LEADER DEVELOPMENT FOR AMERICA'S ARMY

In recent years we have seen the Army develop into the best prepared, highest–quality force in our nation’s history. It
is a trained and ready Army, capable of deploying anywhere at any time to fulfill our national defense needs. We
demonstrated this capability during the swift execution of Operation Just Cause. We reaffirmed it through bold,
audacious action contributing to the decisive victory in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Our commitment held true in
Operations Provide Comfort, as we rendered aid to Kurdish tribes in Northern Iraq and Southern Turkey. And we led
the humanitarian effort to shelter, feed, and comfort fellow Americans stricken by the fury of Hurricane Andrew and
the Somalians in Operation Restore Hope. Our success in each of these operations is firmly rooted in our commitment
to the realization of the six Army fundamental imperatives (figure 16). The essence of this realization is in our ability
to develop leaders who exhibit good leadership qualities. In effect, the other five imperatives dovetail into the sixth
leader development.
In the works of General Maxwell D. Taylor, “...the Army must be well trained, well equipped and well led by men of
courage and vision if it is to provide security of the quality and degree which the situation requires.” We must enhance
the strong leader development efforts that have brought us to our current high state of readiness. The Army commitment
to develop competent, confident leaders will remain constant as we address future challenges. Our three–pillared
leader development model will continue to serve as the foundation for the future leaders of the Army.
This commitment by today’s leaders to develop the best leaders assures the nation of an enduring legacy that of
competent and confident leaders for the future.
Figure 16. Army Fundamental Imperatives
32 DA PAM 350–58 • 13 October 1994