The ALx Bulletin - May 2025 - Combat Leadership: Pursuing Performance Excellence

“To be a successful soldier you must know history. Read it objectively…. What you must know is how man reacts. Weapons change but man who uses them changes not at all. To win battles you do not beat weapons… you beat… man…. You must read biographies and especially autobiographies.  If you do, you will find that war is simple.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Gen. George Patton

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Commander, Third Army (1944-1945)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Source: Letter to his son, 6 June 1944

Execute Today  [Content You Can Use Immediately]

“Your leaders ask you to prepare the teams, squads, and platoons for the next fight. Are you ready?” In this article, a seasoned Command Sgt. Maj. with 14 deployments shares how to ensure warfighting readiness using lessons he learned through firsthand experience, education, and observation. 

Maximize your leadership impact! Use Leader 180 for fast peer feedback or Leader 360 for a broader perspective from your team and superiors. Start your assessment today! {CAC Required} Questions? Reach out to the Athena team here.

Experience may be the best teacher, but a wise person learns from the lessons of others. Check out the timeless leadership wisdom pulled from a speech made by Gen. Donn Starry in 1979. Plus, check out the links for “Press On!” and “To Change an Army” at the bottom of the page. 

Prepare For Tomorrow [Content to Improve Your Organization]

“Soldiers should make the most of their time when not engaged in combat, it may save their life.” Learning from instructors & more experienced Soldiers, self-education, training and continued practice & preparation are key. Read ‘Combat Advice From Ukrainian Noncommissioned Officers’, which will increase your ability to survive on the modern battlefield and in a contested UAS environment. {CAC Required}

The concept of multi-domain operations (MDO) must be understood by NCOs at all levels.  The onion analogy explained here provides a simplified explanation and understanding of offensive & defensive measures required to outmaneuver and defeat our adversaries.

  “The use of artillery during WWI not only shaped the operating environment of the Western Front, but it elevated the long-lasting importance of joint fires and joint fire support.” This article outlines    implications for future sergeants major, which includes the need to comprehensively understand the joint planning environment.

“There will likely be many other junior officers in the near future, like me, who will find themselves having to solve complex problems while leading a platoon alone and unafraid.” Leading in the absence of direct guidance doesn’t mean doing it on your own. Read about one experience here.

Learn Always [Content to Help You Think]

   **BRAND NEW** This unique 'Primer on the Profession of Arms' is meant to be read cover to cover. It illustrates what it means to be a warrior, a professional, and a leader while highlighting the Army's rich       history of service, sacrifice, and dedication.

The Secretary of Defense directive dated 30 April 2025 provides a framework for achieving peace through strength.  Resilience has always been a core strength of the U.S. Army and will continue to be required in this ever-evolving operational environment. An analysis of the book “Winning Without Fighting: Irregular Warfare and Strategic Competition in the 21st Century” provides a succinct summary of the book which gives perspective on resilience as a key instrument of power.

When was the last time you read the leadership gold found in ADP 6-22? Refresh your knowledge of the leadership requirements for both Soldiers & DA Civilians and find information on the timely topics of leading your organization through change and challenges of an operational environment here.

“Words have meaning. And in war, few words matter more than strategy.” This article explores what strategy is and isn’t and provides thought-provoking discourse to foster shared understanding of its power in shaping both the outcomes of war and the peace that follows.

ADP 3-0, Operations now has an audiobook! Listen to the Army’s view of how to conduct prompt and sustained operations across multiple domains and operational doctrine for multidomain operations here.

  Get Involved [Opportunities for YOU to Drive Change]

The Army is celebrating its’ 250th birthday by honoring our rich history of service, sacrifice, and dedication. #Army250

The theme this year is This We’ll Defend. You can help us celebrate, tell the Army story, and honor the American Soldier!

***Starting June 1st, follow & share the ALX #LegacyLeader series on social media.***               

 Read about individuals who made a positive impact or drove change through heroic actions, contributions of enduring quality & value, and enabling the legacy of others.  

Who comes to mind when you think of the term legacy leader? Submit them to ALx here.

Plus! Find out more about the Army’s birthday plans and how you can join in the ‘How to Celebrate’ guide found here.