Introduction
Leadership is a term that refers to the process of motivating and directing people to achieve common goals. It can also be defined as the ability of an individual or group to influence, motivate, and direct others to achieve success (Ciulla, 2020). Army leadership is often associated with strong personality traits such as charisma, assertiveness, and determination. However, the army profession is also based on teamwork and communication principles to support unit members. Leadership is an important factor in the army that allows leaders to help their teams succeed by setting an example, providing guidance, and helping them learn new skills.
Attributes of an Army Leader
Charisma is a controversial attribute that requires army leaders to connect with their teams. They need to be able to convey a message of hope and motivation, and they must be able to inspire their troops. Assertiveness attribute applauds army leaders for being strong-willed and confident to make decisions quickly. They must stand up for what they believe in, no matter how unpopular the decision may seem. Under the attribute of determination, army leaders must have a burning desire for success, no matter the cost. They must be able to stay focused in the face of difficult challenges. Lastly, the attribute on leadership skills claims that army leaders must be able to motivate their team, provide guidance, and manage their resources effectively. They also need to be able to make quick decisions under pressure.
Army Character
Integrity is at the core of Army leadership, and leaders must be honest and committed to the profession’s values. They must also be able to set high standards for their troops and be willing to hold them accountable. Respect is essential in any military organization, and soldiers should feel confident that their leaders will treat them with dignity and respect. All army members expect exemplary performance, so leaders must create an environment that encourages individual accomplishment while maintaining team integrity. In addition, the army is committed to excellence, which means meeting or exceeding the highest standards set by its predecessors and competitors. Leaders must continually strive to improve their skills and techniques to meet expectations. Lastly, army leadership must have a deep understanding and empathy for the members of their unit to lead them effectively. They must be able to put themselves in the shoes of their subordinates, understand their motivations and empathize with them.
Levels of Army Leadership
There are three levels of army Leadership in the United States: the highest level is General, and the next two levels are Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel. The lowest level is Sergeant. Each level has different responsibilities and requirements. For example, a General must be able to lead a team and make decisions quickly, while a Colonel must have experience leading troops in battle. Levels of army leadership also vary based on which branch of the military they serve. For example, ground forces typically have more Colonels than Lieutenant Colonels, while the Air Force has more Lieutenant Colonels than Colonels.
Leadership versus Management of Army
Army leadership and the profession in the United States can be best described as a mix of both. Army leaders are typically considered commanders who lead units and troops in combat, while managers handle day-to-day operations. Leaders and managers play important roles in carrying out army missions. However, there are notable differences between how these two roles are performed within the army. For example, commanders typically have more autonomy and responsibility than managers do. This means that commanders are typically more involved in planning and directing combat operations, while managers oversee the day-to-day operations of army units.
The Cadet Command Leadership Development Program
The Cadet Command Leadership Development Program (CCLDP) is a leadership development program designed to help cadets develop the skills necessary to be successful leaders. The CCLDP provides cadets with opportunities to participate in various programs that focus on developing leadership skills and promoting teamwork (National Academy of Sciences, 2022). These programs include exercises and simulations that help cadets learn how to lead teams and manage resources. The CCLDP also provides cadets with opportunities to participate in conferences and workshops focusing on specific leadership topics. This helps cadets learn how to address challenges they may encounter while leading a team effectively.
Conclusion
Leadership is an important factor in the army that allows leaders to help their teams succeed by setting an example, providing guidance, and helping them learn new skills. Leaders in the army must be able to set high standards, maintain team integrity and foster a positive environment for their troops. The military is committed to excellence, which means that leaders must continually strive to improve their skills and techniques to meet the expectations of their superiors and troops alike. The army requirements must be met to qualify for the leadership role, including strong leadership skills and experience leading troops in combat. Army leadership and the profession in the United States is a mix of both commander-led and manager-led approaches. This reflects that leaders and managers play important roles in army missions. The CCLDP is designed to help cadets develop the skills necessary to be successful leaders. This program provides cadets with various opportunities to learn how to lead teams and manage resources, which will help them become successful officers in the United States army.
References
Ciulla, J. B. (2020). Leadership and the problem of bogus empowerment. The Search for Ethics in Leadership, Business, and Beyond, 177–195.
National Academy of Sciences. (2022). U.S. Army futures command research program realignment. The Cadet Command Leadership Development Program.