Courage is an absolute essential for a soldier, encompassing both physical and moral courage. Physical courage entails overcoming fear in the face of injury and death, while moral courage involves facing the risk of losing office, rank, and position due to actions that align with one’s beliefs as a TNI soldier. Courage enables a leader to make decisions in difficult and risky situations, without which a military leader cannot succeed. A commander who loses courage will see a decrease or loss of appreciation from his men.
A military leader must also have a prominent and benevolent personality. Good leadership involves honesty, putting others before oneself, displaying humility and a willingness to sacrifice, and remaining steadfast in the face of challenges. The eight personal qualities of good leaders, known as hasta brata, include being like the Ocean, Moon, Star, Mountain, Earth, Fire, Wind, and Sun. These qualities serve as a guide for leaders to lead with integrity and compassion.
Loyalty is another crucial trait for a military leader, encompassing a strong and absolute commitment to the country, nation, and people. Loyalty is reflected in one’s dedication to the organization, comrades, and the men they lead. A true leader prioritizes the interests of their men above their own and understands that taking care of their men will result in loyalty and support in return.
Professional skills are essential for a successful leader, requiring a deep understanding of their field and expertise in tactics and strategies. A leader must have a vision two levels above them and mastery two levels below them in order to effectively lead their troops. Passion is also critical, as it drives a leader to act dynamically and endure challenges with steadfastness. Without passion, a leader cannot achieve glorious outcomes or inspire their troops to victory.
Additionally, physical fitness is a prerequisite for a military leader, enabling them to lead by example and be a role model for their troops. Presence at critical moments and places is crucial for a leader to assess situations up close and make swift and accurate decisions in emergencies. Forward-thinking, creativity, cybernetics, and Murphy’s Law all play a role in guiding successful military leadership.
Above all, a sense of responsibility and a commitment to prioritizing the country, the nation, and the armed forces above personal interests are key principles for effective military leadership. A leader must always consider whether their decisions benefit the greater good before pursuing personal gain. By embodying these principles and traits, a military leader can inspire loyalty, trust, and success among their troops.
