The ultimate aim of any military unit, including a platoon and a company, is to meet the outlined operational demands. Such an objective is possible when lieutenants and captains apply appropriate strategies to guide and influence their soldiers. The inclusion of principles and standards will compel soldiers to act swiftly, follow instructions, support one another, and deliver timely results (Nindla et al., 2018). One of the key attributes that can ensure that the intended objectives are realized is that of readiness.
Influence is a critical attribute that dictates the performance of any military unit. Those in leadership positions should provide the required resources and directions to the platoon (Swagart, n.d.). Commanders should ensure that the books of all leaders are updated accordingly (Swagart, n.d.). Squad leaders need to be aware of the location and whereabouts of all soldiers. Such essential attributes present a sense of influence, thereby contributing to the unit’s readiness at all times.
The issue of motivation is essential when focusing on the goals of a platoon. The empowerment and guidance of followers can become a powerful strategy for guiding others. The leader should be in a position to identify some of the best approaches that can guide soldiers to overcome various challenges associated with buggy and hot environments (Goodwin et al., 2018). Unless those in leadership positions promote their followers’ morale and involvement, the unit will be less prepared for any eventuality that might occur.
While considering the intended goals, commanders and leaders should handle emerging challenges and personal problems efficiently. The established policies are worth considering since they influence soldiers positively. Those in such positions can allow their followers to unwind, share ideas, and relax to overcome stress. Readiness can also be achieved through the provision of timely counseling sessions. Platoons could also benefit from policies aimed at monitoring, preventing, and minimizing substance abuse (Nindla et al., 2018). When differences emerge among the soldiers, it is necessary to remain supportive and offer insights to address them. This strategy will create a positive environment for all the soldiers to achieve their aims.
Influence can become a powerful initiative whenever pursuing and completing both field and sea operations. Leaders need to oversee the transition of activities and efforts throughout the period. Lieutenants should consider how their platoons will survive in different deployments, maintain stress, follow orders directly, and apply their competencies to achieve the intended aims (Nindla et al., 2018). Through representation, every soldier gets a new opportunity to develop the required tenets of military life and soldiering. Consequently, units will have a reliable captain to seek guidance, follow the presented guidelines, and collaborate to deliver positive results.
From this analysis, it is evident that commanders should be aware of their soldiers’ needs, be involved, analyze the stressors in the environment, and offer personalized motivation. They need to solve emerging differences, monitor how fighters adhere to the established standards, and offer timely instructions that can ensure that the intended goals are realized (Nindla et al., 2018). These attributes will increase the level of readiness in the platoon. The beneficiaries will develop appropriate behaviors, learn to relate positively with each other, and be prepared for all missions (Nindla et al., 2018). In conclusion, leaders who take these issues into consideration will guide their followers to achieve their goals much faster.
References
Goodwin, G. F., Blacksmith, N., & Coats, M. R. (2018). The science of teams in the military: Contributions from over 60 years of research. American Psychologist, 73(4), 322-333. Web.
Nindla, D. C., Billing, D. C., Drain, J. R., Beckner, M. E., Greeves, J., Groeller, H., Teien, H. K., Marcora, S., Moffitt, A., Reilly, T., Taylor, N. A. S., Young, A. J., & Friedl, K. E. (2018). Perspectives on resilience for military readiness and preparedness: Report of an international military physiology roundtable. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 21(11), 1116-1124. Web.
Swagart, J. T. (n.d.). FTX mission [PDF document].