Combat — grueling, exhausting and deadly — demands extraordinary teamwork, exacting discipline and a bedrock of ethical and moral clarity. Leaders’ solemn obligation is to equip their teams with tools and training to win the fight while never losing their moral compass. It requires a thorough approach at the tactical level and small-unit combat leadership dedicated to upholding strict rules of engagement. We write from extensive personal experience — over a decade between us in specific and complex combat zone leadership roles. Maintaining our moral standing in war is among the greatest challenges for any service member, particularly for those who see friends die.

Source: New York Times May 24, 2019 19:52 UTC