Combat Leadership: Does It Require Different Traits and Skills Than Managerial or Peacetime Leadership

Abstract

Remarks on the problem of studying leadership and the lack of emphasis on combat leadership in curricula of today's military schools is followed by an explanation of the analysis used in the paper. A list of leadership traits essential for military leaders is given including a brief explanation of each one. Five famous senior combat leaders of the past are examined closely to see if they exhibited the traits listed as well as what they may have regarded as the necessary skills and traits for successful leadership. The conflict between managers and heroic leaders is discussed and how each concept fits with the military's need for combat leaders. The importance of the leadership traits identified with the five combat leaders for future military leaders is discussed. Some ways to develop these traits in young officers and future leaders are suggested.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA217500

Entities

People

  • Robert Mabus

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Counter WMD
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Aircrafts
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Business Administration
  • Curriculum
  • Military Education
  • Military History
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Science
  • New York
  • Schools
  • Students
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.