Identification of Combat Unit Leader Skills and Leader-Group Interaction Processes

摘要

The purpose of the research effort was to identify analytically those leader skills and leader-group interactive processes having potential influence on unit performance in tactical situations. An historical review of the leader research literature was conducted, with special focus on leader skills and processes as they occur in tactical settings. Leader research and theory from industrial, managerial, or academic settings was useful for acquiring an understanding of the state-of-the-art. Of the leader models reviewed, the problem solving approach was the most relevant for addressing the skills and demands placed upon leaders in tactical settings. The research on communications was also considered quite relevant. Both of these areas of research aided in the delineation of the leader skill categories. On the basis of historical ES data (battle narratives, audio tapes, and net control sheets collected at ES exercises), the literature research, and research staff ES/combat experience, a listing of leader skill categories and individual leader skills was developed. The skill categories were arrived at inductively by listening to audio tapes and examining battle narratives, listing the individual skills involved, and arriving at a general skill category under which the numerous individual skills could be subsumed.