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What Are The Essentials Of Effective War Command

By Michelle Howe


Leaders in war, whether officers commanding a platoon on the front line in battle, or a general making plans for the deployment of a whole army, are faced with a range of testing tactical and strategic issues. Dealing with them in a way which provides guidance and inspiration to troops is very difficult indeed. Only certain types of personalities can cope with the demands of being war command.

Firstly, it is a good idea to define what leadership of this kind is looking to achieve. Good leaders have the ability to inspire a group of people, who are often disparate in their mentalities and characters, to work together to achieve a common goal. Without leadership, very little which requires teamwork can be accomplished; a leader has to bind a group together and keep them on track.

This means that the first prerequisite for being a good military leader is to have a sharp intellect. Without good basic intelligence, it is unlikely that any military leader operating in any era would be successful. Not having the necessary intelligence makes every part of the process of leadership more difficult, whether that be in terms of planning, analysis or psychology.

A good commander must also possess empathy, the ability to understand human behaviour by putting himself into the situation of other people. A good leader should be able to second-guess his opponents as well as motivate his own troops. The ability to be able to envisage multiple different outcomes to a situation based on how people might react is an attribute which is invaluable for military leaders.

Indecision is one quality which no military should ever have. Prevaricating does an officer no favours, whether they are on the front line or developing tactical responses from a back office. Acting decisively is vital in warfare, and there is little time to consider and mull over decisions when lives are at stake.

Coupled to decisiveness is an ability to remain calm when under the most intense pressure. Despite the mayhem around him or her, a good commander can always give an impression of being calm and in control. Being able to take the emotion out of situations and remain calm enough to make rational and considered decisions is something every great commander has the ability to do.

Military knowledge is also invaluable, and not simply the basics of military training. Officers should have a good grasp of military history, as well as theory and the latest developments. Reading widely around military subjects and more general political and historical subjects will help any commander to improve their skills, as well as their ability to adapt to constantly evolving situations.

War command is a testing task which requires individuals with very high personal qualities. Successful commanders are intelligent and empathetic, well-read and able to understand psychology. Not everyone is suited to the role, such are its specific and demanding requirements of intellect, character and mindset.




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