WILLIAM T. SHERMAN: EVOLUTION OF AN OPERATIONAL ARTIST

This historical narrative describes the evolution of Major General William T. Sherman’s conceptualization and implementation of operational art. Focused on the period between April 1861 and April 1865, this narrative views his operational approach through the lens of modern U.S. Army doctrine, specifically, operational art as defined by Unified Land Operations and Mission Command. This work delves into Sherman’s education, experience and development as an operational artist under the tutelage of Major General Henry W. Halleck and Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant and then analyzes the application of that art in his later campaigns. The relevance of Sherman’s evolution resonates in today’s army. The idea that an officer can develop from a tactician to an operational artist through self and institutional education, senior mentorship and relevant combat and training experience exhibited a perfect example for the existence of the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS).