A Leader’s Burden

Black Hawk Down

This flow follows Mike Steele’s struggle to account for scattered troops, protect wounded men, and make decisions with incomplete information.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Formation Breaks A Formation Breaks from "Black Hawk Down". Command Lost in Motion Separate Groups As Rangers and commandos moved toward Super 61, the planned formation broke apart.

A Formation Breaks from "Black Hawk Down". Command Lost in Motion Separate Groups As Rangers and commandos moved toward Super 61, the planned formation broke apart.

Command Lost in Motion Separate Groups As Rangers and commandos moved toward Super 61, the planned formation broke apart. Men followed familiar leaders or moved with the most experienced fighters. Steele’s Problem Mike Steele had to account for roughly sixty young Rangers while lacking a clear view of where they were. The fight tested his authority as much as his tactical judgment.

Refusing a Dangerous Move Refusing a Dangerous Move from "Black Hawk Down". A Challenge from Below Watson Objects Sean Watson warned Steele that moving his group would expose wounded men and litter parties to concentrated fire.

Refusing a Dangerous Move from "Black Hawk Down". A Challenge from Below Watson Objects Sean Watson warned Steele that moving his group would expose wounded men and litter parties to concentrated fire.

A Challenge from Below Watson Objects Sean Watson warned Steele that moving his group would expose wounded men and litter parties to concentrated fire. The enlisted sergeant openly challenged his captain's proposed order. Reconsideration Steele listened and accepted the argument that the group should stay in its defensible position. His decision showed command as a process of judgment and revision, not simply issuing orders.

Grief at the Hospital Grief at the Hospital from "Black Hawk Down". The Casualties Become Known A Devastating List Steele learned that a third of his company had been killed or wounded.

Grief at the Hospital from "Black Hawk Down". The Casualties Become Known A Devastating List Steele learned that a third of his company had been killed or wounded.

The Casualties Become Known A Devastating List Steele learned that a third of his company had been killed or wounded. At the hospital he offered encouragement to the wounded while struggling to contain his grief. The Commander Remains a Soldier He reviewed the battle and questioned whether he had made the right decisions. His public composure did not resolve the burden of having led men through a disastrous operation.

October 3, 1993, late afternoon

October 3, 1993, evening

October 4, 1993, morning