Completely stripped of all "superfluous" information, Generals Ridgway and SLAM Marshall offer the following checklist as to the ingredients of successful military leaders:
[from Rigdway] Self-Disciplined; Willing to Sacrifice; Physically and Morally Courageous; Opposing Orders (when justified); Maintaining Physical Fitness; Personifying Command Presence; Knowing Your Men (or Soldiers in today's army); Keeping your Subordinates Informed; [from SLAM] Be Direct, Be Approachable, Be Willing to Listen to Subordinates; Be Sincere (avoid "acting"); Serving to Your Men (not self); Ensure Subordinates' Personal Welfare; and through it all, Maintain Your Sense of Humor.
As I have been in the military for ten years now, serving in combat support roles, combat arms, rear-echelon (REMF) jobs, and enjoying the experience of the enlisted side and now the officer side, I thought it more apropos if I related the readings to my own experience. …
