ALx Bulletin - January 2026 - Leading with Purpose & Vision
Leading with Purpose & Vision
Effective leadership depends on the alignment of purpose, direction, and motivation among leaders and subordinates. Working with a shared understanding of the operational picture and higher intent generates the unity of purpose, unity of effort, and consistency essential to maintaining a positive leadership climate. Subordinates who see consistency will sense shared purpose and be less prone to distraction by confusing or conflicting guidance from different leaders. Those who align their decisions and activities with their peers, for example during garrison activities and training, may have greater influence than a leader who does not.
This unifying aspect of leadership can—
- Ensure attitudes and actions up, down, and across units are aligned around a common vision.
- Enable mission command by delegating authority and control appropriate for the situation.
- Cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with others inside and outside the organization.
- Draw on sources of expertise across a unit.
ADP 6-22, 5-5
Execute Today [Content You Can Use Immediately]
A leader’s vi
sion plays a critical role in motivating and unifying a team. Effectively communicating the vision clarifies direction, builds trust, and fosters a shared sense of purpose. This piece provides tangible steps to take when crafting and conveying a vision that inspires collaboration and drives collective success.
Leadership transitions can introduce friction, impacting unit momentum and effectiveness that are required for successful Army operations. Therefore, seamless continuity between outgoing and incoming leaders is critical.
The latest publication from the Center for Army Lessons Learned provides support and insight to leaders at all levels with a specific emphasis on battalion staff and company and includes best practice
with tools you can start using today to ensure continued mission success.
A leader’s vision plays a critical role in motivating and unifying a team. Effectively communicating the vision clarifies direction, builds trust, and fosters a shared sense of purpose. This piece provides tangible steps to take when crafting and conveying a vision that inspires collaboration and drives collective success.
Leadership transitions can introduce friction, impacting the unit momentum and effectiveness that are required for successful Army operations. Therefore, seamless continuity between outgoing and incoming leaders is critical. The latest publication from the Center for Army Lessons Learned provides support and insight to leaders at all levels with a specific emphasis on battalion staff and company and includes best practice with tools you can start using today to ensure continued mission success.
**New Tool** The new Ask Arroyo chatbot enables quick answers to policy questions based on RAND Arroyo Center research work. RAND Arroyo is the Army's only federally funded research and development center for studies and analysis. Their portal also provides a searchable database and document repository covering a decade of research. Request access to the portal here to search the database and use Ask Arroyo.
Prepare for Tomorrow [Content to Improve Your Organization]
**Throwback Article** This 2024 article gives leaders a clear roadmap to reduce their subordinates need to ask 'why?' by focusing on effective communication, trust-building, and creating a culture of excellence. By providing clear purpose, direction, and motivation, leaders empower their teams to reach their full potential and ensure mission success. Read more in the NCO Journal here.
“Organizations must understand commanders’ guidance, training priorities, and their role in accomplishing the Army’s mission through a disciplined approach. It’s the sum of these three that helps determine our personal success in the Army, of our teams in training, and of our formations in battle.” -Sgt. Maj. James L. Light
A personal wartime experience shared by the author of this Muddy Boots article highlights that every standard in the Army profession has a purpose that improves lethality and survivability and why NCOs must ensure they understand and communicate that purpose.
Students and faculty at the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College have developed AI-enabled wargaming at no extra cost using the existing Vantage program, with documented solutions that can be replicated to improve warfighting effectiveness. In this installment of the CGSC Partnership with Small Wars journal, the authors share everything from the background and first execution to implications for professional military education and operational planning. Read about it here.
Learn Always [Content to Help You Think]
**New RAND Arroyo Research** Focusing on fewer, larger, and more realistic exercises can amplify the Army’s deterrent impact and strengthen readiness. New quantitative & qualitative research shows that deterrence is strongest when exercises are larger, more operationally realistic, and inclusive of key enablers such as command, sustainment, and logistics forces. The study also highlights the importance of clearer guidance for planners, stronger integration with operational planning, and improved assessment and knowledge-management processes. By refining the purpose, scope, and evaluation of exercises, the Army can turn them into sharper tools for building combat credibility, strengthening partnerships, and showcasing modernization in action. Read the full report Valuing Army Exercises: Choices, Tradeoffs, and Costs. Contact Molly Dunigan if interested (report is CUI).
Army senior leaders gathered at Fort Drum on January 12th for a candid Q&A and SITREP, spotlighting rapid transformation, modernization, and soldier-driven innovation. Leaders discussed new gear, agile training, quality-of-life upgrades, and lessons from Ukraine, all aimed at building a stronger, more responsive force. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer participated in discussion moderated by Command Sgt. Major Brett Johnson, Command Sergeant Major, 10th Mountain Division. Access it here.
The Army’s acquisition reform represents more than just a policy update—it’s a cultural shift toward speed, innovation and accountability. By bridging the gap between warfighters and decision-makers, the initiative aims to keep the military both agile and dominant in an era of rapid technological change.” -Cheryl Marino, Behind the Front Lines
Read about the Army’s ambitious procurement overhaul and the Pathway to Innovation acquisition reform office here.
In a recent Your Next Mission® podcast, Sgt. First Class Johnny Vargas, also known as “Viva La Vargas,” across Social Media, had a conversation with retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Jack Tilley about impact, responsibility, and choosing to be a light in a dark world. Themes discussed include why real leadership isn’t about rank, platforms, or recognition. It’s about showing up for people, leading with empathy, and using your influence to help others win. Listen here.
Forging the Framework, based on 2 years of research blends case‑study analysis with sharp, thought‑provoking essays that explore the real‑world dilemmas service members may face when domestic crises call them to act as both citizens and soldiers. Drawing lessons from pivotal moments in American history, it traces the evolving policies that shape how U.S. military forces support civil authorities. Designed to spark conversation across the ranks, it challenges today’s force to understand the complexities of domestic response in a rapidly changing world. Read it here.
Get Involved [Opportunities for YOU to Drive Change]
Your help is needed to help improve ALx and grow the ALx community.
- Send leader development content you value (articles, book reviews, podcasts, webinars, resources) for inclusion in the bulletin.
- Interview leaders you respect for ALx Mentor Minutes
Questions? Email: usarmy.leavenworth.cac.mbx.tr-inform-cell@army.mil