Council of war

Councils of war are typically held when matters of great importance must be decided, consensus must be reached with subordinates, or when the commanding officer is unsure of his position.

The classic council of war includes a discussion and then a vote, often taken without the senior commander present to influence or intimidate the subordinates.

In civilian usage, council of war can describe any important meeting, such as in business, that must reach a decision under the pressure of adverse conditions.

A variation on the traditional council of war is one in which the subordinates vote, but the results are considered merely advisory to the overall commander, who then makes a final decision.

But Meade formed consensus in his staff and improved their confidence by encouraging a two-hour discussion and vote, which resulted in the outcome he was seeking.