General Wickberg's Analysis

The Salvation Army of the United States is one of the largest national providers of welfare services; operating in 128 countries worldwide, consisting of over 1.5 million members (i.e., officers, soldiers’ and adherents) (The Salvation Army USA, 2018). The organization prides itself for working with and advocating for the rights and needs of disadvantaged people. The promotion of values for human dignity, justice, hope, compassion and community makes the organization a leader in social justice and protection of the rights of disadvantaged and vulnerable people (The Salvation Army USA, 2018).

This book has been an inspiration to all services. It shows not only how any service member should strive to be, but also how a person should act. The only way that Lt. Rowans actions can be properly conveyed is through this quote: "Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak." - Thomas

Returning to the 4th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) to assume command as the brigade commander brings me much joy to be reunited with great Non-Commission Officers and Officers that I have previously served with. Unfortunately, this brigade is no longer the brigade I remember when I commanded a battalion within the 4th ABCT not so long ago. In the last 30 days, I have had the opportunity to observe the ABCT and review a multitude of historical documents to assess the state of the brigade. During my observation, I believe the critical leadership problem in the 4th ABCT’s is the lack of vision for the brigade. Therefore, this critical problem has led to other challenging issues within the brigade. My intent is to provide a clear vision to the 4th ABCT, that states, “Be the best armor brigade in the world, consisting of trained, responsible, motivated, and caring Soldiers and Families; capable of executing any assigned mission with unequaled success.

Have you ever thought about what you would say to a group of men and women in the face of insurmountable odds or immanent death? Would you be able to motivate them to a point where they are willing to give their lives for their country? Would you be able to find the words to move them to action, give them courage, or ease their nervous? General George S. Patton was a visionary and ethical leader who used key leadership concepts like open-mindedness, team dynamics, sound ethical behavior, and inspirational motivation to inspire a nation, overcome unsurmountable odds, and ultimately guide the Third Army to victory during WWII. General Patton’s ethical and visionary leadership styles showed when he utilized his open-mindedness and team dynamic role of “creator” to incorporate an aerial assault into his operational strategies and avoided the ethical trap of uncertainty when he combined the two tactics without any pre-established policy. General Patton also displayed visionary leadership by his use of inspirational motivation, constant presence on the battle field,

As I embark on the newest chapter in my life it occurs to me that I must first take time to fully process and appreciate the magnitude of what it really is to be a Warrant Officer in the United States Army. From my own perspective as well as the perspective seen from society I can see my new responsibilities will hold a paramount position in many different aspects. This being said, I can look forward to a major shift in what my focus will be and how my decisions will directly impact those around me.

The organizational structure of the USFS is to build employee identification with the organization in addition to and training recruitment. They have distinct uniforms that identify them as Rangers and are unique and different from other public services. Transferring is encouraged to broaden the outlook of ranger and promotions usually only happen by accepting a transfer. Kaufman points to the Rangers early years when he states, “he never has time to sink roots in the communities in which he sojourns so briefly… Only one thing gives any continuity, any structure, to his otherwise fluid world: The Service… Thus, the Forest Service acquires a more or less fraternal aura for its newer members.” ( p. 178) The practice of promoting from within the organization means that higher ranked officers have experienced the same challenges as their subordinates.  In addition, promotions are on merit, as seen by superior officers, this is done to motivate subordinates to follow the structure within the organization. The chain of command, having a paramilitary structure, and identity, all contribute to the fraternity nature of the ranger. All are valid points that support Kaufman’s argument of compliance within the organizational structure of the USFS. However, he uses such a high-level political science approach at times it is difficult to understand the points he attempts

Throughout the ages, wars have wreaked havoc and caused great destruction that lead to the loss of millions of lives. However, wars also have an immensely destructive effect on the individual soldier. In the novel All Quiet on the Western Front written by Erich Maria Remarque, one is able to see exactly to what extent soldiers suffered during World War 1 as well as the effect that war had on them. In this essay I will explain the effect that war has on young soldiers by referring to the loss of innocence of young soldiers, the disillusionment of the soldiers and the debasement of soldiers to animalistic men.

“The Things They Carried,” by Tim O’Brien, brings to light the psychological impact of what soldiers go through during times of war. We learn that the effects of traumatic events weigh heavier on the minds of men than all of the provisions and equipment they shouldered. Wartime truly tests the human body and and mind, to the point where some men return home completely destroyed. Some soldiers have been driven to the point of mentally altering reality in order to survive day to day. An indefinite number of men became numb to the deaths of their comrades, and yet secretly desired to die and bring a conclusion to their misery. Over all, this story allows us to observe changes within the mentalities of army officers.

The Seven Values are Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. The Army Values are important and guide soldiers and leaders to do what is right on a day to day basis within their career. The Army Values are known as the foundation of the army. Even though people know the meaning of these values, not everyone actually lives up to them, but soldiers are taught in Basic Combat Training (BCT) the details of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. These Seven Core Army Values are what make a Soldier, they are a part of what separates us from other organizations. The Army Values are definitely needed to be a good, successful soldier.

Through centuries of great wars and battles, history has displayed brave men and women who have fought for their countries. These audacious people have helped propel countries for the greater good. However, the weight and responsibility, of the war, takes a heavy toll on soldiers that is often overlooked. Tim O’Brien, author of the novel The Things They Carried, records his stories, and the stories of his fellow soldiers during the war. However, three of these soldiers are affected in an outlandish way. The lives of soldiers, Norman Bowker and Curt Lemon, illustrate how the war pressures the human spirit to a standard it can’t resemble.

The First World War characterized by numerous stories of men who fight and became heroes defending and protecting the democracy. Sergeant Alvin C. York was one of those heroes who despite a turbulent past became a Soldier with a commitment and sense of duty supported by his faith did the right thing at the right time. He had a life full of needs and hard work, disappointments and frustrations, and became an example of perseverance and endurance. His humble origins and life circumstances allowed him to become the most decorated Soldier of the United States Army during World War I (Beattie & Bowman, 2000).

The salvation army was one founded on the principles of the well beings of others. William Booth founded those principles in 1865. William Booth helped to break the barrier to helping others through founding the salvation army due to this he deserves to be recognized as the highest devoted person in the works of charity. Booth has been named the “prophet of the poor” as well as being recognized to serving his life to the idea of helping others

Richard Unda was born in Munich, Germany, but spent most of his youth in Columbus, Georgia after his father retired from the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Would you believe that two men, both young, eager, and promising fighters could be so different?

“Rommel, Rommel, Rommel! What else matters than beating him?” This famous quote by Prime Minister Winston Churchill describes best how Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was perceived by his adversaries in the summer of 1942: “he had an uncanny ability to dominate the minds of his adversaries.” This paper will provide a brief book review of An Army at Dawn before focusing on Rommel – the famous “Dersert Fox” – and his leadership capabilities. Thereby, Rommel´s traits, characteristics and style will presented through the lens of leadership concepts, especially System 1 and System 2 thinking, emotional intelligence and organizational culture.