Courage is essential for a soldier, encompassing both physical and moral aspects. Physical courage involves overcoming fear in dangerous situations, while moral courage entails standing by one’s beliefs despite potential consequences. A leader’s ability to make difficult decisions is a reflection of their courage, and without it, they cannot succeed.
A military leader must also possess a prominent and benevolent personality. Being prominent is not enough; one must also be benevolent, displaying qualities such as honesty, humility, and a willingness to sacrifice for others. Indonesian forefathers outlined eight qualities of good leaders known as hasta brata, which emphasize broad-mindedness, guidance, steadfastness, understanding, warmth, accessibility, and positivity.
Loyalty to the country, nation, and people is crucial for a military leader. True loyalty is demonstrated through commitment, dedication to comrades, and putting the interests of one’s men above personal gain. Professional skills are also necessary for leadership success, requiring a deep understanding of one’s field and the ability to lead effectively at different levels.
Passion is another important element of successful military leadership, as it drives dynamic action and endurance in the face of challenges. A leader’s philosophy guides their decision-making, with a focus on benefiting the country, nation, and armed forces before personal interests. Physical fitness, presence at critical moments, forward-thinking, creativity, cybernetics, Murphy’s law, and a sense of responsibility are additional factors that define successful military leadership.
Overall, a combination of courage, personality, loyalty, professional skills, passion, philosophy, physical fitness, presence, forward-thinking, creativity, cybernetics, preparedness for Murphy’s law, and a strong sense of responsibility are essential for effective military leadership.
