ROTC: AFP/Military Leadership

• The history of warfare teaches us the quality of Leadership exercised within a military unit - very frequently determines the failure of that unit in its assigned mission.

  Leadership - involves the personal relation of one person to another, the ability of a Commander to use his personality to directly influence his subordinates to accomplish a mission. 
• Military Leadership - an art or process of influencing men in such a manner as to accomplish the mission by providing purpose, direction and motivation.

  Leadership Traits - Personal qualities that are direct value to the Commander in gaining the willing obedience, conference, respect and loyal cooperation of his men in accomplishing a mission.
• Leadership Principles - Fundamental guidelines for the selection of appropriate action and orders in the proper exercise of the Command.

  Command - Authority which a person in the Military service lawfully exercises over subordinates by virtue of Ranks and assignments/position.

  Leadership - process whereby an individual directs, guide,

  influences or control the thoughts, feeling or behavior of others.
• II. Basic Responsibilities of a Commander

         a.  Accomplishment of the Mission

         b.  Welfare of the men
• III. Role of a Leader

  1. As a model soldier and commander.
  2. As an instructor.
  3. As a personal technician.
  4. As a custodian of men’s welfare.
• IV. Values of Military Professional Ethics

  1. Loyalty to the ideals of the nation.
  2. Loyalty to the unit.
  3. Personal responsibility.
  4. Selfless service
• V. Basic Styles of Leadership

  1. AUTHORITATIVE - A dictatorial type of leadership where a single person makes the entire decisions. Clear expectations; causes the most discontent in any establishment.
  2. PARTICIPATIVE – A democratic leadership style that is participatory and it is the most effective form of leadership.
  3. DELEGATIVE – A leader can't do every single thing alone. A leader must learn to organize his priorities and delegate tasks and decisions to others while taking the final responsibility. 
• VI. Leadership traits 

  BEARING - exemplary general appearance, manner, upright carriage, deportment & conduct w/c establishes the standard affecting others; reflects alertness, energy, competence & confidence.

  COURAGE - mental quality that recognizes fear of danger, threat/criticism, but proceeds with calmness & firmness; Control over fear, accepts responsibility & acts properly.
• DECISIVENESS - A positive, timely, objective, and sound approach, analysis and evaluation of other opinions

  DEPENDABILITY - Proper performance of duty, a quality a leader must develop. A dependable leader can be relied upon w/ willing effort.

  ENDURANCE -  mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain fatigue, stress and hardship is a kin to courage.

  ENTHUSIASM - display of sincere interest and zeal in the performance of duty; optimistic & cheerful
• INITIATIVE - Taking action in the absence of orders. Respect & trust is developed for meeting new & unexpected situations with prompt action.

  INTEGRITY - The  uprightness and soundness of moral principles, the quality of truthfulness and honesty. A leader who is unreliable or has questionable integrity has no place in the military.

  JUDGEMENT - ability to logically weigh facts and possible solution on which to be sound decision. Anticipation of situation, avoidance of hasty decisions, and the application of common sense will insure success
• JUSTICE - Giving every his due, being equitable, impartial and consistent in  bestowing  awards  and  punishment. Firmness and fairness, without  favoritism is an essential Quality of a leader.

  KNOWLEDGE - Acquired the information/knowledge of the job/men; the ability to create self confidence within the leader himself.

  LOYALTY - quality of faithfulness  to country,  the Army, seniors, subordinates and peers. The confidence and respect that can be gained from superior and subordinate is immeasurable.
• TACT - ability to deal with others respectfully, encouraging courteous treatment in return.

  UNSELFISHNESS - Avoids providing his own comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others.
• VII.  Leadership principles

  1. Know yourself and seek self-improvement 

  2. Be technically and tactically proficient 

  3. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your  action  

  4. Make sound and timely decisions  

  5. Set the example

  6. Know your men and look out for their welfare   

  7. Keep your men informed   

  8. Develop a sense of responsibility in your subordinates  

  9. Insure that the task is understood, supervised and accomplished  

  10. Train your men as a team   

  11. Employ your unit in accordance with its capabilities.
• VIII. Techniques of a Good Leadership

  A.  Understanding your man

  1.  Study the problem of personal adjustment.

  2. Be familiar with the psychological principles of human behavior that make each one of us a unique person.

  3.  Analyze your men objectively and w/o personal bias.

  B.  Aim for Military Efficiency

  1.  Proficiency concentrate in increasing our physical, mental and technical capabilities.

  2.  Discipline prompt and willing obedience to all orders

  3.  Morale watch over your subordinates state of mind and feelings.