USAWC (United States Army War College) Military Studies Program Paper. Military Spirit. Clausewitz and Units of Excellence

摘要

A study of excellence in combat arms battalions of the US Army by three Army officers doing postgraduate work found the following eight pillars of excellence common to seven identified, outstanding battalions: lead by example; focus on combat, a shared value; power down; strong unit identity; caring with a capital C; high standards and disciplines; teamwork, a way of life; and consistent excellent performance. A comparison of what the great Prussian general, Carl von Clausewitz and noted scholars of today on the subjects of the military profession, leadership, and sociology provide some interesting insights. These eight pillars are historically sound and should be used as the basic teaching points for leaders at all levels. The battalion commander was the key to these successful battalion and brigade commanders. These pillars could be used to evaluate the true military spirit of a unit which Clausewitz feels to be important. Other recognized points were: leadership techniques should be natural and not adopted; competition should be against standards and not other units; and hard, realistic training fully supports family support development. The consequences of the creation and maintenance of the moral fiber of our organizations cannot be overlooked.