In today’s fast-moving business world, employers today need team members who can lead under pressure, adapt quickly, and stay focused on results—qualities that Army veterans (and really veterans of all military branches) trained in leadership bring in abundance. These individuals have been tested in real-world situations where clear thinking, accountability, and teamwork aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Veterans understand how to motivate others, make decisions in uncertain environments, and see a mission through from planning to execution. Their leadership training is not just theory; it’s been forged through experience, making them a powerful asset in any workplace. Now, let’s look at how they acquire their leadership skills and why you need them in your business.
What Does “Leadership” Mean?
In the Army, leadership means guiding and influencing people by giving them purpose, direction, and motivation to get the job done and make the team better.
That might sound simple, but in the Army, leadership is a serious challenge. You’re not just managing tasks—you’re leading people through hard situations, often in tough austere environments. And the reason they follow isn’t for money or fame—it’s because they believe in the mission and trust their teammates.
Army leaders do things like:
- Lead a squad through cold, dark, and rainy nights while carrying heavy gear.
- Help Soldiers push forward up a hill—even if there’s smoke, gas, or fear.
- Keep a staff working late into the night to plan missions that others are counting on.
- Motivate a team to fix vehicles when they’re exhausted so they’re ready for the next mission.
True leadership is about standing with your people when things are tough—and helping them keep going when others less dedicated would quit.
General Hal Moore once said, “There’s always one more thing you can do to make the situation better.” That mindset is what great Army leaders carry with them.
What Makes a Good Leader?
The Army has detailed rules and training guides for leadership—but let’s break it down into these four simple terms:
1. Strong Willpower
Good leaders don’t give up when things get tough. They stay focused and keep the team moving forward, no matter what.
2. Being Present
Leaders need to show up – in person – not just send texts. Great leaders do physical training (PT) with their teams, talk to them face-to-face, and are there in good times and bad.
3. Caring for the Team
You can’t lead people if you don’t care about them. The best leaders look out for their Soldiers and their families—not just during missions, but every day.
4. Helping Others Grow
Good leaders teach, coach, and train others to become leaders, too. They’re always working to build a better team.
How the Army Builds Leaders
What does the Army do to build leaders?
Realistic Training
Training in the Army isn’t just about drills. It’s about preparing for real-life situations.
Take Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester. In Iraq, her convoy was attacked. Instead of freezing up, her training kicked in. She led her squad through heavy fire and helped win the fight. She later said, “You’ve got a job to do—protecting yourself and your team.”
That’s why training matters. It builds confidence, skill, and muscle memory. Leaders make sure their Soldiers train hard—because it could save their lives one day.
Tip: Training doesn’t have to be fun—it must be effective. Pushing your team now means they’ll be ready when it really counts.
Mission Command: Trusting Young Leaders
The Army doesn’t believe in micromanaging. Instead, we use something called mission command—giving people the goal, trusting them to figure out how to get it done.
It’s like saying, “Take that hill by sunrise,” but not telling them exactly how. It gives teams room to think, adapt, and succeed.
Here’s an example: In WWII, Sergeant Curtis Cullin was frustrated with the thick hedges in France. So he built a tool to cut through them using scrap metal. His invention helped tanks move again—and turned the battle around. That’s leadership and creativity in action.
But here’s the catch: Mission command is earned, not given. Leaders trust Soldiers who show they’re capable and ready. That means if you want more freedom to lead, you’ve got to prove yourself.
Inspirational Leadership
Good leaders don’t yell to get results; they inspire people to do their best.
Army leaders are expected to:
- Build a respectful, positive team culture.
- Give helpful feedback.
- Push people to grow, learn, and stay accountable.
Being inspirational doesn’t mean being “soft.” Some of the toughest leaders are the most caring. They don’t accept excuses, but they also don’t humiliate or disrespect their teams. Instead, they praise in public; punish in private.
In the 1800s, General John Schofield said something we still teach today: You can lead by treating people with respect—or you can try to lead with anger and fear. But only one of those works in the long run.
Followership: Being a Good Team Player
Before you can be a great leader, you must be a great follower.
Every Soldier, even the highest-ranking, is also a follower to someone. That means:
- Following lawful orders quickly.
- Supporting your team.
- Asking questions when needed—but knowing when to move out and get the job done.
It also means having the courage to speak up if something feels wrong—but doing it with respect and emotional intelligence. Know when to raise a concern, and know when to trust your leaders and keep going.
And remember: when you’re promoted into a leadership role, you can’t act like “just one of the gang” anymore. You’ve got to step up and lead by example.
In the End …
Being in the Army (or any military branch for that matter) means being part of something bigger than yourself. You’re expected to be a professional and a warrior—and that starts with leadership.
So if you’re leading a team:
- Give them purpose, direction, and motivation.
- Be present.
- Train them hard.
- Trust them smartly.
- And most importantly, care about them deeply.
For employers, hiring veterans with leadership skills isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart investment in your organization’s success. These individuals bring a proven track record of leading diverse teams, solving complex problems, and staying calm under pressure. They understand responsibility, respect the chain of command, and are committed to continuous improvement.
Veterans don’t just manage—they inspire, adapt, and get results. By bringing them onto your team, you gain more than an employee—you gain a leader who is ready to make an immediate and lasting impact on you business.
