Our Commander’s Command Philosophy
We are all the Plank Holders of a brand-new unit. We are in a unique historical position to create a fighting force that we can all be proud of, and if done correctly, will lead to a long legacy after we depart Western Battalion. Our reasons for being here vary by individual, but we are united in our desire to defeat foreign invaders in an objectively unjust war, securing the rule of law, and the right for people to choose their own destiny.
My personal Command Philosophy centers around three core principles: Superior Leadership, Excellent Training, and Espirit de Corps. Together, they will lead to Mission Success.
Superior Leadership
I expect all Western Battalion soldiers to think creatively and critically, regardless of billet. Unit leaders must encourage decision making and problem solving down to the lowest levels, whether in garrison, or on the battlefield. Leaders are expected to put their troops’ welfare before their own. Correct grievances, and remove discontent. Leaders are expected to keep their troops informed, and give reasons why tasks need to be done, and how you intend to do them. Only this will make us a flexible, fast moving, effective fighting force.
Excellent Training
Shoot, move, communicate, and medicate – this is what allows us to accomplish the mission, and keeps us alive. Thucydides said, “Superiority lies with he who was reared in the severest schools”. Due to the impressive array of home militaries represented in our ranks that created and developed us as warfighters, we must leverage these past experiences to make Western Battalion an effective fighting force. This can only be done through constant training. The suffering we have all experienced and will experience, whether through training or combat, must be leveraged to make us as individuals, stronger bother mentally and physically. Constant professional development is critical to the success of any unit. I expect all members of Western Battalion to strive for self-improvement of oneself, and others. Only this will allow us to keep pace with changing enemy tactics techniques and procedures. Do not become complacent.
Espirit de Corps
The members of Western Battalion come from an impressive array of military services with their own proud histories. As individuals, we are representatives of our nationalities, cultures, and former militaries with whom we have served with. Through our time together, we too will build our own history and unique culture within Western Battalion. Loyalty and support to one another, our unit, and our cause will be vital to building a strong espirit de corps. Make Western Battalion a unit in which we are all proud to be a part of.
Everything we do will lead to the success or failure of Western Battalion. I expect all Western Battalion soldiers to conduct themselves professionally, in line with what was expected in our respective home militaries with which we served. We must hold each other accountable, both up and down the chain of command, to conduct ourselves ethically, and always in line with the Laws of Armed Conflict recognized by all the civilized world. This will lead to recognition as a professional warfighting unit, worthy of emulation, and admired and respected by all the services which we represent.
We are a brotherhood. Soldiers, not equipment, are our most valuable resource. We come from all over the world, but we are in this fight together – we must protect one another. The fight does not end when we turn in our weapons and return to our homes. We will continue to support each other. My door is always open to any member of this battalion, whether soldier, or family member.