The military differs from other occupations given that soldiers have to be equipped with the essential skills to deal with hostilities using fatal force. The consequences of the actions and decisions made by Army leaders have plethora of effects on the the lives of many people including soldiers and their families and the non-combatant, therefore they exercise profound responsibility. In the process of determining what to be done at the right time and for the right reason, they depend on deep rooted values as well as professional competence . The paper provides a definition of leadership in the context of the Army and explores the need for Army team members, Soldiers and Army Civilians t o comprehend the concept of leadership to enable them accept the responsibility to develop and lead others to achieve results. It also identifies the foundations of the Army leadership, purpose of leadership, the levels of leadership and highlights the foundations of the of Army Leader Character
Army Leadership Defined
Leadership is defined as the process that influences individuals through the provision of purpose motivation to enable the accomplishment of specific missions leading to the ultimate improvement of an organization. It is a component of conflicting powers which unifies the components such as information, mission command, sustainment and protection, intelligence, and movement and maneuver (ADP 6-22). In their operations, Army leaders are inspired by the values and expectations of the Nation and of the Army which spur their professional development and instill the aspiration to acquire the essentials knowledge and skills to lead and achieve the success of various missions. Thus, the aspirations of the leaders in the Army are centered around inspiring and influencing others in carrying out the duties that the nation has entrusted unto them.
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Foundations of Army Leadership
Notably, Army leadership is founded on a plethora of principles that include pledging their loyalty to the constitution of the land and being accountable to the authorities in addition to the evolving doctrine of the Army (ADP 6-22). The Army identifies leading, developing and achieving as core leader competencies that enable leaders to achieve competence in all leadership levels. The Army also acknowledges the need to preserve the competence degrees which are time proven which have contributed to distinguishing leaders throughout history.
In addition, the leaders in the Army are required to take an oath in defense and support of the United States’ Constitution in order to validate ties to the nation as well as to enhance the affirmation of abiding by the laws of the state. The soldiers also recognize the powers of the President as the senior most commanding officer. (ADRP 6-22). The oaths and the values are significant in the emphasis that both the civilian and military leaders ought to serve the country exemplary and as such, ach soldier is expected to balance their official duties and civil responsibilities which are afforded by the nation.
Purpose of leadership
Given that leadership is a process of influence the Army requires that through effective leadership the appropriate choices will be made whenever necessary. Leadership in the Army ensures the maintenance of focus, efficient use of resources and that people become more motivated which enables the achievement of the desired outcomes (Feltey & Madden, 2014). Effective leadership enables an organization to have an intelligible purpose, similar techniques and defined processes that facilitate its sustenance and mission accomplishment. Leaders enable organizations to balance uncertainty and remain flexible in addition to providing a climate where subordinates can look for alternatives solutions.
Attributes such as personal courage enables leaders to take the lead in order to make things happen as opposed to being merely optimistic without action (Peperone, 2004). Courage is also imperative in tacking issues regarding discipline and conducts that seem disorderly confronting problems of discipline and disorderly conduct and in instances where innovation and adaptation are required. In addition, it takes courage to defer a subordinate who is competent technically or to while freeing personnel and specific units to tackle conundrums (ADRP 6-22). An Army leader is required to be self-aware to enable him/her learn from their decisions and actions and receive guidance from the superiors which enable them to grow in confidence.
Levels of Leadership
Direct level leadership refers to the one-on-one type of leadership and is usually evident in organizations where juniors see and interact with their seniors all the time. Direct leaders are involved in the development of their subordinates on a one-on-one basis which facilitates them to experience less complexity and more certainty.
Organizational level leadership is a situation whereby leaders influence hundreds and thousands of people through subordinates and staff. They are involved in policy setting, management of myriad priorities and resources in addition to the establishment of a lifelong vision and also empowers others to execute their duties effectively. Given that leaders at this level work with more people, there possibility of greater uncertainty and less complexities is high.
Strategic level leadership include civilian and military leaders who are at the levels of major command through Department of Defense (ADRP 6-22). This caliber of leaders oversees big organizations and exert influence hundreds to thousands of people through the establishing force structure, resources allocation, communicating the long-term vision preparing of their orders to the army for the sake of the other roles to come in the future. Notably, despite the Army relying on many teams of leadership, organizational level of leadership is predominant given their duty in the endorsement of the long-term strategic vision which reaches ad affects all of the Army.
Foundations of Army Leader Character
Character which entails one’s principles of morality and ethics helps in the determination of what is right and motivates the leader in doing what is the most appropriate in any given situation. When Army leaders are ethically informed, they combine their principles with Army Values strengths and inspires them to always make the correct choices (ADRP 6-22). Character is imperative to competent leadership given that it facilitates the determination of people’s personality and their capability to discern what is wrong and right. In Army leadership, there are elements which are considered fundamental to leadership which include; Amy Values, discipline Warrior Ethos and service Ethos, and Empathy.
It is noteworthy that in the initial process of becoming leaders, soldiers possess myriad attributes and values most of which have little or no significance to the profession. When they take the oath to protect and defend the nation, they are subjected to rules commonly referred to as Army Values which consist of the principles that are fundamental for effective Army leadership. These Army Values are respect, loyalty, selfless service, personal courage , duty, integrity and honor.
References
Army Doctrine Publication (ADP) 6-22. (2012) Army Leadership. Headquarters, Department of the Army
Army Doctrine Reference Publication(ADRP) 6-22. (2012). Army Leadership. Headquarters, Department of the Army
Feltey, L. C. T. M., & Madden, C. J. F. (2014). The Challenge of Mission Command . Military Review .
Paparone, C. R. (2004). Deconstructing army leadership. Military Review , 84 (1), 2.
Sewell, G. F. (2009). Emotional intelligence: And the Army Leadership requirements model. Military Review , 89 (6), 93.
