Redskins in Bluecoats

General George Crook's initial experiences in Native American warfare were so profound that they shaped him in a way very much unlike his contemporary officers. During General George Crook's Second Apache Campaign (1882-1886), his unique approach to the use of Apache scouts and his culturally sensitive leadership were so misunderstood by his contemporaries that it eventually led to his resignation of command and the imprisonment of all Chiricahua Apache scouts who faithfully served the US Army following General Nelson Miles' successful completion of the Apache campaign. General Crook displayed the right balance of warrior determination and humanitarian awareness in his leadership of the Arizona Territory. He was the right man, in the right place, at the right time. General Crook's effectiveness as a war fighter and his cultural awareness in handling a successful counterinsurgency and pacification program provide lessons that are relevant to contemporary professional military officers engaged in twenty-first century operations.