The Louisiana Maneuvers pitted Krueger's Third Army against Lieutenant General Ben Lear's Second Army.[29] The maneuvers were a test ground for doctrine and equipment, and gave senior commanders experience in maneuvering their formations. In the first phase, Krueger quickly proved himself to be the more modern general. He responded adroitly to a changed battle situation by re-orienting his front from northeast to northwest, and was able to inflict a series of reverses on Lear's forces.[29] In the second phase, Krueger had a superior force, and had to advance on Shreveport, Louisiana.[30] Lear's forces conducted a stubborn withdrawal, demolishing bridges in order to slow Krueger down.