Military Leadership - Report Example

Military Leadership Military is one of the most important parts of the society that is endowed with the ultimate responsibility of protecting the society. In order to expedite their duties effectively, effective leadership is necessary. Since military is a multivariate discipline, effective and efficient military leadership is a requirement. The quality of leadership in the army determines the ultimate performance of the military group. It means a lot to be a military leader and this is a discussion on some of the aspects of a good military leader. According to the leadership manual for the United States Army, FM 6-22, military leadership entails so many different characteristics (DOA, 2006). The primary characteristic of an efficient military leader is positive influence. Any military leader is endowed with the responsibility of positively influencing the subordinates on the lower rankings. It is the primary objective of a military leader to guide the others to achieve the purpose and vision of the military operations through motivation and giving directions. Whereas it is the duty of the subordinates to follow rules and commands from their leaders, the overall effectiveness depends on the level of motivation they receive from their leader. A good military leader does not provide motivation at the battlefront but ensures that it is a continuous process beginning from the training and preparation periods. Military leadership means understanding rules, regulations, laws, and all operation codes regarding military operations. This means that a military leader should understand all military codes and most importantly, be fully prepared to abide by them (DOA, 2006, p. 16). This way, it will be possible to impart the same to the subordinates. Since the military leader is the prime mentor to all the subordinates, his understanding, loyalty and exercise of military code of conduct will be reflected upon the subordinates. Military leadership means understanding, respecting and exercising the army values. Therefore, effective military leadership calls for loyalty to the constitution and army regulations, respect to humanity, commitment to service, high level of moral and legal integrity, as well as personal courage. Most importantly, an effective leader should exercise high degree of moral authority especially when making crucial decisions (DOA, 2006, p.24). This implies that, a military leader is expected to make rational decisions that would not compromise the aims and objectives of the military unit whilst at the same time respecting the value of humanity. According to leadership requirements model, military leadership means leading with character. It is the primary duty of any military leader to develop a good leadership character through training and learning. This is because the subordinates will emulate their leader’s character through influence and mentorship. Therefore, military leadership calls for continual personal and professional growth and development. This is particularly important since military leadership extend beyond the realms of official command chains. The way a military leader behaves during work and off duty serves as an example to the rest of the military personnel. When the character is compromising, the subordinates will develop compromised character too. Military leadership is characterized by leadership with presence. This demands physical fitness, composure, confidence, resilience, and military bearing. Physical fitness demonstrates preparedness to the extreme challenges of military profession. Additionally, a leader is expected to demonstrate composure especially at dangerous situations. The subordinates expect guidance and leadership at all times but more importantly, at time of crisis. Therefore, a leader should be well composed and confident at these times. Otherwise, panic and lack of self-control will only lead to fear and lack of confidence among the subordinates and therefore compromising the primary objective of fulfilling military missions. Military operations are sometimes exhausting and life threatening. Military personnel are exposed to extremely dangerous situations for long durations. Therefore, an effective military leader should exercise resilience and military bearing. Never at any one time should a military leader demonstrate elements of giving up (DOA, 2006, p.44). The tasks should be accomplished by courage, intelligence, and wise use of the available resources. If a military leader gives up on a task, the subordinates will follow suite. It is undeniable that some of the most successful leaders are committed towards development. This spirit should be emulated by all military leaders. Due to the changes with the societal set ups and technology, military leaders should be dynamic in embracing the changes. A military leader means nurturing a positive environment within the team even when the changes may not be favorable now. The leader should be in a position to develop the subordinates in all aspects has they prepare for new set of challenges and changing roles of their careers. For instance, the role of the military has changed with time due to the emergence of new sets of challenges such as terror threats. New tactics and techniques should be implemented within the military units. The military leader becomes the best person to implement such changes within the military system in an efficient and effective way. Sound judgment is important for any military leader. At times, the leader is expected to make sound judgment without referring to the military codes. This may happen at the times of crisis. The subordinates rely on the leader for decision-making and therefore their effectiveness in expending their duties primarily depends on the soundness of the decision made by their leader. More importantly, a military leader should be excellent in communication. Efficient and effective communication by use of all forms of communication is necessary for effective leadership. It is worth noting that a leader is also under authority from higher-ranking personnel. Therefore, it is the duty of any military leader to respect all the higher authorities, treat such positions with the respect, and honor that they deserve. This is particularly important to the subordinates since their respect to the leaders mainly depends on how their leader respects the higher authorities. Military leadership means being result oriented. Certainly, there can be no any meaningful achievement if the leader has a reputable character without action. The leader is supposed to be on the forefront in ensuring all the aims and objectives are met according to the plan (DOA, 2006, p.86). Every activity should be well planned and organized and then the subordinates deployed effectively. Therefore, the leader has the duty to guide, motivate, and direct the team towards achieving the set objectives. The greatest driving force of any team is morale. Military personnel need to be highly motivated especially when their duties involve life-threatening situations. It is therefore the mandate of a military leader to cultivate and maintain morale and military warrior spirit within the team. A competent leader understands the importance of morale to his team towards shared effort and respect within the team. Military unit is a team of people with a common objective. Unless the team shares a common goal and drive, they cannot work together in harmony. Military leadership means being a good and knowledgeable counselor (DOA, 2006, p. 92). A military leader should understand that the team members are not supernatural but are indeed normal human beings endowed with the responsibility of protecting the rest of the community. Every now and then, the subordinates will experience problems just like any other human being. It follows that at such times, the military leader takes the role of a counselor. This makes it possible to prepare the soldiers to be better military personnel in spite of the natural problems that they may encounter in their service to humanity. Last but not the least; military leadership involves understanding of all other structures and units of the military. One unit cannot function alone but the overall output depends on cooperation of all the units that make up a military (DOA, 2006, p. 143). Thus, a military leader should understand all the structures, functions, and operations of the military system. This way, it will be possible to organize and lead the subordinates towards achieving the objectives of the military. Reference DOA. (2006). Army Leadership; Competent, Confident, and Agile. FM 6-22. (FM 22-100). Read More