Leadership in the Military Leadership is all around us. It is used in different ways that we do not realize. There are two different areas in which leadership is exposed, in the civilian world and military world. These two areas are considerably different in the way things are looked at, but within the military, it is to the point. The definition of leadership, in my opinion, is one who leads and instructs a group of people to achieve a common goal. The United States Air Force defines leadership almost he same, but has taken it to the next level.
In the Air Force leadership manual, it says, “Leadership is the art and science of influencing and directing people to accomplish the assigned mission” (Boogieman, p. 22). This highlights two fundamental elements of leadership. The first is the mission, objective, or task to be accomplished, and the second is the people who accomplish it. Effective leadership transforms human potential into effective performance in the present and prepares capable leaders in the future (Boogieman p. 2).
General Ronald R. Boogieman, Former Chief of Staff of the U. S. Air Force, once said “Leadership does not equal command, but all commanders should be leaders” (Coleman p. 6). This means that any person can be a leader and can positively influence those around him or her to accomplish the mission, but the person must have the desire to become a leader. A person must have their core values in line to become a leader. The United States Air Force core values are great examples of doing just hat.
Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. These core values will shape a person to become a leader in the military by the decisions he or she will make and the actions he or she will perform. Some people say that leaders are born. Some say that leaders are made. In the military, they say that leaders are born, but need training to let their leadership abilities flourish (Coleman p. 6). With this method, this helps men and women in the military find heir inner selves and will become great leaders in the future.
