FOUNDATIONS OF ARMY LEADERSHIP (Essay Sample)

Foundation of Army Leadership Students Name Professors Name Course Title Date Outline * Introduction * Historical Context and Evolution * Loyalty to the Nation and the Constitution * Accountability * Conclusion Foundation of Army Leadership The purpose of the paper is to discuss the critical pillars of Army leadership that help in maintaining training readiness amidst a growingly complex and dynamic security landscape. The Army is a trusted profession that serves as the foundation for the security of the Nation. The core role of leadership makes the Army capable of accomplishing missions hence securing the country. Effectiveness of army leadership is grounded in the history and evolution by improving n the methods used by successful generals in the past. Further, it is based on accountability and loyalty to the constitution and the ever evolving army doctrine. Since the war situations change and the need for flexible command, Army leadership must be seamless and positioned to offer directions whenever they are needed for execution of military tasks. These three main ideas form the core of army leadership and must be adhered for success. The Army generates combat proficiency and readiness to win in any operational environment through emphasis and reinforcement of these fundamental foundations of leadership. Historical Context and Evolution The Army leadership has its roots firmly steeped in history. Leadership principles have been part and parcel of the development at the very outset of the Continental Army. “The first leadership concept is the Army Leadership Requirements Model (ALRM), which is an experience and history based model” which leverage history to form leadership styles (Kim, 2020, p. 14). Starting from George Washington to the leaders in the succeeding generations, like Dwight D. Eisenhower, they epitomize the constant evolution of leadership in the Army (Vine, 2021). Washington's leadership during the Revolutionary War laid the foundation for those values and principles by which future leaders would proceed. From the Civil War through the World Wars to more recent conflicts, the Army leadership continues to be shaped. For instance, strategic decision making and the ability to coordinate multinational forces characterized the playing field for General Eisenhower during World War II and sealed the victory for the Allied Forces (Vine, 2021). These historical experiences have shaped a leadership framework that is adaptive, resilient, and underpinned by deep knowledge of historical context and a sense of forward-looking vision. The changing principles of Army leadership can also be observed through the formation of formal programs of leadership training and education. Historical documents, such as Field Manual 6-22 (Leadership Development) of the Army, significantly spell out the attributes and proficiencies required of its leaders (Mills & Army War College, 2013). The manual presents lessons learned from previous conflicts and incorporates them into a cohesive leadership philosophy to prepare leaders for modern warfare. Loyalty to the Nation and the Constitution Loyalty in the Army is a deep devotion to the Nation and its fundamental law, the Constitution. This is not only expected but part of what is instilled in every soldier, starting with the oath of enlistment, which binds them to support and defend the Constitution. This oath provides a framework of trust and duty—in other words, loyalty. Loyalty manifests in the fifth “tenet of Army leader development consists of a strong commitment to development by the Army, superiors, and the individual” leading it (Kim, 2020, p. 17). Army's adherence to civilian military control, thus ensuring that it serves the Nation's best interest and democratic values. This aspect of loyalty is further reiterated within the Army's core values, such as duty, respect, and selfless service, all of which help soldiers act and decide daily. The Army views the concept of loyalty in a multidimensional way, extending to fellow soldiers, the chain of command, and the higher institution one serves. It instills a sense of brotherhood among fellow soldiers, coupled with mutual support, which instrumentalizes unit cohesion and effectiveness (Mills & Army War College, 2013). This bond is usually built through shared experiences and challenges during training and combat. Loyalty to the chain of command secures the smooth execution of orders, and there will be a line of responsibility and accountability. Loyalty to the institution of the Army with all its traditions is equally an essential ingredient of military leadership. This comes in the form of reverence for those historical events and figures that shaped the Army's identity. Ceremonials, rituals, symbols, and Jesus are central to institutional loyalty. Accountability The leaders or soldiers of the Army are held responsible for every action. This value is linked with the developing doctrine of the Army, which governs ethical and efficient leadership. This ensures that leaders are prepared to meet all the complexities of modern warfare to make decisions that reflect the Army's values and mission. Accountability is “rooted in higher moral and ethical codes required of military professionals” to always account for the duties they deliver (Kim, 2020, 42). On the issues or people “who threaten the rights of others are entitled to just treatment according to law, regulations, and rules of engagement’” to enhance accountability (Headquarters Department of The Army (2019, p. 22). The policies—for example, of the Army Leadership Requirements Model—further support this by stating what attributes and competencies a leader should provide, reinforcing this accountability (Meerits & Kivipõld, 2020). It does, therefore, place immense emphasis on leaders having to be persons of strong character, proficient in their roles, and able to create a positi...