By M S Nazki
The AWC (Army War College) the College that trains the officers about the tactical and strategic aspects to the warriors, man-at-arms and the mischievous musketeers (once upon a time but serious in fact very) the modernized art of warfare!
-Commandant AWC complimented officers from Indian Army & Friendly Foreign Countries on successful completion of Senior Command Course! This was the line which we got for writing this story!
-Leading from the front is a leadership approach where the leader actively participates in the work, setting an example for their team and demonstrating how tasks should be done. It emphasizes hands-on involvement, problem-solving, and visible action, rather than delegating tasks from a distance. This style builds trust, fosters a sense of shared effort, and can be particularly
-Key aspects of leading from the front: Active Involvement: Leaders don’t just direct; they roll up their sleeves and work alongside their team.
-Setting an Example: Their actions demonstrate the desired behavior and work ethic.
-Hands-on Problem Solving: They actively participate in addressing challenges and finding solutions.
-Increased Visibility: Leaders are present and engaged with their team, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
-Enhanced Understanding: By being involved in the day-to-day work, leaders gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities their team faces.
-Building Trust and Confidence: When leaders lead by example, it can inspire confidence and trust within the team.
-Effective in Crises: This approach can be particularly valuable during challenging times, as it provides visible leadership and a sense of direction.
-Potential drawbacks:
-Micromanagement: Leaders need to be mindful of not becoming too involved, which can hinder their team’s autonomy and creativity.
-Burnout: Constant involvement can lead to exhaustion if not balanced with delegation and self-care.
-Strategic Myopia: Leaders who are too involved in the day-to-day may miss the bigger picture and long-term strategic goals.
When is leading from the front most effective?
-In the early stages, leaders often need to be actively involved in all aspects of the business.
-Teams facing difficult challenges: When a team is struggling, a leader who leads from the front can provide much-needed direction and motivation.
-Building a strong team culture: Active involvement and shared effort can foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
-When trust needs to be built: Visible leadership can help build trust and confidence in the leader’s abilities.
– So the basic doctrine remains the same! Always lead from the front!
-Army War College Motto: Enter into Battle with Resolve
-Established in April 1971; 54 years ago
-Location: Mhow (Dr. Ambedkar Nagar), Madhya Pradesh, India
-Affiliations Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore
-The Commandant of the Army War College (AWC) Mhow recently complimented officers on successfully completing the Senior Command Course. This course aims to enhance the skills of officers from the Indian Army and friendly foreign countries to command units amidst evolving security challenges. The course also includes strategic insights into contemporary environmental realities, research projects, and wargaming
-Fact File Senior Command Course:
-This course at the Army War College is designed to prepare officers for higher command responsibilities.
-Focus on Emerging Challenges: The curriculum focuses on equipping officers with the skills needed to command units in a multi-domain landscape, addressing contemporary security challenges.
-Strategic Insights: Eminent speakers provide strategic insights into the current security environment, and the course includes research projects and wargaming to enhance decision-making capabilities.
-Tri-Services Participation: The course is attended by officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, fostering inter-service synergy.
-International Collaboration: The AWC also hosts events like the Higher Defence Orientation Course (HDOC), facilitating international security collaboration and knowledge sharing with friendly foreign countries.
-The Senior Command Course at the Army War College is designed to equip officers with the necessary skills to lead units effectively in the face of modern security challenges.
-Multi-Domain Landscape: The course addresses the complexities of modern warfare, which extends beyond traditional domains into areas like cyber and information warfare.
-International Participation: The course includes officers from the Indian Army as well as friendly foreign countries, fostering cooperation and sharing of best practices.
-AWC’s Role: The Army War College (AWC) plays a crucial role in training senior officers of the Indian Army and other nations, contributing to military preparedness and international relations.
-Jointness & Synergy: The successful completion of the course highlights the importance of jointness and synergy between different branches of the military and with allied nations.
The Army War College, Mhow (A.W.C.) is a defence service training and research institution of the Indian Army located in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. It is a premier training institute of warfare and carries out research in tactics, logistics, contemporary military studies and improvement in military doctrine. The college trains about 2500-3000 officers of the Indian Armed Forces, as well as paramilitary forces each year.
The college was originally established as the College of Combat at Mhow on 1 April 1971 following the merger of the Senior Officers’ and Tactical Wings of the Infantry School, Mhow. Once the Higher Command Course was also started at the College, it was decided to separate the College of Combat from the Infantry School. The foundation stone of the new college campus was laid on 6 January 1983 by the then Chief of Army Staff, General K. V. Krishna Rao. The institution continued to function from the campus of Infantry School till the college moved into its new abode in August 1988. On 1 January 2003, the college was renamed as the Army War College, Mhow.
The college is led by the Commandant, a three-star officer from the Indian Army. A.W.C. develops doctrines and trains Army personnel for operations in existing environments to which the Indian Army forces are typically deployed, keeping in mind the modern technology and systems they encounter. A.W.C. aims to train forces for synchronised operation with other services of the armed forces.
It develops and validates new operational and logistic concepts through conceptual studies, war games, discussions and seminars. The courses offered at A.W.C. include the Higher Command Course, the Senior Command Course, the Junior Command Course and the Defence Management Course. The Higher Command course (HCC) is a part of a Master of Philosophy programme in Defence Management, affiliated with the Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (also known as Indore University). The HCC is aimed at officers of the rank of Colonel, Captain and Group Captain who have completed their command tenure.
The college publishes the War College Journal, which was previously known as the Combat Journal.
Great Commanders do rise up from junior level but they have a special spark in them that makes them look different in all respects and AWC trains them to be very different in the art of warfare!
In essence, leading from the front is about being actively involved, setting a positive example, and demonstrating a commitment to the team and its goals. While it has its potential downsides, it can be a powerful leadership approach when used effectively.
Leading from the front means leading through your actions, leading with integrity, accountability, innovation, and bein…
You can’t see red lights flashing ahead from a passenger’s perspective but you sure can from a driver’s perspective. So…Speak to Lead!
Leading from the front finds semblance in how military leaders lead their troops. The concept is simple. When in the military …….This part of a trivia we will leave for the future combat warriors to fill up! Anyway it is up and over for today but tomorrow fast approaching we will wait as to what topic is next in store for us!
