This handbook analyzes Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant's 1864 Overland Campaign from the crossing of the Rapidan River on 4 May to the initiation of the crossing of the James River on 15 June. Unlike many of CSI's previous handbooks, this handbook focuses on the operational level of war. Even so, it provides a heavy dose of tactical analysis, thereby making this ride a superb tool for developing Army leaders at almost all levels. Designed to be completed in three days, this staff ride is flexible enough to allow units to conduct a one-day or two-day ride that will still enable soldiers to gain a full range of insights offered by the study of this important campaign. Part I describes the organization of the Union and Confederate Armies, detailing their weapons, tactics, logistics, engineer, communications, and medical support. Part II consists of a campaign overview, which establishes the context for the individual actions to be studied in the field. Part III consists of a suggested itinerary of sites to visit in order to obtain a concrete view of the campaign in its several phases. For each stand, there is a set of travel directions, an orientation to the battle site, a discussion of the action that occurred there, vignettes by participants in the campaign, and suggested analysis questions and topics for discussion. Part IV discusses the final phase of the staff ride, the integration phase. In this phase, students integrate the classroom portion of the staff ride with the field phase and seek to provide relevant lessons for the modern military professional. Part V provides practical information on conducting a staff ride in the Overland Campaign area, including sources of assistance and logistical considerations. Appendixes A, B, and C outline the order of battle for the forces included in the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor battles, respectively. Appendix D provides biographical sketches of key participants, and appendix E provides historical maps of the area. An annotated bibliography suggests sources for preliminary study. In sum, the Overland Campaign is a magnificent example of great commanders locked in a classic struggle, as well as testimony to the grim ordeal of total war and the price paid by the common soldier. The lessons that may be learned from this complex struggle encompass much of the vast panoply of warfare and can provide an unmatched tool for the education of the modern military professional.

"February 2009"--T.p. verso. "This edition includes Stand 13, Hancock's Turn (15 June 1864), and Stand 14, Petersburg Battery 5 (15 June 1864)"--T.p. verso.

Introduction / Part I. Civil War armies. Introduction -- Organization -- Weapons -- Tactics -- Logistics support -- Engineer support -- Communications support -- Medical support / Part II. The Overland Campaign: an overview. Introduction -- The Wilderness -- Spotsylvania -- North Anna -- Yellow Tavern -- Cold Harbor -- Crossing the James and advance on Petersburg / Part III. Suggested routes and stands. Introduction -- Overland Campaign staff ride strands -- Modifications to the three-day staff ride -- Overland Campaign three-day staff ride -- Day 1, Wilderness to Spotsylvania (4-9 May 1864) -- Day 2, Spotsylvania to North Anna (9-24 May 1864) -- Day 3, North Anna to Petersburg (11 May-15 June 1864) / Part IV. Integration phase / Part V. Support / Appendix A: order of battle, Wilderness -- Appendix B: order of battle, Spotsylvania -- Appendix C: order of battle, Cold Harbor -- Appendix D: biographies of primary participants -- Appendix E: historical maps of the area.