Requirement for and subsequent development of a training scheme for the officers and staff 
of the British Army 1799 -1858
Leadbetter, NA MAJ
Master of Military Art and Science, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas (1990)
Abstract
This study is an historical analysis of the military training scheme for British officers which was proposed by Major General John Gaspard Le Marchant in 1798 and adopted by the British Army in 1799. It examines the social and political climate of the time and discusses the organization of the British Army at the start of the-nineteenth century. The influence of senior military leaders, the Government and the Crown during the formative years is investigated in detail. The employment of the staff in war is also described. Some conclusions which may be drawn from this study are: the scheme was pro-active during a time of reform; the influence of government ministers was intrusive; the momentum gained during the first fifteen years was lost between 1815-1854; the Crimean War showed the inadequacies of the military planning staff; the scheme was successful in achieving the aims set for it by Le Marchant. The study concludes that Le Marchant’s proposals, modified by the Military Committee in 1800, were sound. Military education should be broad-based. The scheme stagnated during peace. The Staff College resulted from an appreciation of the inadequacies of what was basically a sound system which had been neglected.
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