Why General George Marshall was Made Chief of Staff of the US Army, Not General MacArthur

During World War II, General George C. Marshall was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, a role he held under Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman for the entire duration of the war. However, it is often intriguing to ask why General Douglas MacArthur, who had extensive command experience, was not selected for this position. This article will explore the reasons behind the appointment of George Marshall over Douglas MacArthur as Chief of Staff of the US Army.

Overview of the Rankings and Roles

General George Marshall and General Douglas MacArthur had distinct career paths and experiences that contributed to their respective roles during World War II. Marshall's appointment as Chief of Staff was influenced by specific circumstances and the strategic considerations of the time.

While General Douglas MacArthur was a prominent and experienced military leader, his availability and suitability for the role of Chief of Staff were affected by his retirement and subsequent service. Here is a brief overview of their ranks and positions:

George C. Marshall: 15th Army Chief of Staff from September 1, 1939, to November 18, 1945. Marshall served as Chief of Staff under Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. Douglas MacArthur: 13th Army Chief of Staff from November 21, 1930, to October 1, 1935. After his retirement, MacArthur served as Field Marshal of the Commonwealth of the Philippines to build the independent Philippine Army. He was recalled to active duty with the advent of war with Japan.

Reasons for Marshall's Appointment

General George Marshall was appointed as Chief of Staff during a critical time in U.S. military history. Several factors contributed to his appointment over General MacArthur:

Age and Experience

General George Marshall was around 65 years old in 1945, while General Dwight D. Eisenhower was in his mid-fifties. The requirement for a younger, more energetic leader might have influenced the decision to appoint Eisenhower as the Supreme Commander of Allied Expeditionary Forces (later known as NATO).

Chain of Command

Both General Eisenhower and General MacArthur reported to General George Marshall. While MacArthur had significant command experience, he was retired and serving in the Philippines. Marshall, on the other hand, was actively commanding and had the necessary experience and ability to oversee the complex operations of the U.S. Army.

Strategic Decisions

The decision to appoint George Marshall was driven by strategic considerations. Marshall had a comprehensive understanding of the Army's structure and operations, and he was well-respected among his peers. His long tenure as Chief of Staff and his experience in managing large-scale military operations made him the ideal candidate for the role.

MacArthur's Disposition and Limitations

General Douglas MacArthur, despite his extensive command experience and significant achievements, had certain limitations that made him less suitable for the role of Chief of Staff:

Political Ambitions and Right-Wing Views

MacArthur was known for his ultra-right-wing political views and financial interests. His political ambitions and alignment with certain political groups were seen as a risk for the U.S. military. This is why President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to send him to the Pacific, away from the U.S. continental headquarters, to prevent potential political conflicts.

Public Image and Reputation

MacArthur had a great public image, often taking credit for successes and blaming others for failures. While this could be beneficial in public relations and media campaigns, it was not suitable for the strategic and tactical demands of leading the U.S. Army. Marshall, known for his strategic talent and diplomatic skills, was better suited for the Chief of Staff role.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the appointment of General George Marshall as Chief of Staff of the US Army was a strategic decision influenced by a range of factors, including age, experience, and character. While General Douglas MacArthur brought great command experience and a successful track record, his political ambitions, right-wing views, and public image made him less suitable for the role. Marshall's comprehensive understanding of the military structure and his diplomatic skill made him the most appropriate choice for this crucial position during World War II.