Why should all Soldiers be leaders?

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 09:45:20 -0500

Why should all Soldiers be leaders? Is there no place for a GOOD soldier who is simply good at following those who have the skill set to lead? Different folk have different gifts. It stands to reason that if the Army has leaders, it must also have followers. Please consider that this may be a "Devil's Advocate" question intended to spark discussion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 9:48 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 09:48:11 -0500

Simply put, you're always one bullet away from being in the next higher position.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 9:51 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 09:51:43 -0500

Every Soldier needs to be a good follower. Good followers make great leaders. That is not to say you should go blindly into the dark. There are times when we need to question the validity of our orders. You may still need to execute the order if it is not illegal or imoral, however, we should all be looking back to see if those were the right choice and learn and grow from them. So should every Soldier be a leader - YES - that is one of the foundations of the Army - if needed the lowest private should be able to take charge and accomplish the mission.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 10:02 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 10:02:19 -0500

Not every Soldier is a good leader, and not every Soldier should be culled to be a leader. I would love to see us go back to the days of Technical Sergeants or Specialist (5-9). These ranks could be for those fields or Soldiers who are technically proficient but aren't "leaders." Having deployed with an ESC and having been in the G1, I've seen clear examples of NCOs who aren't leaders but are very good at their jobs. They ended up treating "their" Soldiers more like children than like the adults they are.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 4:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:21:59 -0400

Most of the time I tell soldiers "Don't think, just execute". Makes it easier on both ends. We all know that one Pvt or someone that said "Well I thought I would do this"... and something gets messed up! Though I do commend soldiers taking initiative to do things. to be a good leader you must also be a good follower.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 4:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:26:31 -0400

Too many Chiefs, not enough Indians.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 4:30 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 16:30:50 -0400

Rephrase, why shouldn't all service members be leaders?