The Rhetoric and Reality of Command

<p>The prevailing perception of squadron command tends to highlight the classical view of the commander's role as a leader. When people envision the day they'll take command their thoughts often drift to how they will implement their vision inspiring their people to successfully accomplish the mission. This timeless picture of the commander as the heroic leader is continually reinforced through an endless collection of leadership literature. Air Force Doctrine Document (AFDD) 1-1 Leadership and Force Development drives the commander's focus by identifying mission and people as the fundamental elements of leadership: The leader's primary responsibility is to motivate and direct people to carry out the unit's mission successfully. While almost no one would argue against these ideals of leadership another aspect of command is often ignored. In executing these responsibilities there is a significant administrative burden with which the commander must contend. Much is due to the myriad of commander's programs and stovepipe functional initiatives that continually add to the commander's plate. While all organizations need administrative processes it seems intuitive there is an impact on the commander's ability to serve as a leader. How much time do these functions take away from commanders' attention on mission and people?</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>