When Should a Commander be Relieved? A Study of Combat Reliefs of Commanders of Battalions and Lower Units During the Vietnam Era

This study attempts to determine when commanders of battalions and lower units should be relieved during combat. The investigation analyzed actual reliefs during the Vietnam era to determine why the commanders were relieved, the availability of replacements, the role of counseling, and the effect on the unit. Investigation reveals that most reliefs were not caused by a single deficiency but rather by a combination of perceived shortcomings. Mission failure was not a significant reason for r...