The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 25, Number 3 | Page 15

The NJSACOP brings the “Staff Ride” concept to local law enforcement in this exciting program designed with the needs of law
enforcement in mind. What contemporary leadership and administrative lessons can today’s law enforcement professionals bring home
from a Civil War battlefield? If we examine the leadership and management challenges—then and now—we will find some striking
parallels.
There are the pressures of limited resources—people, supplies and equipment. There are also pressures from those above to perform at a
peak level, despite these limited resources.
There are personnel challenges from those who bring with them emotional issues and then cannot perform with clear minds. There are
those driven by political concerns—the drive for recognition or the fear of risking too much. And there are others who are set in their
ways—the “old” ways that do not fit today’s circumstances.
The communications issues, as always, are there: from unclear communications to lack of information. These challenges are with the
contemporary police leader as they were with the leaders at the Battle of Antietam.
The Battle of Antietam (or Sharpsburg, as it is called in the South) took place just 18 days after the Confederate victory at Second
Manassas, 40 miles to the southeast in Virginia. Our program begins by exploring the strategic dilemma facing Confederate General
Robert E. Lee following his stunning success at Second Manassas. He could attack Washington, DC, he could put his army in camp or he
could set them on the march. If he chooses to move his army, why would he choose to go North instead of East, West or South? How
does Union General George McClellan react to Lee’s decision to invade Maryland? What choices do Lee and McClellan make that force
the battles at South Mountain and Sharpsburg?
At the Pry House, McClellan’s headquarters, we’ll discuss what “Little Mac” was planning for September 17, 1862 and analysis of Lee’s
Strategy for that fateful morning. We’ll follow General Hooker’s flank march toward the north end of the field with stops at the North
Woods and the Bloody Cornfield, sites of furious fighting by, among others, the Iron Brigade and Hood’s Texas Brigade. Following
Sumner’s Second Corps to the Dunker Church, one of the most noted landmarks on this great field of combat. The Dunker Church ranks
as perhaps one of the most famous churches in American military history.
We’ll discuss the Army of the Potomac’s confused command structure and how it lead to a near debacle on the shores of the Antietam
Creek at the 125-foot-long bridge known as the Burnside bridge named after Union General Ambrose E. Burnside.
The Antietam Leadership Experience will focus on the strategies, command structures and battlefield leadership that will evolve your
own leadership and decision making skills.
COST: $725 (includes accommodations and some meals, as noted on agenda)
Enrollment is limited to 40 law enforcement registrants. Registrations taken on first come first serve basis.
Please note, in order to keep registration fees low, all accommodations are double occupancy. If you wish to reserve a single room,
please contact the NJSACOP State Office at [phone].
FACULTY:
Stephen Recker, entrepreneur, producer and lecturer, is owner of Another Software Miracle, LLC. He was recently named tour guide
supervisor for Western Maryland Interpretive Association, the nonprofit partner of Antietam National Battlefield. Recker speaks
regularly at venues such as UCLA, the American Film Institute, Gettysburg College, Civil War conferences and round tables and serves
on Tigrett Corp.’s Leadership Lessons from History faculty.
William “Pat” Schuber, Senior Lecturer, Fairleigh Dickinson University, former County Executive of Bergen County, NJ and teacher of,
among other courses, “Leading in Times of Crisis” and other leadership and management topics.
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