The best combat leaders all have one thing in common: they lead from the front. They share the same burdens as their soldiers. They never spare themselves. They never ask a subordinate to carry out a task they are not willing to do themselves and in combat they physically place themselves in the line of fire shoulder to shoulder with the troops under their command.

But why does leading from the front work so well?

Picture: A snapshot from one of my soldier’s helmet camera during operation Panther’s Claws, Helmand province, Afghanistan, 2009

 

Who would you follow?

Think about it. Who would you rather follow:

• The leader who stays in the rear and issues orders via the radio.
• The leader who is in the line of fire alongside his troops issuing orders verbally.

We would all follow the leader who chooses to fight alongside us, who is a part of the team. By doing so the leader shows the importance of the task at hand. He also shows that his soldiers’ lives are not of less importance than his own. With the leader participating, the unit fights as a team.

 

The leader as a part of the team

Leaders are not above their teams. They are a part of it. Leaders depend on their soldiers to provide their part. Leaders provide leadership. The machine gunner provides fire power. Neither is more important than the other: both are needed to get the job done. Participating as a part of the team gives you soldiers who are willing to go an extra mile for you, because they know that you are willing to do the same for them.

 

Gain a better understanding of the situation

The leader who is out on the ground personally will better understand the situation. Layers are removed and the leader will receive information unfiltered, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and of the right orders issued on the wrong basis.

 

Reduce combat stress

In combat fear is a basic condition. A well performing team is better able to cope with stress than a group of individuals. A team without their leader in the line of fire will be more likely to fall apart than a team with a leader who is out on the ground and able to remain “cool under fire”. Personally, I have found that the best combat leaders under my command were the ones able to remain cool under fire. By doing so they were able to project their coolness to their soldiers. By leading from the front they offered the soldiers a model to mirror in combat.

This reduces fear and increases the ability to make sound decisions in combat.

 

Is it dangerous to lead from the front?

During the Yom Kippur war in 1973 the heaviest Israeli casualties were among tank commanders. They were leaders who had to expose themselves to get an overview of the situation in order to make decisions. Combat leaders today also bear a higher risk than the individual soldier.

However, what is the alternative? A unit with lack of leadership, lack of trust and lack team spirit. A unit who might not be capable of reaching its objectives. The leader’s job is to take the responsibility. In spite of danger. The soldiers expect it from you.

By leading from the front you might create a more effective combat unit thus reducing the risk for all the soldiers in the unit including yourself.

 

Can you lead too much?

Although you choose to lead from the front you should still give subordinates room to carry out their tasks. A leader who personally mans the machine gun because he wants to show the way has failed. Remember, the leader’s responsibility is to create the best possible conditions for others to do their jobs. In combat it is easy to get carried away. Take three deep breaths and focus on why you are there. Lead your troops.

 

Leaders are defined by actions not words.

Leading from the front is not only a combat trait. It is a classic leadership trait. In your everyday life as a leader you will always be defined by your actions not by your words. Writing long theses on how to be a great leader is a lot easier than doing it.

However, leadership is about taking action. Not talking.

Start taking action. Lead from the front every day.