Defining Leadership With Ranks in the Army

The concept of leadership within the army is one that includes various responsibilities and duties that are held by a number of units and individuals. Not only do the ranks in the army signify an individual’s role, but also define the specific ways in which others respond to the defined duties for the overall functioning within the army. Understanding the basics that are a part of the rankings, as well as how each individual and set of individuals works together to provide the best assistance in the army provides more insight into the duties and responsibilities within the army.

The forms of leadership within the army include three main ranks that individuals are divided by, including the enlisted rank, warrant officers and officers. Each of these is expected to hold certain duties and have several individuals within each ranking. These individuals are expected to provide specific duties while taking on forms of leadership and training to continue to move forward within the rank. When upholding these responsibilities, individuals have the ability to move up in ranking in the army. This is typically seen through performance levels shown over a specific time period, combined with roles that each individual holds during their time of duty.

The enlisted rank is the first division within the army, which every soldier automatically enters into when joining the army. The lowest level within this is the private, and consists of new soldiers that have begun their training. The responsibilities at this level include taking orders from others in the division as well as following the rules within the army. As this moves up through rank, the ability to command squads of lower divisions are available, such as through sergeant rank. The highest division in the enlisted rank in the army is the sergeant major of the army. This individual sees over other officers and works as a consultant to the chief of staff in the higher division.

The second rank in the army is the warrant officer. The first level in this ranking is a warrant officer I. In order to maintain this title, there is the need to be appointed by the Secretary of the Army. These individuals work to support various operations for battle and also assist in training and development within the army. This set of ranks in the army continues with the same types of duties, only holding higher responsibilities and levels of leadership. At this level, an individual can move up to a Chief Warrant Officer 5. The difference in this rank is dependent on the training assistance that is provided. This individual is responsible for new leadership roles to assist others that are in this branch.

The third ranks in the army consist of officers, and are inclusive of leaders that hold titles of lieutenants, captains, majors, colonels and generals. The second lieutenant is the entry level leader with this rank and leads platoons of squads in various areas. As each rankings moves up, are more duties in leadership that are assigned, including everything from leading squads to instruction, ordering commands to others and coordinating various missions. The highest level in this rank is the General of the Army and is used only during war time to command specific maneuvers with armies of other nations.

With the various ranks in the armies, are several forms of leadership that are available. Each of these is divided according to roles and responsibilities and continues with training and tactical responsibilities that are needed to build strategies within the army. Each of the ranks in the army contains the ability to build into a new level of service and leadership while serving in the army.

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