Getting Hammered® America 250: Washington Tells Hancock Short Deployments Aren't Cutting It
Feb 10, 2026
A reading of George Washington's Feb 1776 letter pressing for longer enlistments and explaining how short service harmed campaigns. The recording covers operational chaos from constant troop turnover and discipline breakdowns. It highlights Washington’s proposed fixes, including bounties and longer terms, and the army’s later move to multi-year service.
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Short Enlistments Undermined Strategy
- George Washington argued that short enlistments wrecked campaigns by forcing commanders to act around troop departures rather than seize opportunities.
- He linked limited service directly to the failed Canada campaign and General Montgomery's death.
Turnover Costs Rival Maintaining Troops
- Washington detailed logistical and financial costs from rotating forces, saying turnover cost nearly as much as keeping a standing body would have.
- He stressed turnover prevents a well-disciplined, reliable army ready for emergencies.
Discipline Requires Time And Distance
- Washington emphasized discipline requires time and is especially hard when officers and soldiers are socially close.
- He argued new recruits lack seasoning and fear imagined dangers, reducing combat effectiveness.