Background:
In April 2003, the 2nd Brigade 3rd Infantry Division, also known as the "Spartans," exemplified servant leadership principles during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the Thunder Run into Baghdad, the brigade's large-scale combat operation (LSCO) highlighted the effectiveness of servant leadership in a complex military context, particularly in urban and challenging terrains.
Servant Leadership Approach:
While not explicitly labeled as such at the time, the brigade's approach mirrored key aspects of servant leadership. This was evident in their focus on empowerment, trust-building, and fostering a shared understanding of mission objectives, resonating with the servant leadership ethos of prioritizing the growth and well-being of team members.
Building Trust and Empowerment:
Under Colonel David Perkins' command, the brigade's success was rooted in a culture that valued mutual trust and empowerment, principles central to servant leadership. This involved building cohesive teams, establishing open communication, and encouraging disciplined initiative, allowing team members at all levels to contribute effectively to mission success.
Fostering a Learning and Adaptive Environment:
The servant leadership approach in the brigade created a "team of teams" - a learning organization where every member, from junior soldiers to senior officers, was empowered to make decisions within the scope of the mission. This environment encouraged innovation, adaptability, and learning from experiences, aligning with the servant leader's goal of developing and nurturing team members.
LTC(R) Boberg and MAJ Cunningham were published Military Review (2003)
Prioritizing Team Development and Communication:
The brigade's preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom involved intensive training and preparation, focusing on developing effective, competent teams. This preparation included fostering a command climate of mutual trust and using effective communication to develop a shared understanding of the mission. Such an approach is reflective of servant leadership's emphasis on personal and professional growth of team members.
Empowerment Through Trust and Risk Acceptance:
The brigade's preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom involved intensive training and preparation, focusing on developing effective, competent teams. This preparation included fostering a command climate of mutual trust and using effective communication to develop a shared understanding of the mission. Such an approach is reflective of servant leadership's emphasis on personal and professional growth of team members
Conclusion:
The case of the 2nd Brigade 3rd Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom exemplifies the application of servant leadership principles in a military context. It underscores the importance of building trust, empowering team members, and creating a learning environment for effective mission execution. The brigade's approach demonstrates how servant leadership can lead to extraordinary outcomes, even in the most challenging and complex situations.
About the Authors:
Lt. Col. Marc (Dewey) Boberg, U.S. Army, retired, is the chair for officership at the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic, U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, New York. He holds a BS in leadership studies from USMA, an MS in management from Troy University, and an EdD in education leadership from Brigham Young University. He previously taught as an exchange officer at the Venezuelan Armor and Cavalry School, Caracas, Venezuela; in the Department of Foreign Languages (Spanish and Latin American studies) at USMA; and as the professor of military science at Brigham Young University. During his career, he served as an armor officer in the 1st Cavalry Division and the 2nd Infantry Division, and he deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 3rd Infantry Division.
Maj. Justin Cunningham, U.S. Army, is an armor officer serving in the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic, U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, New York. He holds a BS in Russian from USMA and an MA in literature from the University of Missouri. He previously taught in the Department of English and Philosophy and currently teaches the Superintendent’s Capstone Course on Officership at USMA. He has previously served in operational assignments in the 1st Infantry Division, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and the 4th Infantry Division, and he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
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