526: The 18 Things That Make You A Bad Soldier and a Bad Leader, In Battle and in Life.

Jocko Willink draws on extensive military experience to outline what makes soldiers and leaders effective in combat situations, highlighting key traits such as combat know-how, calmness in the face of danger, and attentiveness to the needs of troops.

Highly Effective Soldiers With Critical Combat Skills

Described as highly capable and reliable, effective combat soldiers possess a variety of critical skills that enable them to perform exceptionally on the battlefield.

Skilled Soldiers in Weapons, Tactics, and Problem-Solving Under Fire Are Exceptionally Capable

Good combat soldiers are quick to take appropriate action, with skills in weapon handling, reloading, setting up fields of fire, digging defensible positions, and strategic positioning. Such combat know-how is deemed a prerequisite for good performance. For example, a soldier who, under enemy fire and injury, continues to engage with the enemy by utilizing an alternate weapon like a .45 handgun after their machine gun is knocked out demonstrates exceptional weapon skills, tactical awareness, and problem-solving under fire.

Reliable and Efficient Soldiers Are Highly Regarded

Soldiers who are reliable and efficient command respect and trust. One soldier, praised for innovative thinking, used a uniform piece to insulate his hands while firing a hot machine gun to cover his squad. Another example includes a soldier who exhibited reliability and efficiency by returning to action after quick medical treatment. Good soldiers maintain their equipment, ensure they are stocked with essentials like ammo, and exhibit high motivation and interest in their duties, being described as career-minded.

Effective Leaders Inspire Loyalty and Direct Troops

Leadership in combat transcends the mere issuance of orders; it embodies calmness, decisiveness, resourcefulness, and fair treatment of troops.

Respected Combat Leaders Remain Calm and Provide Clear, Decisive Instructions

Effective combat leaders, as highlighted by Willink, provide clear, decisive instructions and keep their men well-informed. Remaining calm under fire is critical; a machine gunner who stayed composed during a mortar attack exemplifies such bravery. Willink recounts another First Scout who was consistently cool under fire, thereby reinforcing the importance of leaders maintaining composure.

Leaders Prioritize Troop Needs, Providing Resources and Support

Great leaders ensure their troops' needs are met, supervising and training with meticulous care for every d ...

The discussion delves into the qualities that define inefficacy in combat soldiers and leaders, underscoring the peril they pose to military operations.

Undisciplined, Irresponsible, or Self-Interested Soldiers Are Poor Performers

Negatively Viewed Soldiers Need Supervision, Neglect Duties, or Prioritize Self

Noted as needing constant supervision, poor combatants are characterized as lagging behind, irresponsible, self-interested, and preoccupied with personal affairs. They require motivation to follow through on tasks and are seen negatively if they prioritize themselves over duties. Complaining naturally occurs among soldiers, but excessive complaints are deemed problematic. One-on-one competition among soldiers is also viewed unfavorably.

Certain soldiers have been described as unreliable in combat, slowing down attacks, and unable to keep pace. Examples given include soldiers who avoid carrying equipment, lack endurance in challenging situations, and are reluctant to volunteer for duties.

Cowardly or Disobedient Soldiers Unfit for Combat

Some soldiers have been noted as too afraid to follow orders and are labeled as documented cowards, showing fear excessively by hiding or exhibiting nervousness. There are instances of soldiers needing to be coerced due to a lack of courage or being too scared to act when attacked.

Ineffective Leaders Exhibit Poor Judgment, Temperament, and Prioritization

Leaders Criticized For Harshness, Not Admitting Mistakes, or Avoiding Troop Risks

Ineffective leaders are often temperamental and resist admitting mistakes. They are portrayed as unwilling to share the same risks as their troops. One leader, for instance, avoided ordering a machine gun to fire at the enemy out of fear of drawing mortar fire.

Ineffective Leaders Fail to Guide and Support Troops

Leaders who avoid taking proper precautions for their men's safety are considered ineffective. In one scenario, a leader permitted men to carelessly discard ration cans, potentially revealing their position to the enemy. Another leader reportedly took less dangerous duties during a counter-attack and showed up later solely to in ...

Kaya Henderson and Jocko Willink elaborate on the essential attributes of good combat soldiers and leaders, such as combat skills, calmness, responsibility, and teamwork, which are all critical components for success in battle situations.

Combat Skills and Tactics Essential for Battle Success

The hosts describe soldiers and leaders who demonstrate technical proficiency and tactical awareness as essential for battle success. An outstanding characteristic of good combat men and leaders is their combat know-how. Good combat men can set men in good positions, are wonderful at estimating range, and are known as accurate gunners. Soldiers who are technically proficient with their weapons, able to fix them quickly, and hit targets within two rounds exemplify this combat readiness.

Calmness Under Pressure Crucial for Combat Performance

The ability to remain calm under fire is distinguished as a critical trait for effective combat performance. Willink highlights the value of soldiers and leaders who can effectively control fear and anxiety in high-pressure situations. Examples are given of soldiers who perform their duties effectively under heavy fire, such as a soldier who returned to battle after bandaging his own wounds.

Duty and Camaraderie: Hallmarks of Good Combat Performance

Traits of consideration and cooperation are often found among respected soldiers and leaders. Soldiers are described who show concern for their comrades, such as by risking their lives to save a colleague under heavy gunfire. Willink emphasizes the duty of soldiers to keep themselves and their equipment in good condition, which includes taking ownership of their roles.

Effective Teamwork and Cama ...