‘Reading The Ground’

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A major point I raised in my other interest is that the officer I study, being a Royal Engineer, could ‘read the ground’ equal to or I’m my opinion better than an infantry officer, due to the fact the former was involved in building forts, defences, bridges, etc., with a great understanding of areas of enemy approach, dead ground, fields of fire, etc. How thoroughly were cavalry officers trained in this capacity, to grasp quickly tye lay of the land and how the terrain may help or hinder their forces ?

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US Military Academy included terrain study and military engineering for all students. It was hit or miss for volunteer officers. On the job training in the ACW and the West had a great deal of on the job training in these skills. I would say this was a strength of the officer corps in 1876.

Recall the extensive role of the Army in surveying all those railroad lines, including the 7th Cav in 1874.

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There is a great scene in the film ‘Gettysburg’ where Gen Buford (Sam Elliott) arrives before the battle and describes the lay of the land and likely enemy intentions, then goes about making plans to hold his ground. I watch the scene often