Leadership and Why it is Imperative to Enforce Rules and Regulations Essay

Leadership and Why it is Imperative to Enforce Rules and Regulations Set in Place - Essay Example The military culture is a unique environment that fosters leadership in each soldier as a consequence of traditions, standard sets of values and ideals and norms of conduct established over a long series of generation of a nation. In other words, leadership is nurture, not nature. Since a military leader operates within a dynamic and politically sensitive environment, it is important that a military leader must influence each and every member of his chain of command to accomplish missions with a sense of purpose, direction and motivation. Military leaders in all levels must be able to effectively communicate, coordinate and negotiate with different individuals and groups representing various organizations within and outside the government, as well as with the local and international media. It could not be more emphasized that a nation’s sovereignty and security depends on a strong military leadership. Military leadership, in peacetime and war alike, must also be solidly ground ed on moral responsibility and selfless service by placing the welfare and needs of the people above all else. It is the kind of leadership that heavily invests on the performance of duties to the nation with the highest of integrity and even at the expense of personal sacrifice by every soldier. A good soldier knows this; he understands the strategic implications of his actions and behaviors on national objectives and takes a professional oath to that effect. And like every professional, a soldier as a leader must remain competent and functional in their designated fields, especially in the midst of fast-paced information and technological advances, and must be thoroughly knowledgeable on the constantly changing national policies, laws, and rules of engagement, as it spells the difference between the life and death. Since a military leader must mobilize his subordinates as a cohesive team, he must develop and ensure a positive command atmosphere to encourage honesty and confidence within each member of the team enough to build trust that their personal wellbeing are being seriously taken care of as well. Although a military leader should not be also afraid to exercise their authority to punish their subordinates who behave counter to unit tasks and standards that may compromise their objectives and missions. The nature of leadership in the military is therefore a continuous and progressive process defined by careful and methodical planning and strategy. The process of cultivating leadership in every soldier starts by proper training and education. Numerous military academies all over the world vigorously prepare the best and the brightest students for a military career by offering specialized courses specifically designed to prepare each student for their chosen branch of service upon graduation in direct response to the need of their respective nations. Such institutions play a key role in instilling values such as loyalty, respect, honor, and commitment int o aspiring soldiers from the beginning aside from honing their tactical and technical skills as warfighters, which would serve them well in time particularly in the frontlines of battle. As developing leaders, soldiers must learn how to always anticipate and manage sudden changes followed by the ability to act quickly and decisively under pressure. Soldiers assuming leadership roles must first determine what is expected of himself and his team, to assess the