Socrates Learns about Staff Rides
With a little help from Gypsy Rose Lee
‘So, tell me, Melpomene, about these things called “staff rides” that Clio keeps talking about.’
‘In its original form, a staff ride occurs when people gather to hear an account of a battle, a true tale told in the place where the great event actually took place.’
‘So, it’s a history lesson told “on site”, so to speak.’
‘Exactly.’
‘So the historian uses the place to draw students into the story?’
‘And to help them appreciate factors that are hard to put into words. Things like the lay of the land and the character of obstacles.’
‘Xenophon would be good at that.’
‘I hope so. Clio has worked hard to inspire him.’
‘I wish I could inspire Xenophon. He’s dreamy.’
‘Thalia! Please! This is a serious conversation.’
‘Sorry, Sis.’
‘Anyway … some students like to increase the focus on terrain by conducting the staff ride in two parts. Before going to the battlefield, the students read about the battle, listen to lecture, or watch a video about events that took place there.’
‘Video?’
‘It’s a kind of play.’
‘I see. Like Oedipus Rex, but with more in the way of action?’
‘That’s one way to put it.’
‘Anyway, once they have developed a vision of the battle, the students walk the battlefield, looking for evidence that challenges their previous ideas.’
‘So, the ground itself takes on the role of teacher. I like it.’
‘I thought you might! I also suspect you will find much to admire in the third way to do a staff ride, one that belong’s to Thalia’s new realm.’
‘No more comedy for you, then?’
‘I wouldn’t say that, but when I’m on the clock, I promote strategic simulation?’
‘People pretending to be generals?’
‘Or colonels, or captains, or corporals.’
‘So, you help people seek truth by looking at problems faced by others at particular points in the past.’
‘Yes, and attempting to solve those dilemmas.’
‘Fascinating. And I can see how engaging those challenges on the places where they took place can enhance that experience.’
‘So I have found.’
‘By the way, what does “on the clock” mean?’
‘It means “when I am attending to my official duties”.’
‘But why would you do that “on the clock”? Wouldn’t you block the sun?’
‘The expression refers to clocks of a different sort, machines that tell the time of day, even at night, or indoors. Some - but not all - look a lot like the pendants we wear - the insignia of our order.’
‘They remind us of our work along the great river of time.’
‘And the flowers in your hair?’
‘The forget-me-nots? Those, I think, speak for themselves.’
‘Of course. Anyway, I interrupted Thalia’s explanation of …’
‘… Socratic staff rides.’
‘Now you make me blush.’
‘I’m told I have that effect on men.’
‘Thalia!’
‘Anyway … these exercises require teachers who prefer the asking of questions to the provision of answers. Teachers like you, Socrates.’
‘Once again, it’s not the sun that’s making my face red!’
‘Such teachers should also resist the temptation to tie the loose ends of a staff ride into a nice, neat bow, the sort of compact conclusion that puts the human mind to rest. I want students to go home with a rich supply of conundra, fodder for their pondering - or, dare I say … musing.’
‘That’s why we adopted the motto “Always leave ‘em wanting more.”’
Related Reading
Wonderful illustration too.
I remember doing an impromptu and informal staff ride to the Chorwon, South Korea area in June of 2001, all in support of an upcoming Brigade level Battle Command Training Program event. Nothing is better than traveling the actual terrain to truly appreciate things.