The Army, Air Force, Navy and Military Police are not average industries. But a military leader is in many ways similar to a manager in civil society in terms of leadership methods. Because even in Defense, cadaver discipline does not reach much of the subordinates, and you cannot optimally conduct a military operation in a war situation. Although, of course, dangerous situations can arise during combat operations that require specific military skills.
What is leadership
Man is by nature a social being. That is why he is focused on a life in a group. The group is stimulated by a pursuit of a common goal, which cannot be achieved without leadership. Leadership is the art of influencing people’s behavior and directing them toward a goal by gaining their trust, respect, willing obedience, and faithful cooperation.
The military leader
The military commander is responsible for:
- The most correct possible execution of his military-technical assignment, the technical process.
- The interpersonal process, so that he can inspire his people and form them into a team.
The commander must make the common goal clear to the subordinates. He must put the right person in the right place. He must use them as productively as possible, to make maximum use of their capabilities and knowledge. Information is important, so that everyone understands the how and why of the assignment.
Relationship between leader and group
The leader must also be internally accepted and strive for good relations. He should be seen as the number one of the group, and not just based on his stripes and stars. There can hardly be any real coercion under difficult circumstances. Sanctions in the form of punishment can only positively promote performance to a limited extent. The leader’s influence through reasonable and emotional means has a more positive influence. He must not only convince his subordinates with arguments, but also inspire and stimulate them by setting a good example and by appealing to feelings of loyalty and self-esteem, etc. In a modern army, where everyone in every rank bears responsibility, the leader must emphasize the co-responsibility of everyone.
Motivation
Motivation is the whole of motives, drives and objectives that leads someone to voluntarily accept his task. Leadership is only efficient when the commander has the gift of conviction. The motivation must make it clearly acceptable to the subordinate why he is called to his task and which values depend on his actual efforts. Every result that the leader is able to achieve with regard to motivation is a profit. Every further result that the leader wishes to achieve depends on the extent to which this motivation resonates with the subordinate. Only through motivation will people come to see the organizational interests as their own interests. Collaboration, solidarity and inner discipline will be the result.
Combat readiness of subordinates
Readiness to fight is understood to mean:
The man’s spiritual attitude, obtained by instilling the right military mentality, that he is internally prepared to dedicate himself to his country, his people and his achievements under the heaviest physical and mental tests .
Combat readiness can be increased by:
- The good example of the commander.
- Good information on various topics.
- Creating conditions in which the group structure and group spirit can and are expressed.
- Creating confidence in management and equipment.
Other duties of the military leader
- As an instructor, the training of his subordinates must be such that everyone has the required military skills.
- As a confidant, the leader must be able to absorb and resolve unsatisfied material and spiritual needs of his subordinates. Recognition and appreciation are essential factors. This keeps group spirit and morale high.
- The military leader must be able to delegate (responsibilities).
Combat responses
It is important that the commander knows the normal combat reactions, such as fear and combat exhaustion. Mental disorders can occur in a soldier as a result of acts of war, which are mainly caused by the fact that he can no longer control his fear. This can happen when he is physically weakened due to fatigue, stress, lack of sleep, hunger, thirst, etc. However, high morale can enable the soldier to resist his fear, thus preventing battle exhaustion.
It is therefore important that the military leader ensures:
- Good leadership.
- Setting a good example.
- Cultivating and maintaining high morale and good group spirit.
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