The Military Leadership By John Keegan

The movie “Twelve O’ Clock High” is a case study in the application of leadership theory during World War Two. Gregory Peck portrays Brigadier General Savage, a United States Army Air Force officer thrust into a situation that requires a maximum effort both on the ground and in the air as he attempts to re-invigorate an undisciplined, anxiety ridden, and ineffective combat unit. Throughout the movie we observe Peck’s character employing a variety of leadership methods, but ultimately discovering that true combat effectiveness and cohesion is accomplished through a

The purpose of this paper is to address how I, SSG Schumacher, have identified Major Robert Rogers as a legacy leader and a leader of influence in my military career as a non-commissioned officer and member of the military intelligence community. This paper will cover three main topics in which I will first discuss a brief history of the life of Major Rogers. Then, his impact on the evolution of warfare and leadership attributes on the United States Army. Finally, I will discuss how his leadership attributes led to him making an impact on the military today and Soldiers such as myself.

General Tommy Franks defines well practiced leadership and superior intelligence for combat decision making. His personal values and character define how all Army leaders should lead their men. General Franks practices the Army Values religiously and sets an example for courage and commitment. His successful accomplishments will be addressed in this essay, including how the Warrior Ethos and Army values were displayed by his decisions.

Every Marine knows that we fight for each other and nothing will ever come between the brotherhood of Marines. The book Leading Marines talks about three major keys Ethos, Foundation, and Challenges of the United States Marine Corps.

Out of the several million definitions of leadership we have to guide us, author and veteran Anton Myrer’s definition is one that is highly esteemed by many. In his memorable war novel, “Once an Eagle”, Myrer is not preachy, but instead uses two characters of vastly different leadership styles to allow the reader interpret and apply leadership principles on their own. Even now with the novel set in the early 1900’s to the 1960’s, Sam Damon and Courteney Massengale, its fictional leaders, are useful examples for aspiring leaders in the Army such as myself to follow. My interpretation after reading “Once an Eagle” has confirmed what I know about being in a leadership position, what it requires of me, and where I must grow.

From a fiercely brave General, who strictly enforces customs, bravery, formalities, and success; to a General with a lighthearted-mood, down to earth attitude, a steadfast courage, and a integrity and decency to lead the nations of the world into battle; while both these legendary Generals fought on the same side, both General S. Patton and General D. Eisenhower were distinctly different Generals. This paper seeks to outline the differences and similarities between the two Generals by taking a close look at their lives, and the impacts they had on WWII.

When people think about Dwight D. Eisenhower, they immediately point to his command over the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), give him accolades for winning the war in Germany, and place special emphasis on his contributions to Operation Overlord. However most individuals never think beyond this point. How was a Colonel with no combat experience promoted to General and tasked to lead over the other notable combat commanders in Europe? This essay will explain why General Eisenhower was a visionary and ethical leader whose attributes fused the Allies into one integrated unit that enhanced their combat effectiveness in the European Theater of Operations. It will put his visionary leadership on display by discussing how Eisenhower believed diversity is a military necessity when he incorporating Generals from multiple allied nations into his senior staff. Then explain how he set an example for all subordinates to follow through idealized influence. Next, it will discuss how Eisenhower displayed healthy skepticism and avoided the ethical trap of loyalty syndrome by aggregating and investigating information during the Battle of the Bulge and removing resources from a field commander who failed to maneuver before the enemy. Additionally, personal relevance will be incorporated as I discus how I used the visionary leadership characteristics of diversity is a military necessity and idealized influence to effectively select personnel for our

First published in 1987, The Leadership Challenge is a guide for becoming leader. The book received many awards and its above two million copies are internationally sold. The book teaches principles of leadership that apply whether the leader is running a sports team or a fortune 500 organization. The book includes stories and examples of many leaders from micro to macro level (Founders and Authors, 2013). The basic leadership principles can be adopted by anyone to challenge status quo and increase leader productivity multifold. The book tells about the flow and hierarchy of values too (Machedo, 2013). One can use the guide without an instructor to develop leadership traits.

“Napoleon practiced extreme centralization of authority. The Emperor was his own operations officer and made all decisions” (Rothenberg, 66-67). Clausewitz pronounced Napoleon as the ‘god of war’ and his tactical and operational successes, particularly between 1805-1807, are described as that of a military genius (Clausewitz, 583, 648). The command and control system he had in place was adequate when he was present, but “when his armies operated in widely separated theaters of war, or over an extended front, his attempts to maintain strategic control failed” (Rothenberg, 67). The strategic overreach of the Grand Army coupled with an increasing inability to trust his senior army and naval flag officers during decisive battles exploited the weakness of his system of centralized command and control. This manifested itself in 1812 when the Grand Army was fighting on two fronts at opposite ends of the continent, as evidenced by unsuccessful operational outcomes and significant battlefield

My leadership philosophy revolves entirely around the Army Values. In every action I take as a leader, I assess whether or not it lines up with the Army Values and the potential impacts. I have had a variety of leadership assignments during my career, all requiring a different leadership approach, spanning from team leader through platoon sergeant. My conflict resolution skills have greatly evolved through my twelve years in the Army, from rudimentary conversations to in depth problem solving. My professional development has had a profound effect on my leadership abilities, from NCOPD’s to mentorship from senior non-commissioned officers (NCO’s).

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done, because he wants to do it”. -34th President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Mission command belongs to the Army’s list of seven war fighting functions. While the other six of the Army’s war fighting functions specifically align to the application of combat power, mission command applies to leadership and its application. Mission command redefines the old construct of C2, command and control, by morphing the ideology into two distinct thoughts, the art of command and the science of control. Although mission command is a relatively new concept, it’s principles and application transcend time. This paper examines General Robert E. Lee’s application of the mission command principles at the Battle of Gettysburg.

John Keegan is a British military historian, lecturer. He is also author of The Mask of Command (London, 1987). Keegan is best known for his comprehensive works on military history, with particular focus on military figures and battles from fourteenth through twenty-first centuries. Keegan is also known for uncovering the psychology used in battle. In that respect, Keegan points out effectively the technical aspects of warfare, particularly relates to Alexander the Great, Arthur Wellesley Wellington, U.S. Grant, and Adolph Hitler in the Mask of Command. The Mask of Command separated into five parts. Although each part is separate unto itself, the parts are frequently referenced in other areas in term of comparison. Although The Mask of Command was written 30 years ago, it continues to stand up as an excellent examination of military leadership for the general reader. Each leader is analyzed as a product of the society they are raised in, and why they were so successful based on the political/military system they were born into and used. His book’s main theme is how character of generalship over two thousand years of Western history is changed. In that case, he uses four case studies of Alexander the Great, the Duke of Wellington, Ulysses Grant and Adolf Hitler, to support his thesis, and he points out numerous historical comparisons to widen the study 's focus.

John Keegan, author of The Mask of Command (London, 1987), is a British military historian, lecturer. Keegan is best known for his comprehensive works on military history, with particular focus on military figures and battles from fourteenth through twenty-first centuries. Keegan also worked on uncovering the psychology which was used in battle. In that respect, in the Mask of Command, Keegan points out effectively the broad aspects of warfare. The Mask of Command breaks into five parts. These include Alexander the Great, Arthur Wellesley Wellington, U.S. Grant, and Adolph Hitler parts. Each part is separate, but the parts are frequently compared each others. Each part gives excellent examination of military leadership. By these

Leadership is defined as the ability to accomplish a set goal(s) due to the act of inspiring and motivating a group of your peers. Former United States president Dwight D. Eisenhower made famous a quote that stated, “Leadership consists of nothing but taking responsibility for everything that goes wrong and giving your subordinates credit for everything that goes well.” (Notable-quotes.com). One of the most important aspects of the work area is leadership. Without leadership, there will be no guidance to for teamwork and the percentage of successful goal will be slim to none. Becoming a great leader is no easy feat however. An exceptional leader must lock in on specific attributes such as intellect, moral character, and human