Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad - Sakai

Fundamentals of Tactics
Control is the direction and guidance of subordinates to ensure accomplishment of the mission. Leadership
is the art of exercising C2 to influence and direct men in such a way as to obtain their willing obedience,
confidence, respect, and loyal cooperation to accomplish the mission. Leadership is the most vital
component of C2.
1-113. Professional military leadership involves a combination of personal character and professional
competence with a bias for the right action at the right time for the right effect. Leading Soldiers in combat
is the Infantry leader’s most important challenge.
1-114. There are three core principles that underlie the application of tactical leadership: leadership by
example; authority; and mission command.
LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
1-115. Follow me!—the Infantry motto—best summarizes the principle of leadership by example. This
simple expression is further developed in the Army’s leadership philosophy: Be, Know, Do. Character
describes what a leader must be; competence refers to what leaders must know; action is what leaders must
do (Figure 1-11). These concepts do not stand alone. They are closely connected and together make up who
leaders seek to be (FM 6-22, Army Leadership).
AUTHORITY
Figure 1-11. Leader by example “Be, Know, Do” principle.
1-116. Authority is the delegated power to judge, act, or command. It includes responsibility,
accountability, and delegation (FM 6-0, Mission, Command, and Control). All Infantrymen in positions of
authority are leaders. Leaders exercise authority as they make decisions to accomplish their mission and
lead their Soldiers. Authority involves the right and freedom to use the power of position to carry out
military duties. It carries with it the responsibility to act. Battle command is the exercise of authority
against a hostile, thinking enemy.
28 March 2007 FM 3-21.8 1-25