Interesting to note that rather than going to Harvard for an MBA during a career to become more “civilianized” so Americans would love them more, these fellows were competing to be the best military officers possible. No doubt some down sides to the regimented process but when one focuses on their career military or otherwise it amazing to see what can come of it.
I have yet to run into a memoir that mentions the treatment accorded to officers who returned to their regiments. However, I suspect that the latter reaction was far more likely than the former. At the very least, a graduate of the Kriegsakademie would be able to assist younger colleagues to prepare for their examinations.
I cannot cite chapter and verse on this, however in reading several commentaries on Moltke and how the system worked, any officer in the regiments who had been trained on the planning approaches of the Academy were considered an asset both by the General Staff, and the regimental command. They could read maps, write concise communications and handle that part of the workload that helped knit the army together. I imagine officers of lesser competence never made it to the Academy.
Interesting to note that rather than going to Harvard for an MBA during a career to become more “civilianized” so Americans would love them more, these fellows were competing to be the best military officers possible. No doubt some down sides to the regimented process but when one focuses on their career military or otherwise it amazing to see what can come of it.
May I ask, what happened to the ones that went back to their regiments?
was washing out a death sentence for a career or was it "we are happy to have your skills back here"?
I have yet to run into a memoir that mentions the treatment accorded to officers who returned to their regiments. However, I suspect that the latter reaction was far more likely than the former. At the very least, a graduate of the Kriegsakademie would be able to assist younger colleagues to prepare for their examinations.
And would have a goodly portion of the skill set and would find himself bean counting at the local level for sure! :-)
I cannot cite chapter and verse on this, however in reading several commentaries on Moltke and how the system worked, any officer in the regiments who had been trained on the planning approaches of the Academy were considered an asset both by the General Staff, and the regimental command. They could read maps, write concise communications and handle that part of the workload that helped knit the army together. I imagine officers of lesser competence never made it to the Academy.
What were the combat results of the General staff as opposed to those returned to their regiments in WW1?
As in good or bad?
That is an excellent question. Unfortunately, I've not seen anything that sheds light upon it. (When I return home, I will check Tony Cowan's book. which delves deeply in the details of the organization of the German armies in WWI. http://www.tonycowan.com/holding-out-the-german-army-and-operational-command-in-1917/
I was impressed with the innovations of German Storm Troop Tactics 🧐
Did the have DEI positions?
Do you mean Deutsche Eisenbahn Instandsetzung[German Railway Maintenance]?
:o)