The Importance of Authority in the Military - Essay Example

 In any organization there needs to be a certain level of respect, primarily for the leaders. The reason is that without respect there will be little reason to follow anything that the leaders have to say. In this case, the military is no different. As an organization, the military is extremely hierarchical with many different layers, sort of like an onion. It is these pre-determined layers that help the military to remain strong and carry out its objectives in an efficient manner. This essay will offer a definition of authority and how it applies to the military, the importance of authority in the military, and also what may happen if authority is either lacking or not respected by the appropriate subordinates. Before exploring how authority is used in the military, it is important to understand what the word means and the ideas that it implies. The Collins English Dictionary offers up a variety of definitions, such as "the power or right to control, judge, or prohibit the actions of others," or "such a power or right delegated, especially from one person to another," or "the ability to influence or control others" [Col13]. If we dissect these definitions one-by-one, we can see a recurring pattern across all three: power. Authority can only be gained through power, mostly due to the position that someone holds. A high up position can give someone authority over others because of their job description, which likely allows them to offer guidance to subordinates. Another component of the word authority is that it is delegated or assigned, typically from one person to another. Authority is often found in a chain of command, with those towards to top of the tree afforded more authority than people lower down the food chain. Also, authority usually is a two-way street between leaders and followers. There has to be a relationship between each set of individuals and both should know where they stand in the relationship; only in an equal relationship will there be no need for either party to have authority over the other. Informal relationships are often like this, whereas in formal situations authority is necessary in order to preserve some sort of organization within large groups of people. Finally, the definition of authority involves influence or control applied by one person over another. In less formal situations, a leader will look to influence his or her subordinates but not control them. Controlling a group of people allows little room for them to be creative and think outside the box. In formal organizations, control is the preferred action because organizational structures are rigid and require compliance rather than creativity. In taking into account all of the definitions mentioned above, authority forms a key part of the success of any military. Military organizations by nature can be heated environments with little room for failure. Because of this, it is important that everyone remains on the same page, particularly when it comes to military strategy. Whenever a new batch of recruits is hired to work for the military, one of the first things that they go through is a type of boot camp. The reason for this is to shape the mind so much that it will almost do anything asked of it and not question why an action is relevant. Boot camps often require new recruit to work themselves into the ground so much that they lose all ability to rationalize and think on their own two feet. Likewise, getting every solider to wear the same uniform and sleeping in the same quarters helps them to understand that they are part of a team, but a team that has no standout individuals and almost requires every solider to be a clone of the other ones. Forcing soldiers to wake up before dawn and go on treks into forests and jungles makes them mentally tough but it also prepares them to be able to do anything that is asked by their superiors. On the part of the leaders, they are only doing what is best for the success of the military, which is to produce a highly skilled but obedient army that is ready to move when the call is given. However, if authority is not respected and followed in the military, it can lead to some devastating consequences. Say that a regiment of the military is deeply engaged with the enemy on the battlefield and an order is given to retreat until reinforces can be brought in. If one solider or a group of soldiers chooses not to follow that command and instead continues to engage with the enemy, it may compromise the strategy of the entire military. In order to increase the chances of success in war, it is crucial that every part of the military is following orders. Those who are in authority have the best knowledge and information available in order to plan a strategy that will maximize the chances of success. However, this can only happen if every soldier understands his or her place and does not overstep their bounds. Not only could a soldier's life be put in danger, but it may possibly jeopardize the entire mission for the army. It is the role of soldiers to accept commands from higher-ups and wait for further instruction before doing anything. Failure to respect and listen to authority cannot be tolerated in the military; if authority is not adhered to, then it can result in punishments for those found guilty of not carrying out orders. There are many different characteristics that make up the military's success, but authority would have to be the most vital of them. The reason is that without authority in the military, everything else has the potential to fall apart. Unlike other organizations, failure to adhere to authority can be a life or death situation because of the nature of the job. A good soldier understands his or her place in the military and does not commit any action without first getting approval from a direct commander or leader. Works Cited Col13: , (Collins), Read More