Professional Development
Mission Command
Leadership
Orders
Responses: 3
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It's an American phenomenon to need to know the why. It's not a millennial thing, or a generational thing. Even Baron von Steuben noted when he was training the Congressional Army that Americans needed to be told explained the "why" and once they understood that, they would execute with enthusiasm.
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CW3 (Join to see)
I find the Baron von Steuben insight valuable. I do agree that needing to know the "why" could be an American phenomenon that leads to the methods that we become invested into completing assignments.
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SFC (Join to see)
CW3 (Join to see) I actually just learned that recently from an article about him someone posted on RP. Prior to that I would have said it's a generational thing. But it seems like the things that frustrated the baron are the same exact things that still piss off Platoon Sergeants to this day. I guess American Infantry is exactly the same throughout history
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There shouldn’t be a reason to ask why for the most part. Getting straight to the point and saying exactly what is expected, the only answer should be “Yes, sir,ma’am, Sgt, etc.” The why is because the Leadership has asked you to do the task, and the Platoon Sergeant/First Shirt/Platoon Leader asked you to do that task.
The thing is working with a volunteer force is they voluntarily signed the same contract and as long as the orders or commands are lawful there should be no why. Questioning what and how is fine, but the why is explained by saying “You Volunteered, and are getting paid to volunteer. What more explanation do you want.”
The thing is working with a volunteer force is they voluntarily signed the same contract and as long as the orders or commands are lawful there should be no why. Questioning what and how is fine, but the why is explained by saying “You Volunteered, and are getting paid to volunteer. What more explanation do you want.”
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A1C Lexas Granger
Also I do know this applies to the civilian life, but a similar situation applies.
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CW3 (Join to see)
I think conveying the why is important in order to enable personnel to take action in the absence of orders. If one is merely told to accomplish a task then they may not have the ability to exercise informed initiative once an opportunity presents itself. Additionally, providing a purpose, the "why", for an assigned task also shows that you as the leader have a vested interest and the impact that it can have on the organization as a whole.
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A1C Lexas Granger
CW3 (Join to see) I agree, however in critical situations where timing is important the why is meaningless. I remember guys over the radio communicating details detrimental for our job, and then there was “Carl” saying “Why?” Over the radio.
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