Battle of Allegan County: Michigan 1936 Second Army Maneuvers

The 1936 Second Army Maneuvers were part of a series of maneuvers held in the second half of the 1930’s. They were the largest military maneuver since the end of WWI and were the first real combined arms event for the US Army.

Developed by Major General Frank Ross McCoy, the scenario for the 1936 maneuvers was complex, and involved both actual and theoretical elements.

There were two distinct phases to the Second Army Maneuvers, the V Corps Ft. Knox Phase and the VI Corps Allegan Phase. This lecture primarily covers the Michigan phase of the maneuvers.

The event is a transitional point between isolationist America, and wartime preparedness America. It showed that the reconfiguration of the US started under FDR was viable and provided lessons to continue preparing us as the world marched towards war.

Chris Causley is a founding member and current president of the Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society in Eastpointe, Michigan. A long-time collector, historian, modeler and vehicle restorer, he has narrowed his focus to capture and preserve the story of Michigan’s contributions to the defense of the nation from 1900 through today.