Understanding the "Victory Disease", from the Little Bighorn, to Mogadishu, to the Future

As a result of the national strength of the United States (US) and the demonstrated prowess of her military, US forces are quite susceptible to falling prey to the effects of the "Victory Disease." The Victory Disease brings defeat to a previously victorious nation or military, through a compounding of three basic symptoms. The symptoms of the Victory Disease are arrogance, complacency, and the habit of using established patterns to solve military problems. These symptoms are evident in many military failures. The growth of the Victory Disease can best be analyzed through the study of historical examples. In these examples, the symptoms of the Victory Disease become quite clear. This monograph uses the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn and the 1993 actions of Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia, to highlight the symptoms and effect of the Victory Disease. The overall goal of studying the Victory Disease is to learn how to avoid succumbing to its effects, thus seeking a vaccination to this debilitating disease. The only real vaccine for the Victory Disease is found in increased study of military history in the Officer Education System, particularly focusing on campaigns and battles where defeat may be attributed to the Victory Disease. Thus, simple awareness of the problem provides one with the ability to avoid falling prey to the Victory Disease.