Military Review English Edition March-April 2014 | Page 38

military experience), it is necessary at this point to
establish what causal link, if any, exists between
previous military experience and higher levels
of performance in post-implementation junior
officers. This subject does not lack for answers
found in folklore, such as prior-enlisted lieutenants being coveted by battalion commanders for
their already-developed technical and leadership
skills; junior enlisted men stating their preference
for officers with enlisted experience because of
this shared background; and the belief of some
that prior-service offi cers simply make better
platoon leaders. But the question begs exploration
and proof: In what ways can previous military
experience make a junior officer better, and is this
potential advantage significant enough to inspire
a change in how we develop officers?
A casual survey of existing literature on the
subject reveals at least five different categories
of why the addition of organizational or combat
experience in a junior officer might improve the

performance of the leader, unit, and organization—other desired attributes such as intelligence,
physical fitness, character, and motivation remaining equal. The categories are —
• Initial military screening has occurred.
• Increased technical competence and
reduced train-up time within the unit.
Increased confidence, judgment, and
•
ability to lead by example.
• Increased ability to relate to subordinates.
• Less micromanagement by superiors
resulting in reduced organizational stress.
Examples from pertinent literature discussing
each category follow.
Commitment. In the first category, a junior
officer with previous military experience is more
committed to the organization, as well as the
reverse, since the occupational screening process
has already occurred. In other words, the Army
has chosen—and been chosen by—the soldier who
decides to pursue and who receives a commission.

U.S. Army Spc. Ernestine Koroma, center, assigned to the 30th Medical Command, and sponsors check her zero target of the M4 carbine
assault rifle during the 2013 Best Warrior Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area in Bavaria, Germany, 20 August 2013. (U.S. Army, Markus
Rauchenberger)

36

March-April 2014

MILITARY REVIEW