Setting the Example Is Not Enough

After a year of training, a college graduate with no military background whatsoever can close order drill, employ multiple weapons systems, establish a defense, call for fire, communicate in a tactical environment, lead a convoy, write a fitness report, and perform in their MOS. If a lieutenant fails an event or needs to be counseled, his staff platoon commander often brings in the student chain of command and holds the student staff equally as responsible as the actual offender. Teaching junior officers how to balance their leadership responsibilities with moments of bonding and shared suffering will help them handle the significant workload required of a platoon commander. Specific lessons and guidance would need to be tailored to their target audience, but the core takeaways remain the same: leaders can empower their teams to accomplish more by giving subordinates the support, training, and space necessary for success.