Distinguishing attributes of a commander in the light of selected views of military theorists of different eras

Abstract

In this article, the author seeks to answer the question what attributes should a commander possess?, defining a commanders attributes as a set of qualities, skills and abilities that they should possess in order to command effectively. The main analysed materials were the works of famous representatives of the art of war, Generals: Sun-Tzu, Carl von Clauzewitz and Franciszek Skibiski. The analysis of the views contained in the works under consideration indicates that the main attributes that distinguish a commander should be wisdom, character and physical fitness. A generals wisdom is the ability to make good use of knowledge obtained from reading and experience. Character is a set of qualities, which include above all: goodness, strictness, reliability and the cardinal virtues: fortitude, prudence, justice and temperance. Physical fitness is understood more broadly as a general state of health, which is a fundamental prerequisite for efficient command and should be shaped for command purposes mainly through combat sports.