Introduction
In the Army, leadership is essential to success. Army Doctrine Publication (ADP) 6-22, “Army Leadership and the Profession,” discusses the Army’s approach to leadership and how it is essential to the success of the Army Profession. The article starts by defining leadership and outlining the Army’s leadership philosophy. It then discusses the Army’s model of leadership and the different leadership styles that Army leaders can use. The article also covers the Army’s leadership development process and how Army leaders can grow and develop their leadership skills. As the Army Doctrine Publication states, “Leadership is the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improve the organization.” Army leaders use this process to influence Soldiers and Army Civilians to achieve the mission (Army, 2019). The Army’s leadership philosophy is based on trust, team, and selfless service. These tenets guide Army leaders in their decision-making and interactions with others.
The Army’s leadership model is based on the “leader-follower.” This means that the leader-follower relationship is a two-way street, with the leader providing guidance and direction and the follower providing feedback and support. The Army recognizes that there is not one effective leadership style in all situations. Instead, Army leaders must be adaptable and use the leadership style that is most effective for the situation at hand. The Army’s leadership development process is designed to help Army leaders grow and develop their leadership skills. The process includes training, education, and experiences that help Army leaders learn and practice the skills they need to be successful.
The Army recognizes that leadership is essential to the success of the Army Profession. The Army Doctrine Publication provides an overview of the Army’s approach to leadership and how it is essential to the success of the Army Profession. The article discusses the Army’s leadership philosophy, the Army’s leadership model, the different leadership styles that Army leaders can use, and the Army’s leadership development process.
Summary
In 2006, the Army released ADP 6-22, Army Leadership, which provided the first comprehensive guidance on leader development in the Army. The Army leader development model outlined in the publication was based on extensive research and input from leaders across the Army. The model described the Army leader as a professional with the character, competencies, and Army values needed to lead effectively in any situation. The Army leader development model has served as the foundation for leader development in the Army for over a decade. Since ADP 6-22, the Army has continued refining its leadership development model.
In 2015, the Army released ADP 6-22, Leader Development, which provided updated guidance on leader development in the Army. The updated model focuses on developing leader competencies rather than individual Army values (Cohen, 2020). The Army leader development model continues to evolve as the Army leader development community identifies new and innovative ways to develop leaders.
How do The Army Values apply to The Army Leadership and our everyday life?
First, the Army Values guide Army leaders in their decision-making and actions. They provide a framework for how Army leaders should conduct themselves on and off duty. On duty, Army leaders are expected to uphold the Values in everything they do. This includes making ethical and moral decisions, treating others with respect, and setting an example for others to follow. Off duty, Army leaders are still expected to uphold the Values, but they may have more flexibility in how they do so. For example, an Army leader who is a parent may choose to teach their children the Army Values at home.
Second, the Army Values promote a positive and professional image of the Army to the public. They instill pride in Soldiers and help build trust between the Army and the American people. The public sees the Army as a positive and professional force when Army leaders live up to its Values. This trust is essential to the Army’s ability to carry out its mission. Third, The Army Values also apply to our everyday lives because they guide how we should live (Smith et al., 2018). The Army Values help us make decisions about what is right and wrong. They also inspire us to be our best selves. Additionally, the Army Values remind us of our commitment to the Army and our country.
Finally, the Army Values serve as a moral compass for all Soldiers, regardless of rank or position. They remind us of our commitment to the Nation and our fellow soldiers and inspire us to live up to the highest standards of character and conduct. We are expected to uphold the Army Values, whether on duty or off. We do this by living our lives following the Values and by setting an example for others to follow. The Army Values provide a common set of ethical principles that all Soldiers can use to make decisions in difficult situations.
The Army Values
Loyalty means being faithful to the Army, one’s unit, and fellow soldiers. It is demonstrated by dedicated service, keeping the Army’s best interests in mind at all times, and putting the mission first. For example, a soldier loyal to the Army will follow orders, even if difficult, and will not desert the unit in the face of danger.
Duty is the commitment to perform a task or assigned duty, even if it is difficult or unpleasant. It is important to follow orders and instructions and to be accountable for one’s actions. For example, soldiers fulfilling their duty will obey orders, perform their assigned tasks, and care for their equipment.
Respect is showing regard or consideration for others and treating them courteously and in esteem. It is important to listen to and value the opinions of others and to treat everyone with dignity and respect. A soldier who respects others will treat them courteously, regardless of rank or position.
Selfless service is putting the needs of the Army and the mission above one’s interests. It is demonstrated by putting the welfare of others before oneself and by working to improve the lives of those around them. For example, a selfless soldier will put the needs of the mission and the team before their own, even if it means personal sacrifice.
Honor is living up to the Army’s values and standards. It is demonstrated by being honest and trustworthy, displaying integrity and moral character, and behaving in a manner that reflects positively on the Army (Odiemo, 2019). For example, a soldier living up to the Army Values will do what is right, even when it is difficult, and take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
Integrity is being honest and truthful in all aspects of one’s life. It is important to be consistent in one’s words and actions and to stand up for what is right. For example, soldiers with integrity will be honest with themselves and others and accountable for their actions.
Personal courage is the ability to face fear, danger, or adversity, both physical and moral. It is demonstrated by being willing to stand up for what is right, even in the face of personal danger, and by taking on challenging tasks. For example, a soldier with personal courage will face fear, danger, or adversity with bravery and resolve.
Conclusion
The Army is a profession that requires its leaders to adhere to a strict code of conduct and ethics. The Army leadership and the profession ADP 6-22 outlines the Army’s values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, and honor. These values must be adhered to by all Army leaders to maintain the trust and confidence of the American people. The Army is a unique profession that requires its leaders to put the needs of the Nation and the Army above their own. Army leaders are expected to set an example for their Soldiers and lead by example. The Army leadership and the profession ADP 6-22 is the foundation that all Army leaders must follow to be successful.
The Army is a unique profession among the other branches of the military. The Army leadership and the profession ADP 6-22 sets forth the Army’s values and code of conduct that all Army leaders must follow. All Army leaders must adhere to the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, and honor. These values are the foundation of the Army and what makes the Army a profession. The Army is a profession that requires its leaders to put the needs of the Nation and the Army above their own.
References
Army, U. S. (2019). Army doctrine publication (ADP) 6-22 army leadership and the profession.
Cohen, J. B. (2020). Advising the Ethical Playing Field: The Confluence of Profession, Ethics, and Principled Counsel. Army Law., 26. https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/armylaw2020&div=72&id=&page=
Smith, W., Messer, T., Sun, J. C., & Pifer, M. J. (2018). The Intersections of Leadership and Emotions: Lessons and Actions Leading to Change. Smith, LW, Messer, TL, Sun, JC, & Pifer, MJ (2018). The intersection of leadership and emotions: Lessons and actions leading to change. Journal of Military Learning, 21(2), 80-94. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3419495
Odierno, R. T. (2019). The Army (ADP 1): Army Doctrinal Publication 1 (ADP 1). Wildside Press LLC.