Commanders Philosophy

By
Hasan Al-Khalifa

The attainment of a high state combat readiness within the unit and the promotion of a

command climate where equal opportunity is exercised among soldiers usually constitute a

commander’s ultimate goals. The leader, individual soldier and unit attributes are among the

essential parts to be accomplished in any mission prior to the achievement of success. The

command philosophy serves as a commander’s command intent which is designed to ensure that

all unit members understand the commander’s expectation of both unit leaders and soldiers.

Furthermore, the command philosophy outlines a commander’s expectations as to how trainings

are to be conducted, how missions are to be executed and how normal daily unit operations are to

be performed.

Serving as the front lines of the cohesive unit, the individual soldier is always under the

point of attack in any missions. The soldier’s quality is often determined by will, skill and

morale. Soldiers are expected to understand this concept and leaders to view and cultivate it as

both individual and unit attribute. Such preparations shall ensure that individuals and the

collective unit rise above and dominate its enemies in the battle field and accomplish the

“seemingly” impossible during State and National emergencies. This includes one’s ability to

shoot, move and communicate.

Furthermore, skills such as land-navigation, the ability to clearly communicate with

peers, subordinates and superiors, the ability to maneuver units and weapons marksmanship are

also included. Both leaders and soldiers should master these skills and be familiarized with the

skills of others within the unit. Moreover, a leader is tasked to teach soldiers required skills for

duty positional performance and to provide them with training opportunities needed to perfect

these skills. In order to achieve these, leaders must: (1) clearly communicate (2) develop

confidence towards success in the accomplishment of challenging training and (3) demonstrate

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 Commanders Philosophy
By
Hasan Al-Khalifa

trust and respect worthiness by acting consistently with respect to standards, values and

professionalism.

The attainment of over-all success by a company relies on a strong unit acted upon by the

individual soldier. This includes high standard trainings which allow soldiers to excel at

maximum opportunity. All undertakings may be approached from training to conducts during on

and off operations and that leaders must ensure that everything is done in a timely manner. It is

the accountability of leaders to build cohesive teams. In return, soldiers must understand that the

team’s overall performance defines success of units in combats and that their actions (both on

and off duty) are reflected on the company as a whole. Along with this is the recognition of the

soldiers’ team contribution which can be done in writing and by presenting individual

commendations and awards which highlight soldiers’ service and actions towards success. This

must also be presented as an over-all team performance during collective training.

The successful unit’s binding glue is discipline – one of the most valued traits as to it

distinguishes an average unit from a superior one. The absence of discipline in both soldiers and

units reflects unreliability. Discipline can be achieved through: (1) clear standards

communication to soldiers (2) ensuring adherence by all with respect to these standards and (3)

penalty implementation to those who fail to adhere and maintain established standard. It is a part

of the leaders’ responsibility to enforce standards of discipline especially to soldiers who do not

possess required amount of self-discipline. Leaders must also ensure that military justice

measures are carried out in an even and fair manner in cases of soldiers’ failure to follow

established standards.

The key to establishing a combat-ready unit is through effective and strong leadership at

all command levels. Leaders should ensure that unit members are well-trained and possess

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 Commanders Philosophy
By
Hasan Al-Khalifa

requisite qualities which adhered to the “quality” of life. All soldiers must be treated with respect

by their superiors in as much as the latter expects to be treated by them. A leader should practice

these principles on a daily basis and that these principles should be made recognized to the

soldiers. This type of leadership strengthens trust between the unit leaders and soldiers - a

necessity towards success.

Furthermore, this promotes the so-called “Espirit de Corps”, the morale and spirit of the

unit. The effects of a unit’s high spirit both in combat and peacetime is incalculable. It is in this

respect that all unit members should make it as a major objective.