The Army Leader Competencies: What Leaders Are Expected to Do

https://www.ncolcoe.army.mil/News/Article/4035893/
investing-in-people-to-enhance-leadership-excellence/

If the Army Leader Attributes answer the question “Who are you as a leader?”, then the Army Leader Competencies answer a different—and equally important—question:

“What are you actually doing as a leader?”

Leadership is not a title, a rank, or a personality trait. In the Army, leadership is defined by action. The
Leader Competencies provide a clear, observable framework for what effective leaders must consistently do to build teams and accomplish the mission.

These competencies apply far beyond military formations. Teachers, coaches, administrators, and business leaders will recognize them immediately—because great leadership looks the same in every profession.

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What Are the Army Leader Competencies?

The Army organizes leadership action into three core competencies:

1. Leads

2. Develops

3. Achieves

Together, they form the behavioral side of the Army Leadership Model. While attributes describe internal qualities, competencies describe deliberate, repeatable actions leaders must take.

Strong leaders balance all three. Neglecting even one creates gaps in trust, performance, or long-term success.

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Leads: Influencing and Guiding Others

The first competency focuses on how leaders influence people and provide direction.

Leads Others

Leaders set the tone. They communicate purpose, establish expectations, and motivate people toward shared goals.

In civilian life, this looks like:

• Clearly communicating priorities

• Setting standards and enforcing them consistently

• Modeling professionalism and ethical behavior

Photo by Jehyun Sung on Unsplash

People follow clarity more than charisma.

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Extends Influence Beyond the Chain of Command

Leadership does not stop at formal authority.

Effective leaders build relationships, collaborate across teams, and influence outcomes even when they don’t “own” the problem.

This is critical in:

• Schools working across departments

• Coaching staffs coordinating roles

• Businesses operating in matrixed organizations

Influence is built on credibility and trust—not position.

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Leads by Example

This is where leadership becomes visible.

Leaders are always on display. Their work ethic, attitude, and behavior signal what is acceptable.

When leaders:

• Show up prepared

• Stay calm under pressure

• Admit mistakes

• Treat people with respect

Others follow suit.

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Communicates

Leadership lives and dies on communication.

Strong leaders:

• Share information early

• Listen actively

• Clarify intent

• Reduce uncertainty

Poor communication creates friction. Clear communication creates momentum.

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Develops: Building People and Organizations

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The second competency ensures leaders aren’t just producing results today—but building capacity for tomorrow.

Creates a Positive Environment

Leaders shape culture whether they mean to or not.

Positive environments are:

• Safe

• Disciplined

• Trust-based

• Accountable

People perform better where they feel respected and supported.

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Develops Others

Leadership is multiplication, not accumulation.

Developing others includes:

• Coaching

• Mentoring

• Providing feedback

• Creating growth opportunities

Leaders who hoard knowledge weaken the organization. Leaders who develop people strengthen it.

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Stewards the Profession

This means leaving the organization better than you found it.

In civilian terms, stewardship looks like:

• Upholding ethical standards

• Protecting organizational values

• Preparing future leaders

• Caring about long-term success, not just short-term wins

Stewardship separates managers from leaders.

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Achieves: Getting Results

The final competency is about execution.

Leadership without results is just talk.

Gets Results

Effective leaders:

• Prioritize correctly

• Manage time and resources

• Hold people accountable

• Adjust when plans change

They focus effort where it matters most.

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Balances Mission and People

Achieving is not about burning people out.

Strong leaders:

• Push for excellence

• Protect their team

• Sustain performance over time

Results matter—but how you get them matters just as much.

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Why the Leader Competencies Matter

The Army Leader Competencies ensure leadership is:

• Observable

• Teachable

• Assessable

• Repeatable

They prevent leadership from becoming vague or personality-driven. Instead, they provide a professional standard for action.

When paired with strong leader attributes, these competencies allow leaders to:

• Build trust

• Develop strong teams

• Navigate complexity

• Accomplish missions

• Sustain organizations over time

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Final Thought

Leadership is not about intentions—it’s about impact.

The Army Leader Competencies give leaders a clear answer to the question, “Am I actually leading?” They remind us that leadership requires influence, investment in people, and consistent execution.

If you want to grow as a leader:

• Lead with clarity

• Develop others intentionally

• Achieve results responsibly

That’s leadership that lasts.

Teach. Coach. Lead.
JVD

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Sources & Credits

The Army Leader Competencies are defined in U.S. Army doctrine, including FM 6-22, Army Leadership and the Profession, which outlines the Army Leadership Requirements Model and the competencies of Leads, Develops, and Achieves.

This post was drafted with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT) and edited by Mr. VanDusen.

The Army Leader Attributes: A Blueprint for Leadership

Leadership is often reduced to skills—how well someone speaks, plans, or manages tasks. But the Army has long understood a deeper truth:

Before leaders can do leadership (VERB), they must be leaders (NOUN).

https://www.ncolcoe.army.mil/News/Article/4035893/
investing-in-people-to-enhance-leadership-excellence/

That belief is captured in the Army Leader Attributes, the internal qualities that shape how leaders think, act, and grow. These attributes apply to soldiers in combat—but they are just as relevant for teachers, coaches, administrators, executives, and anyone responsible for leading people.

The Army brraks leader attributes into three categories:

• Character
• Presence
• Intellect

Together, they form the foundation of effective leadership.

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What Are the Army Leader Attributes?

Army Leader Attributes are the core internal qualities that influence behavior, decision-making, and leadership effectiveness. They are rooted in the Army Values (LDRSHIP) and support the Army Leadership Model, which focuses on what leaders do (Leads, Develops, Achieves).

In simple terms:

Attributes are who you are.
Competencies are what you do.

Without strong attributes, leadership actions lack credibility and consistency.

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Character: The Moral and Ethical Foundation

Character is the backbone of leadership. It defines how a leader behaves when no one is watching and how they make decisions under pressure.

Character is built on several key elements.

Army Values (LDRSHIP)

The seven Army Values guide behavior and decision-making:

• Loyalty
• Duty
• Respect
• Selfless Service
• Honor
• Integrity
• Personal Courage

These values provide clarity when situations are complex or uncomfortable. They answer the question, “What is the right thing to do?”

Photo by Josh Calabrese on Unsplash

Empathy

Empathy allows leaders to understand the perspectives, emotions, and experiences of others. It does not eliminate standards—it strengthens relationships and trust.

Leaders who practice empathy:

• Communicate more effectively
• Reduce conflict
• Build stronger teams
• Improve morale and performance

Warrior / Service Ethos

This reflects a deep commitment to the profession and the mission. In civilian life, this translates to pride in your role, responsibility to others, and dedication to excellence.

Discipline and Humility

Discipline is self-control—doing what needs to be done even when it’s hard.
Humility is recognizing that leadership is service, not status.

Together, they keep leaders grounded and credible.

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Presence: The Impression You Make Every Day

Presence is how leaders are perceived by others. Whether intentional or not, leaders are always sending signals.

Presence includes:

Professional Bearing

This is reflected in appearance, demeanor, and conduct. It communicates seriousness, respect, and reliability.

In any profession, leaders set the tone. People notice how leaders carry themselves long before they hear what they say.

Fitness

Fitness is not just physical—it is mental and emotional readiness.

Fit leaders:

• Manage stress effectively
• Maintain energy and focus
• Remain calm under pressure
• Endure challenges without breaking

A leader who cannot sustain themselves cannot sustain a team.

Confidence and Resilience

Confidence reassures others.
Resilience keeps leaders moving forward after setbacks.

Leaders don’t need to have all the answers—but they must project stability and determination when things go wrong.

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Intellect: How Leaders Think

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Intellect shapes how leaders understand problems and make decisions. It is the engine behind adaptability and sound judgment.

Key aspects include:

Mental Agility

The ability to think flexibly and adapt to changing conditions.

Mentally agile leaders:

• Adjust plans quickly
• Learn from mistakes
• Avoid rigid thinking
• Stay effective in uncertainty

Sound Judgment

Judgment is the ability to make timely, ethical, and effective decisions. It comes from experience, reflection, and a strong moral foundation.

Innovation

Innovation is the willingness to think creatively and improve systems. It does not mean reckless change—it means thoughtful improvement.

Interpersonal Tact

This is the ability to work with people respectfully and effectively, especially in difficult conversations.

Leaders with strong interpersonal tact build trust without sacrificing standards.

Expertise

Expertise provides credibility. Leaders must know their profession, continue learning, and remain competent in their field.

People follow leaders who know what they’re doing.

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Why the Army Leader Attributes Matter

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The Army Leader Attributes form the foundation for everything leaders do. They support the Army Leadership Model’s core competencies:

• Leads – influencing and guiding others
• Develops – building people and organizations
• Achieves – accomplishing the mission

Attributes are developed over time through experience, reflection, feedback, and intentional growth.
They enable leaders to build trust, guide teams through uncertainty, and achieve results without sacrificing character.

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Final Thought

Leadership isn’t built on charisma alone. It’s built on character, presence, and intellect—qualities that show up every day, especially when things are difficult.

The Army Leader Attributes offer a clear, time-tested framework for anyone who wants to lead with integrity, confidence, and competence.

If you want to grow as a leader, don’t start with tactics.
Start with who you are.

Teach. Coach. Lead.
JVD

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Sources & Credits

The Army Leader Attributes are outlined in U.S. Army doctrine, including FM 6-22, Army Leadership and the Profession, which defines the Army Leadership Requirements Model and the attributes of Character, Presence, and Intellect.

This post was drafted with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT) and edited by Mr. VanDusen.

TEWTs: How an Army Training Method Can Transform Civilian Leadership

Photo by 愚木混株 Yumu on Unsplash

The Army is known for its discipline, planning, and ability to execute under pressure. But one of the most underrated tools the Army uses to build confident, adaptive leaders doesn’t involve a single soldier firing a weapon or stepping onto a training range.

It’s called a Tactical Exercise Without Troops, or TEWT.

A TEWT is simple:
You walk leaders through a scenario on the ground, in the actual terrain, without the full unit present. No troops. No equipment. No chaos. Just leaders, a map, and a problem to solve.

It helps leaders visualize, think, rehearse, and prepare before the real mission begins.

Here’s the best part:
TEWTs aren’t just for military operations.
They are a powerful tool for business teams, schools, coaches, and any organization facing complex challenges.

Let’s break it down.

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What Is a TEWT?

A Tactical Exercise Without Troops is a leadership-focused walkthrough in the real environment where a task or mission will take place.

The Army uses TEWTs to:

• Review terrain
• Run leaders through contingencies
• Identify blind spots
• Practice communication
• Walk step-by-step through a mission before executing it

It is the perfect blend of planning and reality.

Now let’s translate that into the civilian world.

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Why TEWTs Matter Outside the Military

Civilian leaders deal with complexity, too:

• Tight timelines
• High-pressure events
• Competing priorities
• New initiatives
• Personnel challenges
• Operational uncertainty

And just like military leaders, civilian leaders benefit from seeing the environment before they execute.

A TEWT is essentially a “practice run” for leaders—without the risk, cost, or stress of real-time consequences.

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TEWTs for Educators

Teachers, administrators, and school leaders can use TEWTs to prepare for:

• Fire drills and safety protocols
• First-day-of-school procedures
• Testing logistics
• Parent-night events
• Building evacuations
• Assemblies and hallway flow
• Sub procedures
• Field trips

Example:
Walk through how students will enter, where backup materials are stored, how the transitions will work, and what happens if technology fails.

A TEWT turns chaos into confidence.

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TEWTs for Coaches

Photo by Jeffrey F Lin on Unsplash

Coaches can use TEWTs for:

• Game-day field walkthroughs
• Special teams rehearsals
• Practice organization
• Facility layouts
• Travel and pregame logistics
• Weather contingencies

Example:
Walk the field to see sightlines, spacing, how the wind is blowing, where communication will happen, and what adjustments may be needed.

This gives players a smoother, calmer experience—and gives coaches far fewer surprises.

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TEWTs for Business Leaders

This is where TEWTs become incredibly powerful.

Business teams can use TEWTs before:

• Large presentations
• Conferences
• New product rollouts
• Customer visits
• Hiring events
• Crisis-response rehearsals
• Company-wide meetings
• Office redesigns
• Big launches

A TEWT in business is simply:

Walk the space.
Review the plan.
Talk through contingencies.
Check the friction points.
Fix problems before they happen.

Executives use TEWTs to:

• Reduce risk
• Improve clarity
• Strengthen communication
• Prepare teams for success
• Predict challenges before they escalate

It’s like conducting a “ground rehearsal” before going live.

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Why TEWTs Work Everywhere

1. They expose problems early.

You see what won’t work before the stakes are high.

2. They build leader confidence.

Leaders rehearse decisions in the real environment, not a conference room.

3. They improve team coordination.

Everyone sees the same space, same obstacles, same plan.

4. They reduce confusion.

Clarity replaces assumption.

5. They strengthen mission readiness.

Teachers, coaches, and business leaders can apply TEWTs to anything involving people, space, timing, or complex tasks.

In short:
TEWTs save time, reduce stress, and increase performance.

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Final Thought

The Army doesn’t use TEWTs because they’re convenient.
They use them because they work.

Whether you’re preparing a classroom, a locker room, or a boardroom, a TEWT gives you clarity before the chaos. It helps you predict problems, strengthen communication, and build confidence in your team.

Walk the space.
Talk through the task.
Identify the friction.
Fix it early.

A few minutes of TEWT saves hours of stress.
Plus, it's really funny to say!

Teach.
Coach.
Lead. 

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Sources & Credits

TEWTs (Tactical Exercises Without Troops) are outlined in Army leadership, operations, and training doctrine, including ATP 3-21.8 and FM 7-0. Interpretations here translate TEWT concepts for civilian leadership, education, coaching, and organizational planning.

This post was drafted with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT) and edited by Mr. VanDusen.

The Army Values: A Solid Starting Point When You’re Struggling With Your Own

Values guide decisions.

Photo by Walls.io on Unsplash

Values drive behavior.
Values shape culture, families, classrooms, and entire organizations.

But let’s be honest—sometimes values feel abstract.
Sometimes they get blurry under pressure.
Sometimes life hits hard, and we find ourselves asking, “What should I do?”

When you’re not sure where to anchor yourself, the Army Values offer a simple, powerful place to start. You don’t need to wear a uniform or serve in the military to apply them. They’re universal principles that strengthen leadership, character, and everyday decision-making.

Whether you’re a teacher trying to guide students, a coach building team culture, a parent navigating tough moments, or a business leader trying to set the tone—the Army Values give you a clear path forward.

Let’s walk through each one and apply it to real life.

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The Army Values (LDRSHIP)

The seven Army Values spell out the acronym LDRSHIP:

1. Loyalty

2. Duty

3. Respect

4. Selfless Service

5. Honor

6. Integrity

7. Personal Courage

These values aren’t slogans—they’re expectations. They guide soldiers in the hardest environments imaginable. And they can guide the rest of us in the everyday battles of life and leadership.

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1. Loyalty — Stand With Your People

In the Army, loyalty means commitment to the mission, your teammates, and the organization.

In civilian life, loyalty looks like:

• Showing up consistently
• Supporting your team
• Keeping your words and promises
• Being dependable, not convenient

Loyalty builds trust—slowly and intentionally.

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2. Duty — Do What Needs to Be Done

Duty means fulfilling obligations without waiting to be asked twice.

Everyday examples:

• Teachers preparing lessons even when exhausted
• Coaches showing up early to set up the field
• Employees meeting deadlines without excuses
• Students giving their best effort

Duty isn’t glamorous.
It’s steady, quiet responsibility.

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3. Respect — Treat People With Dignity

Photo by Tiago Felipe Ferreira on Unsplash

Respect is more than politeness. It’s recognizing the value in every individual.

In classrooms, respect builds safe learning environments.
In teams, respect strengthens unity.
In businesses, respect improves culture and productivity.

Respect is the foundation for every healthy relationship.

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4. Selfless Service — Put the Mission Before Yourself

This doesn’t mean ignoring your needs.
It means understanding the bigger picture.

Examples:

• Coaches mentoring players beyond the field
• Teachers going the extra mile for struggling students
• Leaders who listen more than they talk
• Parents who sacrifice for their children

Selfless service builds stronger communities and stronger character.

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5. Honor — Live Your Values Consistently

Honor means doing the right thing—even when no one is watching.

It looks like:

Photo by Walls.io on Unsplash

• Keeping your word
• Owning your mistakes
• Having standards
• Being someone others can rely on

Honor is the sum of all the other values lived out daily.

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6. Integrity — Tell the Truth and Act With Honesty

Integrity is being the same person in public and private.

In education, coaching, and business, integrity matters because:

• Trust collapses without it
• Teams follow leaders who are authentic
• Honesty eliminates confusion
• Transparency builds credibility

Integrity is the anchor in difficult moments.

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7. Personal Courage — Do What’s Right, Not What’s Easy

Courage isn’t just battlefield bravery.
It’s:

• Admitting when you’re wrong
• Having hard conversations
• Standing up for others
• Making ethical choices under pressure
• Trying something new when failure is possible

Courage moves you forward when fear tries to hold you back.

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When You’re Struggling With Values—Start Here

Life gets messy.
Situations get complicated.
People get stressed, tired, frustrated, or overwhelmed.

If your personal values feel unclear or you’re unsure what path to take:

Start with LDRSHIP.

Ask yourself:

• What does loyalty look like right now?
• What is my duty in this situation?
• Am I treating others with respect?
• Am I serving something bigger than myself?
• What choice aligns with honor?
• Am I acting with integrity?
• What does courage require?

You don’t need perfection.
You just need direction.
The Army Values provide it.

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Final Thought

The Army created these values to guide soldiers in the toughest environments. But their strength is universal. They remind us who we can become—leaders with character, consistency, and purpose.

If you’re struggling with your own values…
If you’re unsure what decision to make…
If you want to be a better leader, teacher, parent, coach, or friend…

Start with LDRSHIP.
The path becomes clearer from there.

Teach. Coach. Lead.
JVD

METT-TC: A Battlefield Analysis Tool Every Leader Should Be Using

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In the Army, leaders are trained to analyze every mission using a simple, powerful framework called
METT-TC. It’s designed to help leaders make fast, informed decisions under stress by looking at the environment from multiple angles—not just reacting to what’s in front of them.

But METT-TC isn’t just for military operations.

Teachers use it every day without realizing it.
Coaches use it on the field constantly.
Business leaders face METT-TC moments in nearly every decision they make.

This framework works because it forces leaders to slow down their thinking long enough to make smart choices—even in chaotic environments.

Let’s break it down.

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What Is METT-TC?

METT-TC stands for:

1. Mission

2. Enemy

3. Terrain & Weather

4. Troops & Support Available

5. Time Available

6. Civil Considerations

It’s a structured way to think clearly before acting decisively.

Now let’s translate each piece for educators, coaches, and business leaders.

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1. Mission — What Are We Actually Trying to Accomplish?

In the military, this is the commander’s intent.

In civilian life, mission clarity matters just as much:

Teachers:
• What’s the objective of the lesson?
• What do students need to know by the end of class?

Coaches:
• What’s today’s practice goal?
• What does the team need to improve before competition?

Business:
• What’s the purpose of this project, meeting, or initiative?
• How will we measure success?

When the mission isn’t clear, the team wastes energy.

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2. Enemy — What Obstacles Stand in Our Way?

Photo by Tim Collins on Unsplash

In the Army, “enemy” is literal.
In civilian life, “enemy” means anything that threatens success.

Teachers:
• Distractions
• Gaps in understanding
• Student behavior challenges
• System limitations

Coaches:
• Opposing team strengths
• Player injuries
• Conditioning issues
• Mismatched positions

Business:
• Competition
• Market trends
• Customer concerns
• Internal bottlenecks

Identifying the “enemy” early helps leaders build smart strategies instead of reactive ones.

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3. Terrain & Weather — What Environmental Factors Matter?

On a battlefield, terrain determines everything.
In everyday leadership, your “terrain” does too.

Teachers:
• Classroom layout
• Seating arrangement
• Technology access
• Noise levels
• School schedule disruptions

Coaches:
• Field conditions
• Weather
• Facility availability
• Travel distance

Business:
• Office layout
• Remote work setups
• Market environment
• Physical constraints

Leaders who ignore terrain end up fighting uphill battles they didn’t need to fight.

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4. Troops & Support Available — Who Do I Have and What Can They Handle?

This is about capability, morale, and resources.

Teachers:
• Class size
• Student skill levels
• Peer support
• Available paras or specialists

Coaches:
• Player strengths and weaknesses
• Depth chart
• Assistant coaches
• Parent support

Business:
• Workforce skills
• Team bandwidth
• Budget
• Technology
• Leadership backing

You can’t plan effectively if you overestimate—or underestimate—your people.

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Photo by Andreas Haubold on Unsplash

5. Time Available — How Much Time Do We Really Have?

In the Army, time drives the entire plan.

The same is true in school, sports, and business.

Teachers:
• Is this a 20-minute mini-lesson or a week-long project?
• How much time do students actually need?

Coaches:
• One practice before a game or an entire preseason?
• Do we have time to install something new?

Business:
• Deadline flexibility
• Time for approvals
• Peak calendar seasons

Leaders who ignore time end up creating stress instead of results.

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6. Civil Considerations — How Will People and Environment Affect the Plan?

In military terms, this refers to civilian populations, local norms, and infrastructure.

In everyday leadership, it means understanding the human side of your mission.

Teachers:
• Student home lives
• Cultural dynamics
• School policies
• Community expectations

Coaches:
• Player availability
• Family situations
• School culture
• Academic eligibility

Business:
• Customer expectations
• Public perception
• Company culture
• Stakeholder interests

Plans that ignore people inevitably fail.

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Why METT-TC Works Everywhere

Because it gives leaders a structured way to analyze complexity without becoming overwhelmed.

METT-TC helps:

• Teachers anticipate challenges before they derail a lesson
• Coaches prepare for more than just the X’s and O’s
• Executives make decisions with clarity instead of pressure
• Teams stay adaptable in changing environments
• Leaders think systematically instead of emotionally

METT-TC turns chaos into clarity.

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Final Thought

METT-TC might come from military doctrine, but it’s really a universal leadership tool. It helps you see the full picture, make better decisions, and lead with confidence—whether you’re standing in front of a classroom, a locker room, or a boardroom.

The environment changes.
The pressure changes.
The stakes change.

But good analysis doesn’t.

Teach. Coach. Lead.
JVD 

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Sources & Credits

The METT-TC framework is outlined in U.S. Army doctrinal publications, including FM 6-0 (Commander and Staff Organization and Operations) and ATP 5-0.1 (Army Design Methodology). Interpretations here translate METT-TC for civilian leadership, education, athletics, and organizational planning.

This post was drafted with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT) and edited by Mr. VanDusen.

Priorities of Work in the Defense: A Battle-Tested System Every Leader Should Use

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When most people hear “priorities of work in the defense,” they picture an infantry platoon digging
fighting positions in the jungle or holding security on a remote hilltop. And yes—this framework was built for exactly that: soldiers under pressure, limited time, and the constant threat of being overwhelmed.

But here’s the truth:

The same priorities that keep soldiers alive can also protect the business executive facing heavy competition, the coach overwhelmed by demands, and the teacher managing 150 students and a stack of deadlines.

The military knows how to bring order to chaos. The Priorities of Work do exactly that.

Let’s break down what they are—and how they apply far beyond the battlefield.

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What Are the Priorities of Work?

In the Defense, the Army teaches a structured sequence of tasks a unit must complete to establish security, stability, and readiness. While variations exist, the core priorities typically include:

1. Security

2. Positioning & Sectors of Fire

3. Communication

4. Work/Rest Cycles

5. Weapons & Equipment Maintenance

6. Improving Fighting Positions

7. Logistics & Resupply

8. Planning & Rehearsals

These priorities are not random. They are designed to keep the unit alive, effective, and prepared—especially under pressure.

Now let’s translate each one into civilian leadership.

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1. Security — Protecting What Matters First

In the Army, security is the first priority because nothing else matters if the unit is vulnerable.

In civilian life, “security” means:

• Protecting your schedule
• Protecting your energy
• Protecting your people
• Protecting your mission from distractions
• Protecting your business from competitors or threats

Executives “under attack” from competitors must secure:

• Customer base
• Intellectual property
• Brand trust
• Key relationships
• Core revenue streams

Before you innovate, expand, or fix anything—you secure what keeps you alive.

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2. Positioning — Putting the Right People in the Right Roles

In a platoon, soldiers establish positions and sectors of fire.

In organizations, this means:

• Clarifying responsibilities
• Assigning roles intentionally
• Eliminating overlap and confusion
• Ensuring everyone knows their “sector”

A team without clear roles is like a defensive line with no assigned fields of fire—chaos waiting to happen.

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Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash

3. Communication — Keeping Everyone
Informed and Connected

In the defense, communication ensures units know:

• What’s happening
• Where everyone is
• What’s coming next
• How to respond to threats

In businesses and schools, communication:

• Prevents confusion
• Reduces mistakes
• Builds trust
• Keeps the team aligned
• Allows rapid adaptation

A team that communicates well can absorb pressure without falling apart.

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4. Work/Rest Cycles — Preventing Burnout

Soldiers cannot pull security forever. Leaders must enforce rest cycles.

Executives, teachers, and coaches often forget this concept entirely.

Rest is not a luxury.
Rest is a priority of work.

Teams need:

• Time off
• Mental clarity
• Emotional resets
• Sustainable schedules

A burned-out team is an ineffective team—no matter the industry.

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5. Weapons & Equipment Maintenance — Keeping Tools Ready

For soldiers, this means:

• Cleaning weapons
• Checking radios
• Inspecting gear

For civilian leaders, it means keeping your tools ready:

• Technology
• Systems
• Processes
• Curriculum
• Playbooks
• Skills and competencies

If your tools fail under pressure, the mission fails with them.

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6. Improving the Fighting Position — Continuous Improvement

This is one of my favorite parts of Army doctrine.

Even when everything is set, soldiers continue improving:

• Better cover
• Better camouflage
• Better angles
• Better routes

In civilian terms, this means:

• Refining systems
• Strengthening weak spots
• Improving communication
• Updating SOPs
• Becoming more efficient
• Innovating before the competition does

Leaders don’t wait for problems—they prepare for them.

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7. Logistics — Resourcing the Mission

A platoon cannot fight without:

• Ammo
• Water
• Batteries
• Supplies

Organizations cannot function without:

• Budgets
• Staff
• Time
• Training
• Clear workflows

If logistics fail, everything fails.

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Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

8. Planning & Rehearsals — Preparing for
What’s Next

Soldiers rehearse contingencies and upcoming missions.

Leaders do the same when they:

• Hold strategy meetings
• Run “what-if” scenarios
• Prepare for competition
• Train for change
• Coach teams through transitions

Rehearsal turns chaos into confidence.

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Why This Applies Everywhere

Because pressure isn’t limited to the battlefield.

Teachers face pressure daily.
Coaches face pressure weekly.
Executives face pressure constantly.
Families face pressure quietly.
Small teams face pressure unexpectedly.

The Priorities of Work give leaders:

• Clarity
• Order
• Focus
• Discipline
• Predictability
• Confidence

It’s a system for keeping your team calm while the world around you is anything but.

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Final Thought

The Priorities of Work in the Defense were written for platoons digging in under stress—but their principles apply to anyone leading a team under pressure.

Secure your priorities.
Position your people.
Communicate clearly.
Protect your energy.
Maintain your tools.
Continuously improve.
Resource your mission.
Plan ahead.

These steps won’t just make your team stronger—they’ll make your leadership unshakable.

Teach. Coach. Lead.
JVD

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Sources & Credits

The Priorities of Work in the Defense are outlined in U.S. Army infantry doctrine, including FM 3-21.8 (The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad) and Ranger Handbook (SH 21-76). Interpretations here translate those priorities for civilian leadership and organizational settings.

This post was drafted with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT) and edited by Mr. VanDusen.