MILITARY LEADERSHIP IN THE NEXT MILLENNIUM
Wars may be fought by weapons, but they are won by
men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who
leads, that gain the victory.
- General George S Patton.
INTRODUCTION
Phenomenal technological and social changes are taking place all over the world.
Technology is changing human life-styles and expectations. We have come a long
way from radio sets to satellite TV, internetted world and instant communication
across the globe. Social values, ethos, culture, family patterns are changing very
fast. It is natural that we in the armed forces cannot be oblivious to these
problems nor be insulated form them. We have to accept the ground reality and
develop suitable models for leadership development and training of our
commanders at all levels. However, despite all the changes in the environment the
key player in warfare remains the soldier. The challenge is upon us to change our
leadership styles to meet the changes in society and technology. The ability to
motivate, encourage, develop and guide others to achieve their full potential is the
hallmark of every good leader.
Today’s military leaders have a far greater challenge than ever before. As
socio-economic changes and increased educational standards have brought in
qualitative changes in the attitudes and expectations of the soldiers the officer men
relationship is also undergoing radical changes. In addition today's leaders have to
train their subordinates in a whole gamut of warfare that is possible in our army. We
have to remain prepared to respond across the entire spectrum of conflict. This
changing face of warfare poses special challenge for our army and we need
competent soldiers, leaders, units and formations to meet these challenges.
TODAY’S ENVIRONMENT
The Soldier
With the improvement of general educational standards, technological
advancements specially in communication and media, social changes, breakdown of
joint family systems, materialism, scant regard for law and order, more people joining
the army from urban background, changed moralities and value systems etc. all have
a bearing on the requirements and aspirations of today’s soldier .Today’s soldier has
the following characteristics :-
1
He can think, appreciate, criticize . He wants to know what is going on,
what he has to do, why and when. He wants to make sure his interests
are safeguarded.
