Defense Military Leadership Principles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A platoon leader notices two soldiers have an ongoing personal conflict that is affecting unit cohesion. What is the BEST first step?
- Separate the soldiers into different squads immediately
- Address the conflict directly by meeting with both soldiers together (Correct answer)
- Ignore it and let them resolve it on their own
- Report it to higher command and wait for guidance
Correct answer: Address the conflict directly by meeting with both soldiers together
Leaders address interpersonal conflicts directly and early before they degrade unit effectiveness.
Question 2: Which leadership trait describes a leader's dedication to duty, country, and subordinates even in the absence of supervision?
- Bearing
- Courage
- Integrity
- Loyalty (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Loyalty
Loyalty is steadfast devotion to one's obligations, superiors, peers, and subordinates.
Question 3: A Marine Corps leader uses the 'troop-leading procedures' (TLP). What is the FIRST step in TLP?
- Issue a warning order
- Receive the mission (Correct answer)
- Initiate movement
- Conduct reconnaissance
Correct answer: Receive the mission
The first step in Troop Leading Procedures is to receive the mission from higher headquarters.
Question 4: According to Army doctrine, what does 'mission command' emphasize over directive control?
- Centralized planning with decentralized execution
- Subordinate initiative guided by commander's intent (Correct answer)
- Strict adherence to orders without deviation
- Senior leader presence at every echelon
Correct answer: Subordinate initiative guided by commander's intent
Mission command empowers subordinates to exercise disciplined initiative within the commander's intent.
Question 5: A squad leader must deliver critical information to soldiers who are exhausted after a 20-mile ruck march. Which communication approach is MOST effective?
- Deliver a lengthy detailed briefing covering all topics
- Use clear, concise language and check for understanding (Correct answer)
- Post written instructions and let soldiers read them later
- Delegate the briefing to the most senior NCO
Correct answer: Use clear, concise language and check for understanding
Clear, concise communication with confirmation of understanding is essential when audiences are fatigued.
Question 6: Which principle of war involves focusing combat power at the decisive point and time?
- Economy of force
- Mass (Correct answer)
- Maneuver
- Objective
Correct answer: Mass
Mass means concentrating the effects of combat power at the most advantageous time and place.
Question 7: A unit commander discovers that a subordinate leader falsified a readiness report. Beyond corrective action, what must the commander do to preserve unit trust?
- Handle it quietly to avoid embarrassing the unit
- Publicly shame the subordinate as a deterrent
- Be transparent with the unit about standards and consequences (Correct answer)
- Transfer the subordinate to another unit immediately
Correct answer: Be transparent with the unit about standards and consequences
Leaders must reinforce ethical standards openly to maintain the unit's trust and organizational integrity.
Defense Military Leadership Principles 2
A platoon leader notices two soldiers have an ongoing personal conflict that is affecting unit cohesion.
What is the BEST first step?