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USAHEC Military History Toolbox: Staff Rides

Staff Rides: Book our staff as guides or lead your own

A "Staff Ride" is training that consists of an introduction to a battle, a trip to that battlefield to see the actual terrain, and a series of classes to integrate the lessons learned from that battle.

Staff rides are one of the best opportunities to tie military history to the profession of arms, because it connects the Army Values to topics like decision making, leadership, organization, and critical thinking. Your Soldiers will learn not only about the history of the battle and the personalities involved, but also about the "WHY" and "HOW" of the decisions made on the field by men under pressure and in extreme circumstances. The discussions on the battlefield build group cohesion and teamwork, professional reflection, and a better understanding of leadership and organizational change.

 

USAHEC STAFF RIDES ARE AVAILABLE TO DOD AND OTHER GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS.

The USAHEC team can either directly guide your team on the battlefield or help your organization arrange and conduct a staff ride on your own.

Book a USAHEC guide for your staff ride:

  • The USAHEC can support staff rides of the Gettysburg, Valley Forge, and Antietam battlefields at no cost to your unit. All other staff rides will require TDY funds for the USAHEC team member.
  • The USAHEC guide will work with your training officer or NCO to plan and arrange all of the logistics.
  • The USAHEC will provide all study materials and can, upon request, provide pre- and post- staff ride training in the classroom.
  • Please book your staff ride at least 90 days prior to the event.
  • Staff Rides generally require a group of 5-25 participants and take from 5-8 hours to complete.
  • Organizations requesting a staff ride are responsible for their own transportation and incidental expenses. There is no service fee charged for this program.

 

Staff Rides Available:

  • Gettysburg (PA)
  • Valley Forge (PA)
  • Antietam (WV/MD)
  • Manassas (VA)
  • Wilmington/Fort Fisher (NC)
  • Guilford Courthouse (NC)
  • Cowpens (SC)
  • Chickamauga (TN)
  • Vicksburg (MS)
  • Request a staff ride near you!

Book your Staff Ride with the USAHEC!

Plan your own staff ride: The U.S. Army has several resources to help you plan your staff ride. In addition to the links below, you can also contact the USAHEC team directly for prepared staff ride materials your training staff can "plug and play."

 

Request a Staff Ride from another Army organization: The USAHEC is not the only organization which offers world-class education through staff rides. You can request a staff ride from the following U.S. Army organizations, as well: