Do military leaders practice force management enough at every level?

SGT James Elphick — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 18:04:18 -0500

I've been reflecting on my own service and on the many discussions and posts here on Rallypoint and an interesteing thought occured to me. While the military trains leaders in leadership is there enough emphasis on management as well? I think there is an important distinction between leading troops and managing troops. So I wonder if our leaders conduct effective force management, that is, with the human resources at hand do they identify the right personnel for each job under their command?

Response by SPC Tesha Gaither made Jan 15 at 2015 6:25 PM

SPC Tesha Gaither — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 18:25:30 -0500

In my experience a leader needs both. If you are great at managment you may still be a terrible leader. I've had leaders that had a managment degree but couldn't lead anything. He was always busy trying to make the army a business and it really isn't. You need to lead your troops in the right direction. You are a leader for a reason. But you need to know how to manage as well. I think there is a balance between the two.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 6:26 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 18:26:04 -0500

I see that as part of leadership, SGT James Elphick, but I do get your point. In the Army, force management has another meaning (the force in general, it's akin to personnel management).

I think a good leader does treat his/her people as as a valuable resource and must manage the force at hand to bring the Soldiers along and to accomplish the mission.