Military Publications: Leadership and Adjutants
In the world of military leadership, the role of commanders often takes center stage, but the importance of the staff, the unsung heroes behind the scenes, cannot be overstated. A key figure in emphasizing this fact is Nick Bono, an active duty US Army acquisition officer, who advocates for staff officers to expand their knowledge and understanding to better support their commanders and make units successful.
While the specific books recommended by Bono remain undisclosed, his choices are known to encompass works on military leadership, staff roles, command relationships, and decision-making. As a former Army officer, Bono's recommendations are highly regarded for enhancing the skills and understanding of staff officers.
One of the most notable examples of a staff officer's impact can be seen in the story of Oscar W. Koch, G-2 for Gen. George Patton during World War II. Koch, now enshrined in the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame, accurately predicted the Battle of the Bulge, a prediction that, despite Patton's initial reluctance, eventually led to a significant victory for the Allied forces.
The Army, as a people business, relies on the collaboration between commanders and their staff to create successful units. The staff executes the vision set by commanders, assimilates to the unit's culture, prevents distractions, manages priorities, resources, and coordinates with stakeholders.
In understanding the importance of relationships within the military, experts often recommend John C. Maxwell's book, Relationships 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know. This book provides insights into what makes a relationship work and what to look for when it's not. Stephen M.R. Covey's The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything is another recommended read, focusing on fostering personal dynamics and building strong, trusting relationships in the military.
However, the role of subordinate staff officers extends beyond just supporting and challenging commanders. As highlighted in Ira Chaleff's The Courageous Follower: Standing Up To and For Our Leaders, staff officers must also understand the importance of supporting and challenging commanders, especially in times of uncertainty or when the stakes are high.
The War Books series, which asks experts to recommend five books on a particular topic and explain why each one stands out, is another valuable resource for staff officers seeking to broaden their knowledge. David Halberstam's The Coldest Winter: America and the Korean War, for instance, offers a detailed exploration of the complications and intertwined nature of warfighting across tactical, operational, and strategic levels.
In the end, the success of a military unit depends on the relationships between commanders and their staff, and the ability of each to trust, respect, and communicate effectively with one another. As we've seen in the examples of Patton and Koch, as well as in the lessons from the NASA Challenger incident, Hurricane Katrina, and Chernobyl, unconstrained leaders and silent subordinates can have detrimental impacts.
By reading widely and gaining a deeper understanding of military leadership, staff roles, and decision-making, staff officers can play a crucial role in ensuring the success of their units and the safety of their troops. As Nick Bono's recommendations illustrate, the pursuit of knowledge is a key component in the development of effective military leaders.
- In his advocacy for staff officers, Nick Bono includes works on military leadership, staff roles, and command relationships in his book recommendations, aiming to enhance their skills and understanding.
- A prime example of a staff officer's influence is Oscar W. Koch, Gen. George Patton's G-2 during World War II, who accurately predicted the Battle of the Bulge, a prediction that contributed significantly to the Allied forces' victory.
- Staff officers, according to Ira Chaleff's The Courageous Follower, must not only support and challenge commanders but also understand the importance of doing so, especially during uncertain times or when high stakes are involved.
