A BOOK REVIEW ON

MANUAL OF MILITARY LEADERSHIP

Introduction of the Book

1. The purpose of this manual is to provide a practical guide to the

military leaders for applying the principles and technique of leadership. The
material contained in the book is based on analysis of outstanding leadership
displayed by both military and civilian leaders. It is obvious that although
quality, characteristics and the art of leadership were not same for all the
successful leaders, but they have followed all or some of the leadership
principles and techniques discussed in this manual. A thorough study of these
principles and techniques with actual application is expected to help develop
and foster high standard of leadership so urgently demanded by the
complexities of the modern warfare. The book has been laid out in nine
chapters, developed sequentially, started with the concept of military
leadership with glossaries of military terminologies which may be pertinent in
the subsequent course of deliberation.

2. Basic Information on the Book. The book titled ‘Manual of

Military Leadership’ written by General G. H. Deckor of the U S Army, who
was also the chief of staff of the Army. Information about its first
publication is not know, however first Indian reprint was published in 1940 by
Natraj Publication, Dehradun, India. It has total 171 pages excluding one
appendix.

3. Core Concept / Major Focus of the Book. As stated by the author,

in the ultimate sense, military leadership is not inherent; it depends upon
traits that can be developed and upon the application of principles and
techniques that can be learned. The book has shown that leadership is a total
concept, hence it relates to human factors such as character, behaviour etc.
At the beginning the author has discussed the characteristics of leadership
followed by human behaviour. To be effective a leader must be guided by
certain traits and principles. The two aspects have been discussed at length
to serve as a guide to those who want to be successful leaders. It has not
forgone that a leader will invariably come across multidimensional problems

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which are sometimes related to the management of his men taking cognizance
of the human aspect, and at time problems related to accomplishment of a job
where crucial decision is to be taken on a certain course of action. At
different tiers of command, be it in the military or civilian enterprise nature
of command decision, method of dealing with a situation will vary. On the
other hand leadership climate in a normal situation and in crisis or combat
situating will invariably vary. The real test of leader is in critical / combat
situation. The book has discussed insights of these issues.

4. Purpose of the Book. The book is intended for those who hold
leadership stature at different levels and desires to continuously improve
upon their leadership skill and overcome the shortfalls not desired out of a
good leader. As leaders, we at times lose sight of our own limitations, the
intricacies of human nature, complexities of modern social system and ever
changing nature of the battle field. This may serve as guideline to overcome
these problems when we tend to go wrong.

5. Category of the Book. Unlike a research oriented book which is

based on analysis of a problem following standard methodology to come to its
deductions / finding and recommendation thereof, this book, as it claims to be
a manual by the author himself, discusses different aspects of leadership
which have been established over time, gained through experience. This can
be termed to be a compiled guideline for leadership, very much informative
and educative in pursuit of excellence in leadership.

Major Focus of the Book in Different Chapters

6. Chapter 1. This chapter has generally introduced the book clarifying

the purpose of writing. The terminologies discussed here can be said to be
standard for military forces around the world. These terminologies have come
in during discussion in subsequent chapters of the book. Definition on
fundamental questions such as concept of leadership, leader, leadership and
command etc are given so that a reader can relate the themes and main
object of each chapter as he continues.

7. Chapter 2 -Characteristics of Leadership. Leadership includes

understanding, analyzing, predicting and controlling human behaviour. Again,
the styles of military leadership vary between authoritarian and persuasive

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leader, recognized by his dogmatic or arbitrary use of authority of power.
This chapter has given light on the component of leadership, types of
leadership and the relationship between leadership, command and
management... Under the concept of leadership the main items discussed are:

a. Climate of leadership.
b. Leadership as an art.
c. Basic responsibilities of the leader.
d. Traits which should be capitalized to assist him in gaining willing
obedience, confidence, and loyal cooperation from his men.

8. Chapter 3- Human Behaviour. The ability to influence and direct

other people – the art of leadership – involves understanding, predicting and
controlling their behaviour. The major issues discussed in this chapter are

a. Individual difference among men. All people are different in

varying degrees. The characteristics vary from person to person.
Physical and mental characteristics help to determine type of work for
which an individual is best suited. On the other hand emotional
characteristics are particularly important to develop a soldier’s
personality. Each individual’s personality is unique and is constantly
changing. A man changes physically, mentally and emotionally as he
matures and gains more experience. Factors which tend to shape
personality are hereditary, environmental and ones own experience.

b. The Roots of Behaviour. There are some needs common to all

human beings which constitutes the root of ones behaviour. Physical
needs such as food, shelter, and clothing are one of those which may
motivate an individual to behave in a specific manner. Concern for
security, approval of activities, social recognition etc are few other
aspects which shape up ones behaviour.

b. Values, Goals and Frustration. A person, as he/ she grows up

acquire certain spiritual and moral values which not only strengthen an
individual’s character but also provide him with a source of inner
strength. The struggle to satisfy the physical and other needs never
diminish. Thus a person places some objects in life and highly valued
object becomes goal. When we are blocked in our attempts to reach a
certain goal, we may become frustrated.

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From the perspective of military service if a soldier feels, consciously or
unconsciously, he can satisfy his needs, adjustment comes rapidly. So, a
support hand is essential to help a soldier overcome the stresses and get
adjusted as early as possible.

9. Chapter 4 – Leadership Traits. Leadership traits are

distinguished qualities which, if demonstrated in the acts of a commander, will
help him to earn the respect, confidence, willing obedience and loyal
cooperation of his men. It is to be remembered that leaders goal, type of
person being dealt with, circumstances etc have a profound effect on which
particular trait or traits need the most emphasis. This chapter has
elaborated on a number of desirable traits, namely bearing, courage,
decisiveness, dependability, endurance, enthusiasm, initiative, integrity,
judgment, knowledge, loyalty, tact and unselfish attitude.

10. The traits mentioned in chapter 4 are mostly known to us. Although
these have special significance for military professionals, particularly the
commanders, those have applicability in other professions including business
arenas too. The author has put ‘Bearing’ as the first of the traits listed by
him. ‘Bearing’ means presentation of an individual which forms the first
impression. No doubt that it has overriding importance, but none of these can
be termed as the single most important trait. ‘Courage’ that enables one to
act properly in a threatening situation is another important trait of a military
commander. Likewise, other traits mentioned may not have significance in a
particular situation, but invariably they will have their applicability at
different times. To be a true leader, one must share the same danger,
hardship and discomfort as his men. Unselfishness, listed at the end is
another important character trait rightly pointed out by the author.

11. Chapter 5 – Leadership Principles. Certain general rules, which have

stood the test of time, known to have guided the conduct and actions of great
leaders in the past, are now established as the leadership principles. Total 11
principles have been discussed in this chapter, with emphasis on the core
aspects of the principles in point form. As is evident, leaders personal
qualities such as skill, knowledge, judgment, initiated etc have been stressed
to show their overwhelming importance to make a good leader. Each principle
has been defined and explained in a way that a leader with average knowledge
on leadership aspects can easily grasp the issue. Techniques for application of

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the principles have been discussed under each principle to help a reader, who
is already a leader or a potential leader to adopt these principles in real-time
situation.

12. Chapter 6 – Indications of Leadership. When there is a

group of men working for a common purpose, there will generally be a leader.
Some of theme are accepted as leaders because of their position of authority
/ appointment etc. But not all leaders are equally acceptable or effective by
merit or qualities. The central theme of this chapter is that whether a leader
and/ or his style of leadership is being equally accepted by his subordinates
can be understood by certain indicators. Some of these are morale, spirit de
corps, discipline and proficiency. It is stated that the four indications of
leadership contribute to the effectiveness of a unit and are to some extent
interdependent. The indicators have been further defined and explained,
with specific tools for their evaluation.

13. Chapter 7 – Leadership Problem Areas. A leader will invariably

encounter multifarious problems. These problems can not be ignored, and
must be handled promptly in the most effective manner possible. This chapter
has elaborated first the Problem Solving Process, the hi-lights of which are
a. Recognition of the problem
b. Making an estimate of the situation
c. Determine the cause.
d. Evaluate possible solution.
e. Select the best solution.
f. Take action.

14. The general problem areas discussed subsequently are linked with
military profession. But these will often be common for other professions too,
where there is a question of leadership. Areas of problems identifies are:

a. Assumption of command.
b. Selection of subordinate leaders.
c. Development of subordinate leaders,
d. Senior – Subordinate relation.

Methods for addressing the problem situation are discussed separately.

In addition to different methods stated, the author has emphasized
‘counseling’ as one of the most important means of solving problematic issue.

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15. Chapter 8 – Leadership in Higher Command. The higher
command is faced with the problems of creating an environment conducive of
effective leadership within the command. The aspect concerned with the
higher command, particularly in the army, are leadership environment,
organization and control, span of control, chain of command, the commander –
staff officer relationship, decision making and problem solving and
communication within the command. All these command issues are discussed at
length with related issues such as principles, process and limitations.

16. Chapter 9 – Leadership in Combat. This is the last chapter of the

book, and rightly so as all learning in peacetime ultimately culminates in the
battlefield. There lies the test of leadership. As pointed out here, that there
are some factors which adversely affect the combat effectiveness. The
factors are – fear, rumor and panic. The commander should recognize and
compensate for these. Effective training and proper discipline can minimize
fear as stated here, while keeping men informed assumes a major role on the
battlefield to kill rumor. The ultimate defense against panic lies in its
prevention by means of effective leadership during training and combat. The
chapter has put light on the way to maintain the following:

a. Spirit of the offensive.

b. Restoration of fighting effectiveness.
c. Support of isolated units.
d. Leadership for attached units to include allied units.

Relevance of the Book with Transformational Leadership

17. The book under review ‘Manual of Military Leadership’ encompasses

human aspects of leadership from different perspective. Leadership
principles, traits, problem areas etc have been discussed here at length. The
domain of the course subject ‘Transformational Leadership’ is also designed in
the same line. In this the human aspects, ethical aspects for a manager or for
that matter a leader are discussed almost in the same direction. For example
correlation of the individual ethics has been shown with factors such as
family influence, experience, values& moral, peer influence and situational
factors. Despite the fact that there are diversities in the managerial ethical
standards, there could be a few commonsense guidelines that can be helpful in

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thinking about the ethical implications of managerial decisions and behaviors.
The book under review and the subject of the course focuses the same
matter.

My Overall Comment and Recommendation

18. The book is worth reading for those who want to make a good leader in
their professional arenas. The book has been written by a reputed military
officer who rose to the rank of General in the US Army. The author has very
eloquently discussed each of the issues as he had undergone all stages of
career and had the practical experience of serving at different appointments
and varieties of people. The chapters in the book have been arrayed very
systematically. Most of the ethical, moral and human aspects have
applicability in both military and professions other than the military. The
language and style of writing chosen have been very comprehensive.

19. The book has begun (chapter 1 - 2) leadership characteristics which

may be considered to be the basic for making a leader. Gradually, in chapter 3
and 4 human behaviors and leadership traits are discussed as they have link
with the characteristics. .Chapter 5 has listed 11 principles of leadership to
act as a manual, as the name of the book goes, to educate and guide a leader
or potential leader. In chapter 6 and 7 indications of leadership and the
problem areas are elaborated realizing that one should know his/her
effectiveness as leader and the problems he is likely to face. The book
concludes with the leadership in combat as it will show the real test of
leadership. So, the study of the book enlightens on all known arenas of
leadership which can be a good guide for us. Several fact based examples
have been illustrated in the appendix of the book, related to the subject
matters already discussed in the main book to further amplify the core
issues. The book is, therefore, recommended for specially junior and midlevel
leaders and managers who have still rooms for improvement to come up
successful in their own domain.