The Battle of Chancellorsville is a victory that never materialized for the Army of the Potomac. The Union Army of the Potomac, on paper, was a clearly superior force in manpower and technology to that of its opponent, however, tactical errors proved detrimental to their cause. Instead, the planning and execution of such plans propelled the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia to the most recognized underdog victory in the American Civil War. Examining the Battle of Chancellorsville from both Union and Confederate perspectives provides military leaders with an example of the importance of planning, adapting to the fluidity of combat, and the crucial nature of military warfare tactics, all taking advantage of the combat functions necessary to achieve victory. on the battlefield.II. The Topic Scholars recognize the Battle of Chancellorsville as the primary conflict during the Chancellorsville Campaign in the American Civil War. Chancellorsville is perhaps the most doctrinally sound battle fought in the entire American Civil War. Chancellorsville tested the skill, scheme, and tactical maneuver of the commander of both the Army of Northern Virginia (Confederate States of America) and the Army of the Potomac (Union/United States Army). The fighting at Chancellorsville took place over a three-day period, from May 1 to May 3, 1863. Confederate General Robert E. Lee, an experienced war veteran and noted military genius, faced Union Army Major General James Hooker, a newly appointed and untested commander in the Virginia theater.III. The Setting Operational Overview Strategically, the Union wanted to capture Richmond, the capital of the Confederate States of America. With Richmond in…at the heart of the document…accurate and timely intelligence for operations.VI. Conclusion Leaders are trained to plan, prepare, and develop multiple solutions to many problems encountered in combat situations. Military Decision Making, or MDMP, as it is called in the U.S. Army, provides leaders with a systematic methodology for executing their plans. We must not forget that planning is only half the picture. General Hooker's excellent planning was undermined by his failure to execute all the concepts within his plan. We, as leaders, must recognize the failure of Hooker's Army to avoid the same mistakes. Successful execution of plans is only achievable when leaders recognize the errors present in others' execution of their plans. Planning is only successful when we know how to apply the lessons learned during the planning process and in the execution of our plans.