LEARN LEADERSHIP IN THE GUARD
The Army National Guard trains you to be more than just a great soldier—they train you to be a leader. In this fast-paced, high-tech world, intangible qualities such a leadership, experience, and discipline are not only required but also necessary to succeed. Remember, the skills you develop in the Army National Guard are the same ones that can help you succeed in civilian life.
As an Army National Guard member, you are trained to exercise leadership. You undergo rigorous training and instruction to guarantee that you are prepared to meet the requirements of any mission—whether it’s securing our nation’s peace or safeguarding our communities during a natural disaster.
In the Army National Guard, developing leadership skills is expected of all members, no matter what rank. Below are a number of guidelines that can help you develop your leadership skills.
A leader in the Army National Guard is a person who demonstrates a high degree of personal character. He or she shows self-discipline, initiative, and determination, yet is consistent, fair, and compassionate with others. A leader is committed to the professional ethics that value loyalty, duty, honor, selfless service, respect, integrity, and pride. A leader has a deep understanding of human nature and uses this knowledge to analyze the factors in any situation and successfully resolve complex ethical problems. Try to be the kind of person your soldiers would look to and choose as a role model.
A leader in the Army National Guard knows the four factors of leadership and how these factors affect each other: 1) himself/herself, 2) those being led, 3) the situation, and 4) communications. A leader knows about one’s self—the strengths and weaknesses, skills and attitudes. Knowledge of human nature, with all of its potential for good and bad behavior, is critical. You should know your job and display technical and tactical competence, in addition to teaching subordinates. You should know how to make good decisions that your soldiers accept. Knowledge of your unit’s capabilities and limitations is also important information you should possess.
As a leader in the Army National Guard, you should provide purpose, motivation, and direction. You should explain the “why” of missions and clearly communicate what you expect of your subordinates. You are responsible for the supervision and execution of your plans. You must always take care of your soldiers and provide training—rewarding excellent performance while punishing intentional failure. You should develop strong teams and make soldiering more meaningful. To earn respect, you have to be willing to give it.
By helping your soldiers build teamwork, trust, confidence, and a determination to succeed, you will succeed. In the Army National Guard—“YOU CAN!”
The Officer
• Commands, establishes policy, and manages the Army National Guard
• Focuses on collective training leading to mission accomplishment
• Is primarily involved with units and unit operations
• Concentrates on unit effectiveness and readiness
• Concentrates on the standards of performance, training, and professional development of officers and NCOs
The Noncommissioned Officer
• Conducts the daily business of the Army National Guard within established policy
• Focuses on individual training that leads to mission capability
• Is primarily involved with individual soldiers and team leading
• Ensures subordinate NCOs and soldiers are familiar with their personal equipment, and ensures the professional development of subordinate NCOs and soldiers
• Concentrates on the standards of performance, training and professional development of subordinate NCOs and soldiers