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| Photo by Taiwangun on Unsplash |
Before we begin, let me be absolutely clear:
I am not a Ranger, nor am I Ranger Qualified.
I have never worn a Ranger tab, never attended Ranger School, and I have deep respect for the soldiers who have earned that honor through some of the toughest training in the U.S. military.
However—like many leaders who want to grow—I bought a copy of the Ranger Handbook when I was a young enlisted Military Policeman.
Not because I’m pretending to be something I’m not, but because the handbook contains some of the best tactical, organizational, and leadership principles ever written.
And here’s the surprising part:
The Principles of Patrolling aren’t just for infantry patrols in contested terrain.
They apply to teachers, coaches, administrators, youth leaders, and anyone trying to lead a group of people toward a mission.
The principles are simple, powerful, and practical—exactly what good leadership should be.
Let’s walk through them and translate each one into everyday life.
The Five Principles of Patrolling
According to the Ranger Handbook, every patrol—no matter the type—relies on five key principles:
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Planning
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Reconnaissance
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Security
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Control
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Common Sense
They’re designed to keep soldiers alive and mission-ready.
They also happen to be a masterclass in leadership.
Let’s break them down.
1. Planning — Clear Mission, Clear Execution
In the military, planning ensures every soldier understands the mission, the route, the timeline, contingencies, and the commander’s intent.
Translated to civilian leadership:
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| Photo by Pedro Miranda on Unsplash |
• Define the mission clearly
• Communicate expectations
• Anticipate obstacles
• Keep the plan grounded in reality
Teachers plan successful lessons.
Coaches plan practices, game scripts, and scouting.
Businesses plan projects, deadlines, and operations.
Good planning reduces confusion.
Great planning increases confidence.
2. Reconnaissance — Know Before You Go
The Ranger Handbook teaches that leaders must confirm terrain, adjust based on new information, and avoid assumptions.
In everyday life, reconnaissance means:
• Checking the field before practice
• Walking the classroom before a sub arrives
• Reviewing data before launching a project
• Visiting a venue before an event
• Asking “What’s really going on here?” before acting
Leaders who “go look” make better decisions than leaders who guess.
3. Security — Protect the Team
In military terms, security prevents surprise and keeps the patrol safe.
For schools, teams, and offices, security means:
• Creating emotional safety in your classroom
• Preparing backups for technology failures
• Establishing routines and expectations
• Preventing small issues from becoming big ones
• Building systems that reduce uncertainty
Security isn’t fear—it’s preparation.
Your people perform better when they feel safe and supported.
4. Control — Clear Roles and Clear
Communication
A patrol doesn’t function without control.
Everyone needs to know who is in charge, who reports to whom, and how information flows.
In civilian leadership, control means:
• Assigning roles
• Providing structure
• Using consistent communication
• Setting boundaries
• Keeping standards high
Teams fall apart when leaders get vague.
Control gives order, and order gives confidence.
5. Common Sense — Leadership’s Most Underrated Skill
The Ranger Handbook ends the list with something surprisingly simple:
Use common sense.
In the Army, common sense saves lives.
In everyday leadership, it saves time, morale, and resources.
Common sense looks like:
• Don’t overcomplicate things
• Make decisions that match the moment
• Lead with practicality, not ego
• Avoid rigid thinking
• Do what clearly makes sense
Sometimes leaders get so wrapped up in processes that they forget to be human.
Common sense brings leadership back to reality.
Why These Principles Work Everywhere
Because they’re built on universal truths:
• Good leaders plan
• Good leaders confirm information
• Good leaders protect their people
• Good leaders communicate clearly
• Good leaders stay grounded
You don’t need to be a Ranger to live out these principles.
You just need to care about leading well.
Coaches can use them.
Administrators can use them.
Youth leaders can use them.
Businesses can use them.
It’s leadership at its simplest—and strongest.
Final Thought
The Ranger Handbook might be written for warfighters, but leadership is leadership. The Principles of Patrolling offer a blueprint every leader can use to bring clarity, safety, and direction to their team.
You don’t need a tab to learn from the best.
You just need humility, discipline, and a desire to serve.
Teach. Coach. Lead.
JVD
