April 3, 2025
by Evan C. Corman
Leadership is a lifelong journey that transcends our profession’s environments and borders. No longer confined solely to work life, we need leadership skills in our families, communities, and relationships. It must be cultivated from the time we leave our childhood homes and passed on to the next generation as we practice it for decades. While this concept applies across many professions, the military has codified this practice through a military officer’s career. Here, leadership evolves and extends from one domain to another honed through ROTC, nurtured in family circles, tested in the Army, and ultimately extended to influence society and the world at large.
From the rigorous training of an ROTC program to the profound responsibility of military service in the Army and beyond, effective leadership involves a blend of discipline, self-awareness, and the capacity to inspire others. Leadership is not just a role or title; it’s a mindset that impacts our professional journey, family, personal circles, and even the broader community.
Leadership in the ROTC Program: Building the Foundation
For many aspiring young soldiers, the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is the first significant exposure to leadership in a military context. The ROTC program is designed to develop the leadership skills of college-aged cadets across 273 host universities and over 1,100 affiliate institutions, preparing them to become officers in the U.S. Army. The program combines academic instruction with leadership training, instilling the core values of duty, respect, integrity, and honor.
In ROTC, leadership is shaped through both structured and unstructured experiences. Cadets learn how to lead teams, manage tasks, and navigate complex problems in high-pressure situations, all while managing a rigorous academic course load. This is the foundation of a leader’s skill set, taking responsibility for oneself and others, making decisions that can impact lives, and fostering an environment of respect and trust.
Leadership in ROTC is not simply about giving orders or holding a position of power, in fact roles change frequently. It is about serving as an example, exhibiting discipline, and learning how to support others in their growth. The bond created within the ROTC community is unique, and the shared experience fosters teamwork, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to one another’s success.
Leadership at Home: The Influence of Family and Personal Circles
The leadership learned in ROTC does not stay confined to the military; it carries over to personal relationships, particularly with family and close friends. In the home, leadership is often about service, support, and prioritizing the well-being of loved ones.
A cadet or military officer who leads effectively within their family tends to model the same skills that they would use in the Army, such as communication, decision-making, responsibility, and empathy. It is within the family unit that a leader learns to balance personal and professional commitments, understanding that strong leadership includes providing emotional support, understanding others’ perspectives, and fostering an environment of care and encouragement.
Family and personal relationships also serve as a testing ground for leadership principles. Can a leader maintain patience and empathy when dealing with difficult family dynamics? Can they demonstrate strength during times of adversity while being attuned to the needs of others? These questions reveal the human side of leadership, proving that the best leaders are those who can navigate both the battlefield and the challenges of everyday life.
Leadership in the Army: Leading with Integrity
Once in the Army, leadership takes on a more formal and critical role. As an officer, the responsibility grows exponentially. Leaders are entrusted with the well-being of their soldiers, the effectiveness of their units, and the success of missions that can affect national security. Leadership within the Army requires more than just technical skills; it demands a moral compass, the ability to inspire, and the courage to make tough decisions that may affect people’s lives.
The Army places a significant emphasis on continuous leadership development. Officers are trained to be decision-makers who act with integrity, serve with humility, and empower others to excel. Leadership in the Army is also about trust. Soldiers must trust their leaders, and leaders must trust their soldiers. This reciprocal trust forms the bedrock of effective military operations.
In the Army, leaders are also tasked with ensuring that their soldiers understand their own roles within the broader mission and the importance of collective success. A great leader focuses not just on accomplishing the mission but on developing the individuals within the team. This includes mentoring others, facilitating their growth, and ensuring that every member feels valued and capable of contributing to the mission.
Leadership beyond the Army: Impacting Society and the World
As officers progress in their military careers, their influence extends beyond the Army to society at large. Leaders in the military are often called upon to represent their country, uphold national values, and work toward global peace and security. Leadership is no longer just about military strategies or operational excellence; it’s about serving as a role model, an ambassador, and an advocate for broader causes such as justice, freedom, and international cooperation.
Leaders who have been shaped by the discipline and ethics of the Army often carry these values into civilian life where they may transition into leadership roles in government, business, or nonprofit organizations. The leadership lessons learned in ROTC and the Army can be applied to many facets of life. They can inspire individuals to act on important social issues, lead efforts for change, and empower others to make a difference.
Many former military leaders go on to become advocates for their fellow veterans, ensuring that their service is honored, and their needs are met. In this way, the leadership ethos continues to extend far beyond the confines of the military, enriching society with lessons in resilience, service, and duty to others.
Leadership as a Lifelong Journey
Leadership is a process and must be fostered over time regardless of the path we take. For a U.S Army officer, leadership is a lifelong journey forged in the crucible of ROTC, tested in the context of family and personal relationships, honed through the challenges of the military, and ultimately extended to the wider world. It is not confined to one environment but is instead something that shapes and is shaped by every experience. The principles of leadership integrity, empathy, accountability, and service are universal, and their application is far-reaching.
A true leader understands that their role is not limited to commanding soldiers or fulfilling obligations within a particular organization. Leadership is about completing the mission, making a positive impact, fostering trust, and building a legacy that extends well beyond the military. Whether serving in the Army or engaging with the world beyond, the influence of effective leadership ripples through every circle it touches. Leadership extends beyond a profession and impacts family, community, and society creating a powerful legacy of service and dedication.
Effective leaders shape the world in profound ways: one person, one relationship, and one mission at a time.
Bio: Evan Corman is an assistant professor of military science at Rutgers University where he teaches the sophomore cadets. He is also serving as a captain in the United States Army Reserve serving as a team chief in the 404 Civil Affairs Airborne Company. He graduated from Shippensburg University where he was commissioned into the Field Artillery Corps as an active-duty officer. He served honorably in the 82nd airborne division where he completed his active-duty time. He recently graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Master of Arts in Museum Studies.
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