NPR - Horses for Courses

The US Army land in North Africa and get beaten badly at Kasserine pass. For those of us that saw the film Patton, we know what happens next. Patton is sent in the clean up the mess.

There is little doubt of Patton's brilliance as a soldier. He was the man of the time then.

But General Marshall had a major problem to solve as he considered who was to Command the invasion of Europe. The Commander had to be able to pull an alliance together and keep it going effectively. America could not do the work on its own.

The real job was political. In Eisenhower, he found his man. Who else could have lead an army that included both Patton and Monty? Who else could have held all of this together?

Was Ike a wimp? Did Ike not have the respect of all?

There comes a time when being a great general is not enough. There is a time when a Commander is needed - a person who can keep the focus on a truly immense task and keep the trust and loyalty of all. A person who can keep the aspiring Montys and Pattons on task. Who can bring in the Canadians, Poles and Free French. Who can get the confidence of the voters in many countries.

This is what happened this week. Recognition that good generalship is no longer enough.