Commentary - Lorenz on Leadership: Leaders, stress and people of faith

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• GENERAL STEPHEN R. LORENZ

Lorenz on Leadership: Leaders, stress and people of faith

Posted 7/19/2011

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Commentary by Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz
Retired

7/19/2011 - SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) -- Recently I was at a military base when two Air Force chaplains invited me to join them for lunch. We had a nice conversation on many subjects to include stories about leaders they had met over the years. One of the chaplains had just returned from his third tour in Afghanistan where he worked with the Army. The brigade he was assigned to was responsible for 18 forward operating bases and during his year-long tour he experienced many great examples of leadership in very stressful combat situations. However, one example made a particularly lasting impression on him.

Late in his tour in Afghanistan he was scheduled to forward deploy to an FOB. As the troops were preparing to board the helicopters to an FOB that had recently been under attack, several Soldiers asked the chaplain if he could lead them in a prayer. A lieutenant colonel happened to be with the group and the chaplain, who was a captain, thought as a common courtesy he would ask the senior officer for permission to say a prayer for the troops about to enter combat. The lieutenant colonel replied to the chaplain that, "It would not be necessary" and walked away. The chaplain followed this senior officer's guidance and did not lead the men in a prayer.

This story touched me. The senior leader's own spiritual basis is irrelevant; he could have been Christian, Jewish, Moslem, Buddhist, atheist or agnostic. It does not matter. What bothers me is that the leader appears to have ignored the spiritual needs of his troops. A true leader who has a mission to accomplish, especially in stressful situations must take into account how different people under his command react during those stressful situations. He must get out of his own head and into others. He or she must know that different people need different types of reassurance; for many of the people they lead, faith plays a large part in their lives and affects how they react in times of stress.

Our government recognizes the importance of free exercise of religion in the military as guaranteed by the Constitution and so employs chaplains specifically to assist commanders in discharging their leadership duties. In fact, DOD Directive 1304.19 states, "Within the military, commanders are required to provide comprehensive religious support to all authorized individuals within their areas of responsibility."

This leader lost a golden opportunity to show his troops that he cared so much about the mission and the people under his command that he respected their spiritual needs as they went into battle. The way he handled the situation left the chaplain, and I am sure the Soldiers who asked for the prayer, focused not on the mission at hand but on his refusal to let a prayer be said. He also lost an opportunity to stand up for the Constitution and our freedoms that the military fights so hard to protect.

To be truly effective leaders, we must respect the diverse people we lead. Each one of them is different and that makes the units of our Armed Forces the strongest in the world today. We must be true to our own beliefs, but as leaders we also have a responsibility to the people we are sending in harm's way.

Comments

8/1/2011 4:17:28 PM ET
The leader did the right thing in refusing the individual service member's request to lead the men in prayer. The chaplain might have prayed with the one soldier who was requesting it but no one involved the chaplain soldier or leader has the right to speak for the religious or nonreligious needs of the group. Every individual had the opportunity to seek out chaplain support but no individual has the right to impose prayer on the group. That is the difference between free exercise and government promotion of religion.

Military Atheists MAAF, Washington DC

7/25/2011 2:45:14 PM ET
You may or may not agree with the religious beliefs of the person next to you but you shouldn't ridicule them. Respect extends to all aspects of another person. This wasn't a forced religious observance. This was troops requesting a religious leader lead them in a voluntary religious observation. The chaplain should have probably proceeded with the prayer anyway. If you believe in God or not, you should respect the rights of others to do so or not as they choose. The point of this article is that failing to look out for your troops in all aspects of their being, especially in a war zone, is not being an effective leader.

Jerry, Oklahoma

7/25/2011 2:22:48 PM ET
Perhaps the best course of action would have been for the O-5 to offer his troops three choices. Those who would like a chaplain-led prayer stay with the chaplain. Those who would prefer a quiet moment to themselves stand over here. Those who would rather review the mission come with me and we'll review our plans. Then no soldier feels obligated to pray if they don't want to but is free to do so if they desire. Many soldiers may choose to pray but are of different faith backgrounds than the chaplain or simply prefer to pray in private. Others may want a quiet moment to reflect on their family their training or whatever strengthens them. Some just want to get on with the job. This COA doesn't leave anybody out.

CFL, WPAFB

7/23/2011 11:23:15 AM ET
Great article by General Lorenz. As leaders we must remember that the UCMJ protects the free exercise of faith unless demonstrable operational conditions exist warranting a restriction. Bottom line: the burden is on a commander to justify a restriction and that must be only for a limited time. It appears the soldiers were more tolerant than the commander by holding their peace. Otherwise the commander could have been held accountable for a substantiated MEO violation.

Will, Maxwell

7/22/2011 10:55:09 AM ET
Who said the chaplain was Christian? Chaplains come from many different faiths. The chaplains are trained and are there for people of any faith. No one was being forced to participate in anything. Not addressing the request of the troops unless there were an operational issue that prevented it was wrong regardless of the O-5's take. I hope this situation was communicated to the O-5's command. Moreover I hope none of the troops that requested prayer came home wounded or in a body-bag.

Doug F, DFW Area

7/21/2011 10:18:07 PM ET
I myself am not religious. I would consider myself agnostic. I must agree with the article. If the men on the way to a combat mission felt the need for a prayer then the chaplain should have been able to provide it. The 0-5 in this story did a severe disservice to his troops.

Tony, Keesler

7/21/2011 5:13:56 PM ET
Once again Gen Lorenz is spot on. That Lt Col did his troops a disservice by being too concerned about his own skin and whether or not someone would get offended. But unfortunately that is the norm now in the military. Everyone suffers so a few might not get offended. If he would have done that to some non-Christian soldiers I'm sure he would have been reprimanded and relieved of command.

RMA, SA

7/21/2011 3:24:52 PM ET
A leader is one who gets the job done HIS WAY, who makes the tough calls in the best interest of his followers, whether we agree with the judgement or not. You know who said that? I did not some philosopher not some famous personality. If a leader is bound and shaped by ideas established by others then he is not a leader at all but simply a follower. He made a call the chaplain and brigade followed and that's that. In a way, don't we all behave the same? We follow orders whether we like it or not. We are all unhappy with some and some times most of our leadership's ideas but our feelings never surface because we are just the working force. We are expected to follow without questioning the rationale so if we open our eyes a bit in a way we all represent that brigade and the Lt Col represents our leadership. Do we all agree with some of our leadership's ideas? No we don't, but the mission gets done. I am not a philosopher. I am not a leader nor am I some sort of c...

Chris, JBSA

7/21/2011 2:50:01 PM ET
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well just sue me. The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time that the majority rules It's time we tell them "You don't have to pray, you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance, you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honour Him. That is your right and w...

Ruth, TX

7/21/2011 2:32:46 PM ET
The Captain needed to get out of his own head and into others. Offering prayer isn't common courtesy which is why he was rebuffed by the Lt Col who clearly had a mission to accomplish.

FSM, Dawkins UK

7/21/2011 1:47:47 PM ET
Mr. Lorenz had his retirement ceremony November of last year. Why is anyone paying attention to anything he says? I'm sure a retired Tech Sgt. wouldn't get this much attention.

Airman, Europe

7/21/2011 11:16:54 AM ET
There is a time and place for prayer. It isn't clear in the article were they in the process of boarding the helo or were they still sitting around waiting. If in the process of getting on board then no that isn't the right time you're holding up the mission. If you're waiting around, find all the people who want to pray and take them away from other people and pray. I for one am tired of hearing prayers at every single military function -- enough already. Todays gods are tomorrows myths. I subscribe to the simple notion: when I do good I feel good; when I do bad I feel bad. That's my religion.

MM, FL

7/21/2011 10:49:54 AM ET
We do not know enough to praise or condemn this colonel. He could have seen that one of his troops was uncomfortable with the request. He could have known that some of his troops near the chaplain were not Christian. We just do not know the situation as we are getting this information third hand. And it is not like he forbade prayer. He just said a group prayer led by the chaplain was not needed.

Analyst, Barksdale

7/21/2011 10:48:21 AM ET
Paul - The signers of the Declaration of Independence actually used the term their Creator not our Creator. They recognized that everyone has the right to his or her own religion. To the others who've responded - faith is not a weakness. I daresay faith in something larger than oneself is what leads people to serve their country.

PB, US

7/21/2011 10:17:37 AM ET
Perhaps the best course of action would have been for the O-5 to offer his troops three choices Those who would like a chaplain-led prayer stay with the chaplain. Those who would prefer a quiet moment to themselves stand over here. Those who would rather review the mission come with me and we'll review our plans. Then no soldier feels obligated to pray if they don't want to but is free to do so if they desire. Many soldiers may choose to pray but are of different faith backgrounds than the chaplain or simply prefer to pray in private. Others may want a quiet moment to reflect on their family their training or whatever strengthens them. Some just want to get on with the job. This COA doesn't leave anybody out.

CFL, WPAFB

7/21/2011 10:13:37 AM ET
While performing a military mission, helping preserve an objective so-called right to religious freedom subjective rituals to exercise that very freedom have no place in daily military operations while on conscientious duty. Akin to vice of tobacco products, voluntary religious manifestations should only be sanctioned in designated areas, mission permitting. Light them now if you got them, or pray now if so inclined.

Modern Warrior , Europe

7/21/2011 8:03:12 AM ET
Looks like this board is not filled by those who have to load up on helos to go into battle.

MTK, Everywhere

7/21/2011 7:46:51 AM ET
AP style dictates Muslim not the antiquated Moslem. Come on folks.

John, USA

7/21/2011 6:07:16 AM ET
The only way the human race will ever advance is by leaving ancient superstitious nonsense behind us.

Greg Arious, SWA

7/21/2011 12:15:28 AM ET
That is the delicate balance the chaplain corps deals with everyday. They uphold the Constitution for freedom of religion for both those who believe in divinity and those who don't while providing worship opportunities and spiritual care for believers of all faiths, as well as counseling for all whether faith-based or general. Having worked in military chapels, I know that they take this very seriously. In a general setting, chaplains pray using generic adjectives referring to God and often without reference to gender either. These types of prayer acknowledge divinity that can cover Christians of all traditions, Muslims, Hindus, and even Buddhists and others. Since these soldiers asked the chaplain to pray with them, he would have prayed with them alone and anyone who did not want or believe in prayer would not have had to participate. He was being very courteous to ask the Lt Col if he could do so. Gen Lorenz is correct. You have to think of what your people need including the

KSG, Asia

7/20/2011 8:30:52 PM ET
I completely agree with the Lt. Col. The fact of the matter is that it wasn't necassary. Stop being weak and just do your job.

TH, JBPHH

7/20/2011 8:07:03 PM ET
Good article by Gen Lorenz. What the O-5 did was a sad example of today's military leadership. To Tony and Joe first nobody was being forced to pray and God is very real. Take a look at who we are fighting in Afghanistan. The enemy prays often and freely and they apparently have a strong faith in their God. I want our troops to have the same opportunity to pray as their enemies do.

Otis R. Needleman, USA

7/20/2011 3:24:27 PM ET
The piece clearly states that 'several Soldiers asked the chaplain if he could lead them in a prayer.' The chaplain was not forcing participation on those who did not wish to participate. Tony erred in his assessment of the senior officer's actions. For those Soldiers perhaps it WAS necessary for them to receive the comfort of a brief word of prayer prior to a potential battle. If anything the O-5 acted improperly as he abridged the rights of the Soldiers who DID ask for the prayer. He also prevented the chaplain from perfoming his military duty. Besides if only those desiring a prayer are involved, where's the harm?

DMPI, Al JBAB DC

7/20/2011 3:17:47 PM ET
I concur with Gen Lorenz completely. The article says that several Soldiers asked the chaplain if he could lead them in a prayer. The Soldiers ASKED the chaplain to lead the prayer. No one was forced to do anything. That's the huge misconception those who choose not to believe like to always throw out there -- that they are somehow forced to believe or pray. WRONG. You can choose to not participate. Instead, a lot choose to complain.

B Morgan SMSgt ret., Florida

7/20/2011 2:08:40 PM ET
Why are people so scared to be involved in a prayer? I am a Christian but don't get offended and want my rights observed if a Muslim, Jew, Catholic, etc., starts praying where I am. Let them have their beliefs. If you find yourself caught in the middle of a prayer session..gasp...just think about baseball or something. I promise it won't hurt you?

EGJ13, Malmstrom AFB

7/20/2011 1:20:35 PM ET
Note to Joe in Alabama: I happen to be very proud of my psychological problem and so were the people the author talks about. So were many more including the authors/signers of the Declaration of Independence -- recall "endowed by our Creator." What a great country we live in where people can make obnoxious and ignorant statements like yours without fear of being thrown in jail or worse. Of course at the end of the day, by that I mean the LAST day, if you are correct it's no big deal, albeit highly disappointing to anyone, but if I'm correct, you'll wish you had my psychological problem.

Paul, San Antonio

7/20/2011 9:24:47 AM ET
While I agree with the General on the importance of leaders meeting the religious needs of their troops, the PC police have made situations like this more prevelant. Unless he could confirm that all members on the helo were Christians and interested in a prayer session, the Lt Col ran the risk of getting called on the carpet later when the Buddist or athiest on the aircraft felt left out or preached to. The hypersensitivity to not offending anyone at the expense of taking care of the majority has led to this situation and it will only get worse.

Bob Black, Pentagon

7/19/2011 7:46:26 PM ET
Great story. I started reading Lorenz on Leadership as a young Lt at my first duty station in AETC. Those leadership nuggets really helped me then and I still reflect on them now. Thank you, Sir!

Thankful, Osan AB

7/19/2011 6:21:59 PM ET
This leader did the right thing. It was not necessary. Those who need spiritual reassurance to do their job should seek it before reporting to work, or pray to themselves in any situation. There does not need to be forced prayer or religious observance within a diverse-professional team. I believe this leader upheld the freedom of religion by not forcing it onto others.

Tony, Sacramento CA

7/19/2011 4:09:09 PM ET
An adult talking to an imaginary friend would be considered by most to have a psychological problem. However call the imaginary friend God and all is well.

Joe, Alabama

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