In any organization, the quality of leadership can vary. The Army is no exception. Soldiers may encounter leaders who are irresponsible or incompetent, but this does not absolve them of their own responsibilities to uphold the Army's core values and various creeds. In fact, it makes these principles even more crucial.
Core Values as a Guiding Light
When faced with poor leadership, the Seven Army Core Values serve as a moral and ethical compass. Loyalty to the unit and mission remains paramount, even if the leader is lacking. Duty calls for Soldiers to fulfill their responsibilities efficiently, irrespective of the inefficiencies that may surround them. Integrity becomes even more vital, as Soldiers must maintain their honesty and moral principles, even when they are not reciprocated.
The Various Creeds: A Multi-Faceted Approach
Soldier's Creed and Warrior's Ethos
The Soldier's Creed and the Warrior's Ethos provide a framework for individual conduct. "I will always place the mission first, I will never accept defeat, I will never quit..." These lines are not conditional on competent leadership; they are unconditional commitments each Soldier makes.
NCO Creed
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) have a unique role as both followers and leaders. The NCO Creed emphasizes the importance of professionalism and the welfare of Soldiers. An NCO under poor leadership must still strive for these ideals, serving as a buffer between ineffective leaders and junior Soldiers.
Ranger Creed
For Rangers, the stakes are even higher. The Ranger Creed calls for leading by example, a principle that becomes crucial when higher leadership is lacking. "Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle..." This is a commitment to excellence that transcends the quality of one's superiors.
Officer's Creed
Officers must maintain a standard of excellence as outlined in their creed. Even under poor senior leadership, the Officer's Creed serves as a guide for how to lead, nurture, and develop their subordinates.
Civilian's Creed
Civilian employees in the Army also have a role to play. Their creed emphasizes loyalty, respect, and selfless service, principles that remain important regardless of the competence of the military leadership around them.
Soldier's Responsibilities in the Face of Poor Leadership
Voice Concerns Appropriately: Utilize the chain of command to voice concerns. This is not disloyalty but a duty to improve the organization.
Maintain Professionalism: Continue to perform duties to the best of your ability. Your commitment is to the mission and your fellow Soldiers, not to incompetent leadership.
Be the Example: Often, poor leadership creates a vacuum. Fill it with the right kind of leadership, based on Army values and creeds.
Seek Guidance and Mentorship: Look for other leaders or peers who embody the Army's core values and creeds. Learn from them and seek their counsel.
Prepare for Leadership: The best way to replace poor leadership is to prepare yourself to take on leadership roles in the future. Use this experience as a lesson in how not to lead.
Final Thoughts
The Army's core values and creeds are not situational; they are foundational. They guide Soldiers in making objectively correct decisions and actions, irrespective of the quality of leadership they are under. By adhering to these principles, Soldiers not only navigate the challenges of poor leadership but also prepare themselves to be the future leaders the Army needs.
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