Table of Contents

This is the beginning

Being answerable for one’s actions

What does it mean to be accountable?

Leadership roles in accountability

Accountability: The Soldier’s Rolle

What is the best way to hold soldiers accountable?

In conclusion,

Cited sources

This is the beginning.

Leadership accountability is the key to military success. Leadership accountability is essential for future and current leaders in the military profession. It is the basis for progress and accomplishments. This essay will explain what accountability is and how it is important in the army.

AccountabilityWhat is accountability? The military defines accountability as the “obligation imposed by law or order or regulation on an officers or other person for maintaining an accurate record of property documents or funds” (DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated terms, 2020). Merriam-Webster’s dictionary also defines accountability as the “willingness to explain oneself or admit to being the cause of the problem” (Merriam Webster Unabridged online 2020). Both definitions are applicable to military leadership, even though the military definition focuses primarily on maintaining records. Accountability does not just mean keeping records. It also means being willing to or obligated answer for results. It pertains to Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and junior enlisted soldiers.Leadership Roles in AccountabilityOfficers are responsible for executing successful missions and rely heavily on accountability through their NCOs. They need to trust NCOs to ensure that their soldiers are taken care of and that they are ready to carry out the mission. The NCO is the U.S. Army’s backbone. This statement was made in 2020’s Non-Commissioned Officer’s Manual. NCOs are required to maintain accurate records detailing the soldiers they serve, as well as their training and paperwork. This information must be available for their command chain. NCOs will always play the largest role in accountability. They are their first-line leaders so they have direct influence on soldiers’ success. They are liaisons between soldiers and officers. They represent their soldiers’ interests while still carrying out the mission of Commander. They are committed to the highest standards and make sure that soldiers advance and they take responsibility for their actions.

The Soldier’s Role in AccountabilityRegardless of position, every soldier is responsible for everything they do and fail to do in the military. As soldiers are responsible for their actions, leaders can make them more accountable. Leaders and their followers must have trust in each other to do the right thing. “Accountability in the workplace can be defined as doing right the first time every day, regardless of what task or relationship, to achieve the mission of the organization.” (Lt. Col. Lionel Lyde (2013) Trust is essential in order to ensure that assignments and tasks are completed. While each soldier will have different leadership tasks depending on the location, occupation specialty, and mission they are assigned, they will all be performing similar tasks at some time. Counselling, mentoring, recording management, accounting for valuable gear, training, and record management are just a few of the tasks. These tasks are critical to the success of the Army’s overall mission.

What is the best way to hold soldiers accountable? Soldiers must communicate consistently via phone calls, email, and face to face interaction in order to achieve this. Soldiers must be able to track equipment and paperwork using proper documentation and recording. They must also set and maintain realistic goals. Non-Commissioned Officer Evaluation Reports are available to help with setting goals and assessing the progress of soldiers. Soldiers must also be proactive and take initiative in pursuing leadership positions and other assignments. It will lead to learning opportunities, well-rounded soldiers, and a better understanding of the tasks and how they can be accomplished. So soldiers are not only failing to fulfill their duties but they also fail their soldiers.

Mission failure can be a result of failing to hold yourself accountable. Each soldier must be accountable for their actions and the actions of those under their stewardship. Accountability is a must if soldiers are to achieve their mission. Soldiers need to be aware of what accountability means and how it’s achieved. From the top echelons to the bottom, soldiers have to take this responsibility. Soldiers will succeed individually and collectively if they are held accountable for their leadership.

Cites

The Department of Defense has a glossary of words used in military and related contexts, which is updated each June. Retrieved from https://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/Documents/Doctrine/pubs/dictionary.pdf

Merriam-Webster Online Unabridged (2020). Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/accountability

Lt. Col. Lionel Lyde May 2013 Accountability: Words are not enough. Retrieved from https://www.tyndall.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/316732/accountability-actions-speak-louder-than-words/

The Non-Commissioned Officer’s Guide Tc 7-22.7 (January 2020). Retrieved from https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN20340_TC%207-22?7%20FINAL%20WEB.pdf

The NCO Creed states that Non-Commissioned Officers are integral to the Army’s success. They will be held to a high standard, taking responsibility for their own actions and the actions of their soldiers. They will lead by example, set the standards and lead their soldiers to success. They will never forget their obligation to the United States, their commitment to the Army, and their duty to their soldiers. Retrieved from https://www.army.mil/values/nco.html

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