Final answer:
Military leaders are expected to strike a balance between humanity and discipline, drawing from traditions that associate strong leadership with military success. They must foster unity, insist on obedience, and prepare soldiers through structured training to build a disciplined and effective force.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Army doctrine, leaders must exhibit certain qualities and fulfill specific roles to be effective. Leadership in the military context often draws upon the tradition of associating strong leadership with military prowess. This has been a common trait throughout human history, where the leader commonly was the best warrior and responsible for the safety of their people. In times of war, crisis, or threat, this perception is especially pronounced. Additionally, charismatic leaders without traditional legitimacy often rely on their military success to maintain power.
To be effective, military leaders must balance humanity and iron discipline, as per the saying that treating soldiers with humanity but keeping them under strict control is a sure path to victory. The discipline and unity of an army are formed through structured environments like basic training, where soldiers bond and learn to follow orders. Unity, discipline, and the confidence of a leader in their troops, correlated with the insistence on obedience, can lead to mutual gains and a well-disciplined force.
The President, as Commander in Chief, embodies the pinnacle of military leadership in the United States and exemplifies the significant role leadership plays in the structure and effectiveness of military forces. Leaders in the military must command with decisiveness, foster respect and obedience through confidence and discipline, and ensure that soldiers are adequately prepared for the challenges they will face.