918 Bomber Group: Leadership Analysis
Executive Summary
Under the leadership of Colonel Davenport, the 918 Bomber Group is an inefficient operation, unable to successfully complete its missions of daylight precision bombing. Internally, the group blames its problems on “hard luck”, but General Pritchard recognizes that the true source of ineffectiveness is Davenport himself and replaces him with General Frank Savage. As a result of General Savage’s leadership style, which varies widely from Colonel Davenport, the 918 is transformed into an efficient model of success. Analysis
Wholly and individually, the members of the 918th Bomber Group reflected the personality and leadership traits of its commanding officer, Colonel Davenport. This is evidenced by the despondent atmosphere …show more content…
Realizing that his role of commander was not a permanent one, Savage immediately began searching for those that could lead. Under Savage, many men were eager to serve as leaders. Ultimately, the success of the 918 relied on this, as Gately assumed the role of flight commander during a vital mission. Though not explicitly mentioned in the movie, the constant training of new leaders was a key component of the Allies success in World War II. On the contrary, the Axis powers did not view this as a priority, and after their initial leadership was lost in battle, they could no longer sustain a sufficient long-term effort in the war.
Ultimately, Savage’s leadership style turned out to be the key factor in the 918 Bomber Group’s success. Though it can be viewed as harsh and impersonal, a mechanistic approach is required to complete a task like daylight precision bombing. Savage used this approach effectively by implementing formal procedures that required strict adherence and by also providing a clear reporting structure. While the men were not able to embrace Savage the man, the wildly successful results of the bombing runs proved that they embraced him as a
Under the leadership of Colonel Davenport, the 918 Bomber Group is an inefficient operation, unable to successfully complete its missions of daylight precision bombing. Internally, the group blames its problems on “hard luck”, but General Pritchard recognizes that the true source of ineffectiveness is Davenport himself and replaces him with General Frank Savage. As a result of General Savage’s leadership style, which varies widely from Colonel Davenport, the 918 is transformed into an efficient model of success. Analysis
Wholly and individually, the members of the 918th Bomber Group reflected the personality and leadership traits of its commanding officer, Colonel Davenport. This is evidenced by the despondent atmosphere …show more content…
Realizing that his role of commander was not a permanent one, Savage immediately began searching for those that could lead. Under Savage, many men were eager to serve as leaders. Ultimately, the success of the 918 relied on this, as Gately assumed the role of flight commander during a vital mission. Though not explicitly mentioned in the movie, the constant training of new leaders was a key component of the Allies success in World War II. On the contrary, the Axis powers did not view this as a priority, and after their initial leadership was lost in battle, they could no longer sustain a sufficient long-term effort in the war.
Ultimately, Savage’s leadership style turned out to be the key factor in the 918 Bomber Group’s success. Though it can be viewed as harsh and impersonal, a mechanistic approach is required to complete a task like daylight precision bombing. Savage used this approach effectively by implementing formal procedures that required strict adherence and by also providing a clear reporting structure. While the men were not able to embrace Savage the man, the wildly successful results of the bombing runs proved that they embraced him as a