We Need to Eliminate Command and Control

I never thought I’d say those words. Being a former commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, command and control were integral to my success. The ability to stand on the rank and position I held helped direct troop movement and engagement.

Fortunately for most of those in my command, I always commanded from more of a servant leader’s heart and mind but applied the benefits of command and control to be sure my units delivered results. If a soldier ever decided to not engage in the activity of the day, there was a specific discipline that happened. There was no ‘touchy-feely’ about it. The touch and feel was a proverbial boot in the seat of the pants administered by a more than willing sergeant who had access to the soldier’s whole life.

Honestly, speaking from a pure leadership perspective, there were parts of that experience that didn’t sit well with me. Perhaps that is why I opted to resign my commission when my service obligation time was up. Please hear me correctly though. I fully admire, respect, and support our military. I did then. I still do today. I’m just saying that there were aspects of command and control I witnessed and at times was subjected to that made it hard to get through the day. Fortunately, most days were not that way.

Back to the point of this article.