The Battle of Chancellorsville was 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 than its opponent, however, tactical errors proved detrimental to their cause. Rather, the planning and execution of these plans propelled the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia to the most recognized underdog victory of the American Civil War. Examining the Battle of Chancellorsville from 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 tactics of military warfare, while leveraging the warfighting functions necessary to achieve victory. on the battlefield.II. Scholars recognize the Battle of Chancellorsville as the primary conflict of the Chancellorsville Campaign during the American Civil War. Chancellorsville is perhaps the most doctrinally sound battle fought in the entire American Civil War. Chancellorsville tested the capabilities, plans, and tactical maneuvers of the commander of 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, a seasoned war veteran and known military genius, faced Army Major General of the Union, James Hooker, a new appointee. and untested commander in the Virginia theater.III. BackgroundOperational OverviewStrategically, the Union wanted to capture Richmond, the capital of the Confederate States of America. With Richmond in the middle of paper......accurate and timely intelligence for operations.VI. ConclusionLeaders are trained to plan, prepare, and develop multiple solutions to many problems encountered in combat situations. The Military Decision Making Process, or MDMP, as it is known in the U.S. military, provides leaders with a systematic methodology for executing their plans. We must remember that planning is only half the picture. General Hooker's excellent planning was thwarted by his inability to execute all the concepts of his plan. As leaders, we must recognize the failure of Hooker's army and avoid the same mistakes. Successful execution of plans is only possible when leaders recognize the errors present in the execution of their plans by others. Planning is only successful when we know how to apply the lessons learned during the planning process and in the execution of our plans..