APUS Richard G. Trefry Archives | Home: Military Studies

Kevin Alan Shuler
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: November 2023
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Kelly C. Jordan
Abstract: This paper explores 1800s Prussian transition from a historical warlord model that’s both supreme political and military authority to a modern-day construct creating a General Staff, responsible for staffing, training, equipping, and employing the army on the king’s behalf. The research question presented was, what were the most significant factors in the 1800s leading Prussia’s leadership transition to a Western military leadership style by developing a modern-day command authority, sharing responsibilities through committee, and connecting tactical actions to strategic objectives to remarkable success during the Wars of Unification from 1864-1871. A qualitative review of existing literature is conducted, applying Samual Huntington’s theory on civil-military relations, to confirm or refute the hypothesis that Prussia transitioned to a modern concept from an antiquated feudal system due to catastrophic military losses and military inefficiencies, increased complexity in leading a modern military by one individual, the influence of social revolutions in Europe, and the emergence of professional military leadership through education. The findings confirmed the hypothesis with devastating military losses to Napoleon being the catalyst, social changes and difficulties leading modern, complex armies as driving factors, with the most influential aspect required to execute a momentous transformation being professionalization of the Prussian Officer Corps.

Maxwell Stewart
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: October 2023
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Kelly Jordan
Abstract: The primary question that inspired this research was whether or not the status quo US force presence in South Korea is appropriate given the conventional balance on the peninsula and changing geopolitical character of the region. The inspiration for this research was the 2021 Global Posture Review which, despite lofty goals, largely retained the existing force laydown. The research question evolved into the hypothesis that the force posture could in fact be smaller than the status quo. To confirm or deny this hypothesis, this research employed a theoretical framework founded in Offense Defense Theory, utilizing the mixed method approach combining the qualitative analysis of a subjective net assessment and the quantitative analysis of an algorithmically driven campaign analysis. The former found that the US-South Korean Alliance maintains advantages across several critical warfighting areas, while the latter’s modeling found a North Korean defeat whether status quo US forces were present, totally removed, or acting as a reinforcing offshore balancer. The results confirmed the hypothesis that the US force posture in South Korea could indeed be smaller and still defend the country, while also identifying certain benefits of a force reduction based on the tenets of Offense Defense Theory.

Timothy Sarma
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: June 2021
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Kelly Jordan
Abstract: The challenge of identifying the Great Captains of history has long been an endeavor of military scholars and students. Differing opinions over what constitutes such complex ideas as greatness, leadership, or generalship presents a continued hurdle to this effort, and a consensus remains elusive. In an attempt to address these problems and add to the dialogue, this thesis undertakes the effort of applying a formulaic approach to the assessment of a historical figure, Scipio Africanus, thereby implementing a standardized assessment to an otherwise fluid effort. Given this, this thesis implements Dr. Kelly Jordan’s Great Captain formula from the MILS512 “Great Military Leaders” course at American Public University to evaluate Scipio Africanus in three main areas: leader in battle/war, master of the art of war, and military genius. This research implements a substantive, grounded theory as a methodological lens, and incorporates the historical case study method in its research design. After a critical and rigorous analysis of the current prevailing ideas on what constitutes a Great Captain, and after applying this formula to Scipio Africanus, this research has found that Scipio Africanus indeed qualifies as a Great Captain of history, and warrants recognition as such.

Adam R. McQuarrie
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: February 2016
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Jerome Sibayan
Abstract: This paper reports on the utility of drone strikes in the strategic defeat of Al Qaeda. This paper employed a mixed method approach that saw the use of existing published literature in the development of qualitative and quantitative data, as well as the use of quantitative data from databases. This paper also utilized the SWORD model of counterinsurgency in operationalizing data. The research showed that over the last decade, drone strikes became increasingly accurate due to the development of the Reaper drone, and new CIA targeting techniques. Those improvements in accuracy ultimately generated greater tactical losses for Al Qaeda, but those tactical losses did not generate equal strategic losses. Despite tactical losses, Al Qaeda was still capable of conducting v regional and global operations while expanding its sphere of influence throughout the Middle East. The research showed that drone strikes were not achieving the desired strategic effects because they of Al Qaeda’s unique organizational structure, and because they failed to affect Al Qaeda’s centers of gravity.

David A. Brown
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: February 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Vincent R. Lindenmyer
Abstract: Given the demographic and economic trends of urbanization and globalization, the future battlefield for most modern military forces is an urban one. Joint publications have failed to prescribe any doctrinal decision making tools for the comparative employment of Field Artillery and Air Force assets in urban operational environments. This paper comparatively analyzes Field Artillery and Air Force delivered fire support during the joint targeting process as applied in urban terrain with the aim of discovering the doctrinal principles or variables that should underlie weapon platform selection.

Shawn P. Connor
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: August 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Jerome Sibayan
Abstract: The purpose of this capstone project is to study the influence of individual personality traits on the leadership and operational decision making of military commanders engaged in high-intensity conventional campaigns when faced with uncertain or rapidly changing situations. Using the case study method and a qualitative content analysis of existing relevant literature, the project analyzed the personality traits of General George S. Patton and Field Marshal Erwin Rommel through the framework of the Five Factor Model of personality and psychological hardiness. Research was based on the hypothesis that the World War II leadership and operational decision making of General Patton and Field Marshal Rommel, when faced with uncertain or rapidly changing situations, was significantly influenced by high conscientiousness, openness, extraversion, and psychological hardiness, as well as low neuroticism. The findings suggest that the personality traits of conscientiousness, openness, extraversion, and psychological hardiness are positively and significantly related to effective leadership and operational decision making in uncertain or rapidly changing situations. The findings further suggest that conscientiousness and psychological hardiness have the strongest and most consistent correlation, while openness and extraversion make significant contributions in context. The findings do not support neuroticism or agreeableness as significant influences.

David J. Hernandez
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: February 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Vincent R. Lindenmyer
Abstract: The purpose of this research paper was to make a comparative analysis of the current US Asia-Pacific strategy versus the Cold War strategy in terms of US military capability, diplomacy, and economics. At the present, US strategy towards China appears as containment. A qualitative analysis was selected as the primary method of research. The analysis examined several government documents including the National Security Strategy, Quadrennial Defense Review, and peer reviewed studies regarding current US-China relations. Investigation was necessary for assessing the extent of the current strategy of containment versus engagement. The findings showed US military posture and capability toward China indicates engagement with lesser lines of effort toward containment. Also, diplomatic and economic stance reflected a desire to open up avenues for financial gain while still maintaining security in Asia-Pacific via Japan and the Philippines. Simply, the overall US stance toward China is engagement based on economic interdependency. Nevertheless, elements of containment remain in the form of necessity for the US military to ensure it still has the ability to defend itself and regional allies.

Isaac L. Henderson
Program: Military Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA)
Awarded: November 2014
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Edward J. Hagerty
Abstract: Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was an ordinary man who achieved extraordinary success. Grant’s Siege of Vicksburg is considered one of the greatest offensive operations in military history. Grant understood the context and operational environment of the Vicksburg Campaign, so he was able to influence culture through the command climate. The mission command concept emphasizes the need for leaders to be critical and creative thinkers who can exercise adaptive leadership and foster a learning environment within their organization.1 Grant encouraged his subordinate commanders to exercise initiative, accept responsibility, and take ownership. A commander’s decisions ultimately guide the actions of the force. The quality of understanding the commander’s intent enhances the quality of decisions made. The modern-day leader must understand the culture and climate of an organization to be successful. In order for the Army to develop leaders to meet in a complex and uncertain strategic operational environment; Army leaders must adopt and apply the concepts of mission command as the standard and assume a historical case study of Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign can contribute to the effort to foster such an environment.