and a special on this subject could provide would be very interesting and educational.
The Chieftain has a good episode about the French armour development between the wars and talking doctine. The French government feared the French army more than the German Army is rather alarming.
They mentioned this briefly in a previous episode that one of the biggest failings of the French army was the lack of flexibility given to the lower level officers to take initiative and exploit enemy weaknesses while the German officers were given far more flexibility to operate independently from high command. I'd personally call this a failing of high command because low level officers don't exactly write their own training and doctrine but the lower level officers for Germany were clearly better suited for actual combat than the French.
They begin talking about this a little after the 9:00 minute mark of the video on the defeat of France.
th-cam.com/video/-bhaZeJVZQA/w-d-xo.html
@@ethank5059 Good point, but that's not all. The french plan for a potential war with Germany was extremely inflexible because the French went all-in on the Maginot line and the military alliance with Belgium (cooperating in order to hold river crossings, chokepoints etc). When the Belgians declared neutrality, the entire plan should have been cancelled and replaced. However they decided to go with it, even though they knew they could not hold Belgium in time in case Germany invaded. In other words they would not leave them to their fates, even if saving them was nearly impossible. Then there's general Charles Huntziger who managed to do everything wrong and literally allowed the Panzers' breakthrough at Sedan.
To sum up, it was the high command that failed.
Awesome as always... this team does a fantastic job!
My dad was a WW2. He got thrown in the cooler for the claiming OCS (Officer Candidate School) stood for Ordinary Can of Shit. That was GI humor for 90 day wonders.
Fascinating as always, keep up the good work TmeGhost! I'm looking forward to the future specials on the other powers' officer training programs.
The simplicity of the U.S. Navy officer's uniform makes it my favorite maritime uniform ever.
The Armed Forces of the USA were in WW2 and continue to be until this time led, supported, and molded by the vast numbers of officers that came out of the Reserve Officer Traing Corps (ROTC) and Officer Candidate School (OCS) programs. Enlisted soldiers, including myself for 33 years, were much more likely to report to Officers who had received their commissions from those programs, then those that had attended a service academy.
If the majority of Full Colonels and General Officers, grades O-6 to 0-10 came out of West Point, Annapolis, and after WW2 in the Air Force Academy, then it must be said that a great majority of the Company and Field grade Officers O-1 -to O-5 had been trained through ROTC and OCS, and were more likely to be directly involved in combat, while leading platoons, companies, and battalions of enlisted soldiers and officers.
A sequel to this video discussing ROTC, OCS, and the assorted enlisted commissioning programs in each branch would be great.
Loved the video - please make a video on the Wehrmacht officer training, and the officer training for the British Armed forces. :)
Academies, ROTC and even basic training just teach the basics and scratch the surface. To be good at being a leader in the military one must do. Those who don't teach.
I recently moved pretty close to Annapolis, and sometimes I go there to see the beautiful view of the bay/harbor. I often see guys walking around in navy uniforms. I have no idea how harsh a learning environment it is to be a young cadet/whatever it's called in the navy, but it's a cool town.
The 1951 Gary Cooper comedy "You're in the Navy Now" explores the difficulties of preparing citizen sailors to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding Navy. The 1956 Jeff Chandler movie "Away All Boats" deals with this same issue in a more serious (and sometimes comic) manner.
Perhaps some coverage for Navy V-12 and V-7, and Army Specialized Training Program?
I'd love to see some episodes about the lives of civilians during the war, both on the homefront and under Nazi, Italian/ Japanese rule. It could be a whole series. Covering the Balkans and the partisan activity would be interesting, also Soviet partisans, and the surprisingly large use of calvary on the Eastern Front. I'm also very curious what the Allies did right to avoid partisan activity by the defeated Axis countries.
Excellent topic thank you Indy
My father was a graduate of the University of Michigan who graduated and then joined the Essex and Kents Scottish in Essex/ Windsor Ontario right after graduation. He ended up going through the “90 day wonder program“ in Brockville Ontario and became an officer in the Royal Canadian engineers. [I still have a framed copy of his officers Commission which gloriously starts off with “his Majesty the King King George the fifth, emperor of India, defender of the Faith etc. etc.] he served in Normandy and the Netherlands finishing the war as a captain.
Will Time Ghost be covering how the other allied nations increased their officer corps?
Since you mentioned the isolation of West Pointers from normal soldiers, it would be worthwhile to discuss the history of summer cruises in the Naval Academy. The middies are taught by repeated example about the relative skills of senior noncoms vs their middie selves.
LOL, yes! I got stuck, er, had the priveledge of being a "running mate" to a few Middies. Most were smart and eager, very aware of their own ignorance. A couple seemed a bit priveledged, but were smart enough to get over it. As disruptive as it can be, Summer cruises, in my opinion, are an invaluable training tool.
Very awesome video! Greetings and love from Bulgaria!!!
Благодаря ти!
@@WorldWarTwo Нема проблеми баце ;Д (No Problem)
The mention of the restrictions on total enrollment at West Point and their intent of preventing political partisanship reminded me of something else I’ve read about the founding of West Point: the Jefferson Administration was worried about the U.S. Army being politically unreliable due to Alexander Hamilton and his political allies packing the officer corps with Federalist Party supporters for the past decade.
I have heard from many of my friends who served in the Army that they vastly preferred officers (especially junior ones) trained at West Point to those who came up through ROTC or OCS. They were better schooled in the mantra "Mission, Men, Me", and were more diligent taking care of their troops.
Lived in Annapolis in the 70s, and twice wrecked my motorcycle on the cobblestone streets around the Naval Academy wall. Both times (wet cobblestone, the bike slips out from under you) a couple of midshipmen ran and help me pick it up, and offered to call a medic. Nice guys...
Love this one. Wanted to ask for germany and GB but it is not needed as it seems.
I have learned not only from books but also from personal experience how big the impact of good or bad leadership is in the military and business. Not unheard of that organisations that failed suddenly excelled under new leadership. The impact of leadership can not be rated high enough. As General Schwarzkopf said: An army is not made of tanks and planes. You need men to run them. And you need these men to trust and respect you.
To get people to trust and respect you in a way they will follow you into enemy fire is no small feat.
Bravo! Bravo! Please do more coverage of all countries Officer training programs!
Correction. Many ways to receive an appointment to the military academies. Congressional is one but there is Presidential and Vice presidential. And each service receives appointments. This info s how my father went to West Point.
Two bits of trivia from a dirtbag midshipman:
The summary of the founding of USNA is pretty good. But it leaves out the best part (that they usually don’t like to teach the mids at USNA). Part of the reason that they made a shoreside academy for midshipmen (vs training them on ships a la Master and Commander) was the USS Somers Mutiny.
It’s a long story but basically a midshipman on that ship was accused of trying to start a mutiny and hung at sea. There is controversy as to if he actually was trying to start a mutiny or if he was actually trying to start a pirate themed frat (the dude was into pirates and had been in a frat in college).
But either way, he was the son of the Secretary of War, so that obviously didn’t go over well. And so that’s part of what started the move towards shore based training.
You also briefly mentioned West Point’s honor code. USNA had a similar ‘honor concept’ that was written by Ross Perot (yes that one) when he was a midshipman.
Ok ok, some more: it is commonly said that you need a Senator or Congress to send you to the academy. But there are some other ways as well. If you are awarded a Metal of Honor, your kids don’t need a congressman. Bruce McCandless was awarded a MoH off of Guadalcanal, and his son Bruce McCandless II went to Annapolis. Bruce McCandless II became an astronaut, of which there is a famous picture of him space walking.
ADM Kidd was killed on USS Arizona, and a week later his kid graduated from Annapolis. And Gen Eisenhower’s son graduated from West Point in June 6th 1944. His father was not in attendance.
I'd also love to see the officer education of other nations, since the substantial differences in doctrine sometimes also hail from different perspectives on the qualities that make a good officer. I think it would be especially interesting for nations which already fought quite a lengthy war like Japan, but also the nations that capitulated early like France and Poland, who later had substantial armies in exile. Its easy to forget that fourth largest allied army by the end of the war were the Polish-in-Exile.
The German Army tradition is for all men to attend the same basic training, but those who appear to be officer material are identified while at basic. After basic, they are then sent to a sort of officer candidate school. That means every soldier and officer went through the very same basic training.
In the American and British systems, the split happens even before basic training.
Do you have a source for the Polish in Exile as the fourth largest allied army? Given the size of the British, US, Soviet Union and Chinese forces it's kind of hard to believe Poland's army in exile was larger than any of them. Maybe the fourth largest in Europe but not the fourth largest overall?
@@ethank5059 Yes, exactly like that. I'm also not sure if the Chinese were technically part of the Allies or just a Co-Belligerent, like Finland was. Those were never part of the Axis, even though they fought with the Germans against the Soviets in the Continuationwar.
@@amerigo88 That same manner is used in FDF as well. Of course it gets its recruits from conscription (quite short) so pool of recruits is diverse. I think USMC uses similar training regime in which all troops get same basic training.
@@hendrikgreiner8449 China was officially a member of the allies and declared war on Germany after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Prior to 1941 they weren't really a member of the allies but afterwards they absolutely were. China's role as one of the four major allied powers is the reason they are on the UN Security Council today.
You guys/gals do a fantastic job!!! I never miss an episode.
Thanks!
The ramp up for officers for the first world war also had seen many universities begin to create officer training programs. This diversity in commissioning source is important.
As for ranks of general being more so graduates of West Point, well, above the rank of Lt.Col in the Army, those positions become more political than before. West Point historically has the political edge from appointees.
Another great special episode! Another great special episode topic could be US Army and Naval War Colleges where American doctrine and strategic theories and war plans were developed and war-gamed.
We're glad you enjoyed the video Todd! There's plenty of Specials in the pipeline, keep your eyes peeled.
@@WorldWarTwo Keep up the great work! I’m thinking a special on Operation Drumbeat is in the works since the disaster along the American coast is not mentioned a lot in the weekly episodes. The damage inflicted surpassed Pearl Harbor. Thanks again!
I am more than happy to provide you guys with race horses! Thanks for the WW2 Special video!
That honor code and those four basic responses (there are now 7 basic responses) are basics STILL drilled into all US Officer cadets to this day.
As an addendum: could we also get an episode on the other US commissioning sources, such as ROTC and OCS?
i would love to see a special on the most promoted individuals from each combatant country during both world wars
The book "Command Culture" describes in detail the differences between German and American officer training programs and helps solve the riddle of the superb fighting qualities of the German army. Dupuys' book, "A Genius for War" describes the evolution of German training methods started under Scharnhorst which led to the battlefield superiority of the German army.
As a fellow Texan Indy, any chance on a future episode about Texas A&M (and the Corps of Cadets)?
GIG ‘EM
Would be great to see a video about how NCOs were trained and stories about men who received battlefield commissions.
This is interesting, very interesting. The only officer i ever heard my dad complain about, he specifically pointed out to be a West Point graduate, but I didn't hear the West Point comment about all the Officers he liked.
One of the best Lt's I had graduated first in his class.
Had numerous officers that were West Point educated during my 6 yrs in the Army.
@@shawnr771 Maybe my dad got the guy who graduated last in the class. I know there is always good officers and bad officers.
@@heathercontois4501 I had two that were ar the bottom 2/3. There were good in their own right.
There was one in one of the companies that was just horrible.
I took that as him beingba chitty human being.
@@shawnr771 That could have been it, too.
My dad was at WWII Lt in the Pacific. The west pointers didn't last long. They were too proud of their bars. The bars on the helmet made a great target.
The British Army reformed officer recruitment in WW2 in an attempt to make it less dependent on social background. Officer cadets wore a band of white cloth or tape on their headgear. Peter Ustinov tried but failed to become an officer in the British Army and wrote rather scathingly about the process in his autobiography "Dear Me".
Ustinov was too fat to be in the military
@@craigclemens986 Actually, no - he was a private soldier in the British Army. This caused problems in his film work during the war - for example an assistant cameraman or make-up artist might be an army officer - the normal hierarchy of films was not in line with military ranks. Ustinov was made a batman or military servant to David Niven, who was a lieutenant-colonel - this was the only way they could associate in military terms otherwise.
He was a corporal at times commanding the first pill box facing France at Dover Castle in an interview with Michael Parkinson he explained because the men stationed there were from all over eastern Europe the language of command was German!
@@robertskrzynski2768 In his autobiography he mentions manning a guard post on the coast. The only other soldiers were a Polish Jewish refugee who spoke no English, and a Yorkshireman who was a farmer in civilian life. Ustinov was assigned to the Jew because he could speak German and this was close enough to the latter's Yiddish to make communication possible.
That was fascinating. Could you do a comparison (as opposed to being part of specific nationally focused analyses) of the training and expertise of differing warring nations airforces, and their officer corps? My father at one point was an instructor at a training command for aircrews from a wide spread of Allied nations (US, Australia, Canada, Czechoslovakia, IIRC). His stories of how the crews from the differing nations responded to the training were eye opening (spoiler, the Czechs were the most focused, and the Aussies were the most willing to learn).
Not only should you do the mentioned episode(s) on other nations Military Academies and how their professional officer corps was trained, but also, as you alluded to in this episode, talk about how the vast bulk of Officers were trained during wartime. Specifically, I'm referring to OCS, ROTC and the other nation equivalents.
This was a great episode, I never understood the context of Annapolis, West Point has a more prominent profile. Covering the officer cadres of the Empire nations to see the influence of the British interests over national interests would be a bucket load if extra work but would be cool. Perhaps a question for the Chair of Infinite Knowledge ( or whatever it's called now😁)
The second world war was also notable in that the enormous need for capable officers meant that many non-academy men also received a chance of promotion to commissioned officer rank in the US Army. One such was my grandfather, who enlisted as a private in the great war, had risen to seargent by 1918, and eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, commanding a front-line AA batallion in the western theater from June 1944. He survived the war and retired a full colonel in the late 1940s.
Ok, I know you said at the end of the video you're going to cover them but I am reaaally hyped for a German academy video.
Very good one Indy !
That was super cool episode. Thx!
11:44 - instruction in loading the drum magazine of the Lewis gun.
not one word about OCS. This was where most of the officers came form and still do today.
I am VN Vet In my 2yr 9mo 5d in army of all the officers I encountered under 05 only 2 went to West Point. As for those 05 & 06 only 5 went to West Point. I was a S-3, S-2 Cherk and did some time In S-1 as well. Finished by time in Army as Supply Sgt, 2 Supply Cherk's, &7, a supply driver and ass armor. Ya I was the only person in Supply for 4 months for Co B, 101st Aviation Bn.
Now back to officers. B/c the the jobs I filled (Germany 8th Div Support Com S-3) I came in contact with a lot of officers. Many more then a ground pounder & I had access to their 201 files so I know where they all came form. When in Germany anything the div did went through my typewriter. This gave me good working knowledge of most every officer in the 8th Div.
The Military Academies are not the major source for officer in the US military now nor have they been since at least 1940.
So Indy go back a do a little on OCS this is where the best officer come form IMHO.
Think you guys could make a video on infantry unit organization and tactics (squad, platoon, etc) for the different countries?
Wow that's a great video! Interesting to learn how service academies evolved over the years.
Man, this was very interesting! Hope to see more!
It would be interesting to know not just what the officers went through, but also the basic training programing for the enlisted men. WW1 era vs WW2 era vs modern times, and also how it varied nation to nation.
Thank you.
This was a very good introduction into the US military academies.
While I was seldom overly impressed with the officers I served under, I served with a couple of West Point cadets and I have to say, they certainly impressed me.
In 1967 as the Viet Nam war was building up, the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School at San Antonio, Texas was turning out about 900 shavetails every six weeks for an all-time-high total of 7,894 for that year--myself among them [1]. Combined with numerous ROTC programs across the country, the total obviously dwarfed the output of the Air Force Academy. The AF was "officer-heavy" because you had to be commissioned to be a pilot or navigator--a tradition that most other countries have not found it necessary to emulate.
Later on I ran into AF Academy graduates, as well as a few West Pointers, Coast Guard Academy types, and even a Marine or two who had somehow transitioned into the AF.
Nowadays, OTS is much smaller and has relocated to Montgomery, Alabama.
1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Officer_Training_School
Oh wasn't expecting this. First thing that comes to mind is Major Dick Winters and Captain Herbert Sobel from the Band of Brothers HBO miniseries...
Same thing came to my mind
R E V O K E D
WHAT IS THE GODDAMN HOLD UP CPT. SOBEL!?
@@stc3145 A fence sir! Uh? A barbed wire fence!
@@principalityofbelka6310 O THAT DOG JUST AINT GONNA HUNT
Are you going to do episodes of the officers training in other countries as well?
One of my favourite videos yet!
Excellent as always!
I think taking a look at the other military academies or major colleges with military programs would've been interesting, such as the Citadel in South Carolina, the Virginia Military Institute, Texas A&M (who contributed the most officers to the war), Virginia Tech, and Norwich.
Excellent idea for accompanying series! Thanks, Indy!
Glad you like it
Excellent. But many personnel in WWII were 'products' of other schools and programs. Many schools in WWII participated in the USNs "V2" program, and the Army had a similar program.
How were those programs structured?
(You already answered one question by pointing out that most of the Flag officers came from the Academies.)
How about doing a video on the OCS from WW2. My grandpa went thru ocs.
i cant wait to see the other nations specifically the axis who to my understanding had put more emphasis on strategy and tactics then technical training which i think is pretty apparent in the field. also to my understanding you can also get into west point if you do 2 years at a junior academy first. we had a company of older kids at military school that seemed like most were trying to go in that direction.
If possible, I think it helpful to look at the officers trained at the elite institutions (just now), but since they account for such a small percentage of the officers, I am also just as interested in learning about the training that was given to the bulk of the officers at lower status institutions.
Hello from the United States Naval Academy. It is a lot less fun being locked in my room for COVID. Thank you for doing a video about this!!! Go Navy!
Beat Navy, Go Army!
Some interesting things I found was West Point and Annapolis study battles throughout ww2. Such as the winter war and the battle of ratte road and Erwin Rommel's books of infantry tactics as well as 101st Airborne attack on brecourt manor. Overall pretty good video.