Fort Riviere Mission Command Analysis

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THE BATTLE OF FORT RIVIERE The history of the United States can be described through many lenses. One such lens focuses on military actions and decisions, and how those decisions played into the ever-changing history of America. There are many well documented and popularized American wars and battles, which is why this mission command analysis will focus on a battle during the relatively unknown American occupation of Haiti. The battle of Fort Riviere occurred on the 17th of November, 1915 in mountainous northern Haiti between U.S. Marines and Haitian rebels known as cacos.1 Throughout the course of this paper, we will review the social and political aspects leading up to the battle as well as significant outcomes. Analyzing the mission command principles and the commanding officer’s actions will also be discussed. Specifically, as it relates to building a cohesive team through mutual trust, providing a clear commander’s intent, and accepting prudent risk. While the battle of Fort Riviere and the resulting occupation of Haiti occurred over a century ago, it provides us with an example of American foreign policy during this period and bares resemblance to future American military …show more content…

Furthermore, he showcased caring for the Soldiers welfare while sharing in the hardships and danger. MAJ Butler charged the fort walls alongside his Soldiers and was the third Marine to enter the fort. Further evidence of MAJ Butler’s ability to build a cohesive team through mutual trust came on the 25th of August, 1917, when the Navy Department announced the award of medals of honor for MAJ Butler, Sergt. Iams, and Pvt. Gross. The citation from General Order No. 319 read as

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