Staff Ride Information

A military staff ride is a group exercise of three distinct phases: preliminary study, field study, and integration. It is designed for further the development of officers, in which each participant gives a briefing on plans, orders, events, decisions, and individuals. They frequently take on the persona of one of the primary participants in the battle. Afterwards, his/her colleagues question him/her about that participant's view of what has occurred on the battlefield at that point.

STAFF RIDES REQUIRE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT (SUP). You may contact the SUP Coordinator by email at [e-mail] or by phone at call 864-936-7921 x8.

To apply for a SUP, complete this application.

For more information visit Permits & Reservations.

By definition, the staff ride is to be conducted by the military participants and not by park staff. The following links give in depth information on the proper conduct of a staff ride and will help you prepare.

• The Cowpens Staff Ride and Battlefield Tour by John Moncure
• The Staff Ride by William Glenn Robertson
• The Cowpens Staff Ride: A Study In Leadership by William J. Hourihan, Ph.D.
• Conduct of the Staff Ride