The company assembled for the ceremony in scorching heat. Thirty days into their deployment to Iraq, the troopers in the compound were looking forward to the award of their combat patches—or, more formally, the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service, which recognized soldiers’ participation in combat operations. Now proven veterans of a famous division, they looked forward to wearing its storied colors for the rest of their service. A proud anticipation rippled through the formation.
Soon, a lieutenant, the company executive officer, approached the formation. Calling the troops to attention, he announced, “On my command, squad leaders will move down their squads and present the combat patch.” Apart from the troops themselves, the square was empty.
Suddenly, the brigadier general appeared. Calling a halt to the proceedings, he asked the executive officer, “Where is the commander?” Somewhat embarrassed, the executive officer replied, “He’s in his office.” “Go get him,” the general ordered. “And bring the first sergeant, too.”
Moments later, the small group huddled, in full view of the unit. Quietly but firmly, the general spoke.
“Captain, I don’t know what you were thinking, but whatever you’re doing right now isn’t as important as this ceremony. Many of your soldiers will never serve in a combat operation again; they will complete their service and go back into civilian life. This is one of the biggest days of their lives. And you couldn’t be bothered to be here.”
He continued. “Where are the battalion and brigade commanders and command sergeants major? Were they even invited? Where is the photographer? Why did you schedule the ceremony in the heat of the day? It’s over 120 degrees!”
His jaw set, he turned to the first sergeant. “And you, of all people, should know better. I’m disappointed in you. And you can bet your troopers are, too.”
With that, he turned on his heel, took charge of the formation, and moved down the line to personally present each soldier with the combat patch, pausing for a few words with each one. To this day, veterans of the unit tell the tale. They would face many more long months of danger and toil. But that memory stands out as a treasured highlight, not only of the deployment, but of their Army service.
Learn by Example
Where does good leadership come from? Experts of all sorts have examined this topic from a multitude of academic, psychological and intellectual perspectives. But good leaders learn mostly by experience and through the example of others, both good and bad.
From that foundation, young leaders can begin to master the fundamentals: know your trade; lead by example; treat others—seniors, peers and subordinates—with dignity and respect; make your word your bond; be brave, both physically and morally. Be a servant leader who places the mission and the welfare of your soldiers first and yourself last.
Caring Leads to Winning
But it all begins with love of soldiers. Without it, a leader may advance in rank but will never command the respect and willing obedience that wins in battle. Each young trooper represents a gift—an offering to the nation of the most precious thing a mother or father has in the world. All have signed a contract of unlimited liability, agreeing to place their lives and futures on the line when called. No leader can ask for more. On the day of battle, we win or lose based on our soldiers, not ourselves.
And battle is the whole point. As Maj. Gen. C.F. Smith said early in the Civil War, “Battle is the ultimate to which the whole life’s labor of an officer should be directed. He may live to the age of retirement without seeing a battle; still, he must always be getting ready for it as if he knew the hour and the day it is to break upon him. And then, whether it come late or early, he must be willing to fight—he must fight!”
In an uncertain and dangerous world, those words remain as true as ever. In every generation, the Army has been called to battle and will be again. When it does, soldiers will bear the brunt and the burden more than any other. It is their courage and determination, not ours, that will carry the day.
This is why, for my money, the first and best of all leader attributes is love of soldiers. If you’re a leader and don’t have it—you’re in the wrong business.
Col. R.D. Hooker Jr., U.S. Army retired, is a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, Washington, D.C. A career infantry officer, he commanded a parachute infantry battalion in Kosovo and the Sinai, and a parachute brigade in Baghdad. A former dean of the NATO Defense College, Rome, he also served as aide-de-camp to the secretary of the Army. His latest book is The Good Captain: A Personal Memoir of America at War.