Military Profile: Major General Edwin "Forrest" Harding of the Army Author Project
Major General Edwin "Forrest" Harding (1886-1958) was a distinguished U.S. Army officer who made significant contributions during the interwar period, laying the groundwork for the Army's preparedness and shaping the future of infantry tactics.
After graduating from West Point in 1909, Harding served in various roles, including teaching history at West Point as a captain and leading the post's drama club at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore). One of his most notable achievements during this period was revitalizing the Infantry Journal, the semi-official magazine of the Infantry and the Army.
Under Harding's leadership, the Infantry Journal saw a surge in subscriptions, reaching nearly ten thousand. The magazine featured a lively new cover, contributions from renowned military thinkers, and a focus on progressive thought. This revitalization was instrumental in renewing professional discourse in the interwar period, alongside other publications such as the Mailing List and Infantry in Battle.
Harding's work during the interwar period helped build the foundation that, despite overwhelming odds, allowed U.S. forces to hold out longer than expected in the Pacific theater during World War II. His leadership legacy during this critical period remains a valuable model for modern Army leaders.
Emulating Harding's example today would involve emphasizing rigorous peacetime preparation and training, adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges, leading by example to maintain morale during adversity, and understanding the strategic importance of logistics and fortifications.
For a detailed and nuanced understanding of Harding's contributions and lessons for Army leaders, one should consult specialized military history sources focusing on the U.S. Army between the World Wars and the early Pacific War. If you require assistance in finding such sources, I would be happy to help.
- Major General Harding, during his time at West Point, not only taught history but also led the drama club at Fort Benning, demonstrating his versatility in leadership and education in the military.
- The revitalized Infantry Journal under Harding's leadership was more than just a semi-official magazine; it was a platform for progressive thought and discourse in warfare among military professionals during the interwar period.
- Besides boosting the magazine's subscription count to nearly ten thousand, Harding ensured the Infantry Journal's cover, contributions, and focus were refreshed, aligning with the changes happening in military finance and business strategy.
- Leveraging Harding's legacy today would mean prioritizing military education for adaptability in warfare, anticipating challenges, maintaining morale through example, and recognizing the crucial role of logistics and defense structures, much like he did during the critical interwar period.
