FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov.4 2015) -- Gen. Robert Abrams, commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command, spoke to students Oct. 30 at the Maneuver Center of Excellence about being leaders of character as part of the Combat Leader Speaker Program.
Abrams chose to share his "keys to the kingdom," or three main components of being a leader, with the students.
"Let me be crystal clear about expectations for what you are about to get in to," Abrams said. "You are about to begin leading Soldiers at the tip of the spear. You are personally going to be in charge of directing Soldiers' action in battle. And that is a lot of responsibility."
Abrams first key was to be a leader of character.
"Our Soldiers are unbelievable in how good they are. They are smart, fit, committed and they will challenge you. They want to be Soldiers. They represent the best about our country. And they want leaders who are committed, who are dedicated and who are professionals.
"So you have to be that leader, and always do what is right."
Abrams second key is to know your job.
"The parents and Family members of the Soldiers who you're going to lead have high expectations of you. You have their loved ones in your hand, and they want to know that you are confident in what you are doing. But before you can assume it, you better know what you're doing. You need to be a master of your craft. Because those you lead have the expectation that you know exactly what you're doing."
Abrams reminded the students not to get ahead of themselves, and to remember that they are expected to be life-long learners.
"You're smart. You're energetic. You've got the right desire," he said. "But you have zero experience, because all you know is what you've done here. And while it's an excellent education, you don't have enough repetitions under your belt. You will get there as long as you push yourself and keep learning."
The final key is to take care of Soldiers, one at a time.
For Abrams, taking care of Soldiers begins with ensuring that Soldiers are properly prepared through tough and realistic training.
"You need to create an environment where Soldiers are expected to be disciplined and do the right thing every single time without you telling them. Where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and high standards are enforced.
"And the best way to enforce standards is to lead by outstanding personal example. You don't need to say much, just live it. Taking care of soldiers is not a one size fits all; it's an incredibly personal business where you'll ask them to do very difficult tasks. This is a people business. People are not in the Army, people are the Army. And you have to get to know each and every one of your Soldiers."
Abrams concluded his speech with a reminder that students have to earn the respect of their Soldiers and superiors; it is not just given.
"If they (your Solders) believe in you, if they trust you , if they know you're a leader of character and that they can count on you, then they will do anything you ask them to do. They will follow you anywhere. And that is what your job is all about."
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