435th Air Ground Operations Wing gains insight from Operation Market Garden

Senior leaders from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing participated in a battle staff ride to the Netherlands, Sep. 25-27.

Doctor Jeffrey McGovern, former 435 AGOW historian, led the instruction and the staff ride across the region. Participants were educated on the sites they visited and the history of Operation Market Garden.

The staff ride started with a Combat Leader Workshop where the group reviewed the commander’s intent, were provided a strategic overview, operational background and discussed the 435 AGOW supports the “setting the theater” initiative.

“While the modern 435th no longer flies troop transports, there are several lessons to be learned from Market Garden to improve operating on the forward edge of the battlespace, air-ground cooperation, command and control, logistics and communications,” said Col. Bartlett, 435 AGOW commander. He added that, “as the largest airborne operation of the war up to that point, Operation Market Garden offers a learning opportunity for commanders and senior leaders on adaptability and effective command and control.”

435 AGOW senior leaders held discussions on how the lessons learned in Operation Market Garden impacted future operations, the use of close air support, communications from tactical to operational levels, the role of intelligence in planning and execution, weather forecasting aspects, the impact of weather, logistical hurdles encountered from initial planning through the operation’s climax, command and control of forces from tactical to operational levels and the history of the 435th Troop Carrier Group.

“As we explored the sites of Operation Market Garden and discussed its lessons, we gained valuable insights into the importance of information superiority and effective command and control capabilities in our modern operations,” Bartlett said.

The staff traveled to various sites of Operation Market Garden, such as drop zones and bridges, to learn more about their wing’s historical roots and to honor the Airmen of the 435th who gave their lives during the operation.