Examples of Washington's Integrity in the Military

Integrity and Leadership

Thesis:

George Washington exemplified and demonstrated integrity throughout his life and career, which made him a great leader.

Main Arguments:

1. Through his leadership during the Revolutionary War, Washington set an example of excellence and inspired commitment in his soldiers.

2. Washington showed his commitment to the newly formed United States by standing up for his men, standing alongside them, and demonstrating transparency and honesty in his words and actions.

3. Washington was an example of humility and selflessness, demonstrating the importance of putting the needs of others before his own desires.

4. Washington's character was repeatedly tested and proven, making him an ideal leader.

As Cox (n.d.) notes, “Washington embodied the ideal of the officer and gentleman” (p. 15). Yet what really won his army over in a moment of crisis regarding pay was an aside that he made—an aside filled with candor and good humor and evidence of Washington’s own good will: when struggling to read a letter aloud to his men, he reached for his spectacles and said, “Gentlemen, you must pardon me. I have grown gray in your service and now find myself growing blind.” This remark was the icing on the cake—the thing that sealed the deal for the men: they would trust him as their general to stand with them before Congress and make sure they were awarded what was theirs.

Yet there were many instances throughout his life and military career that exemplified his honor and integrity and his desire to motivate others by encouraging them to devote themselves to an ideal. Cox (n.d.) for instance, points out that “Washington relied on inspirational tactics and his personal reputation for integrity to keep the Continental Army together. He offered his men an opportunity to transform themselves, to pursue something larger than their individual interests” (p. 23). He did not try to win their affections or their loyalty through bribes or vices, but rather by exhorting them to uphold themselves with honor and integrity as he did.

Who is the author? Academic/work background? Other writings?

Caroline Cox is an historian who has written many articles and books including Boy Soldiers of the American Revolution, and A Proper Sense of Honor. She was a scholar, with a scholar’s background—friends in universities, who assisted her in her professional research and writing.

General reflection about the article. How does it relate to your understanding of the role of the U.S. Military? Did the author make a clear argument and provide adequate evidence. Would you recommend this article? Why or why not?

This article provides a great insight into the leadership qualities and integrity of George Washington, showing how he was able to lead the American Revolution and serve two terms as president. It is a clear argument backed up with evidence that shows how his character and commitment to the nation were paramount in making him an exemplary leader. I would definitely recommend this article as it provides an interesting perspective on the role of the U.S. military, and how influenced it was by Washington’s leadership.

The article highlights the importance of Washington’s leadership in the Revolutionary War and how his commitment to the newly formed United States was a primary motivator for the success of the U.S. military. Washington’s character was a major factor in uniting the colonial forces, inspiring loyalty and commitment among the soldiers. This demonstrates the integral role that leadership plays in the success of any military force.

Leadership is integral to the success of any military force, as it is the leader who sets the example for others to follow. Leaders also have the responsibility of providing direction, motivating their troops, and making decisions that can have a lasting impact on their soldiers and the mission at hand. Leadership provides an assurance and sense of unity among the troops, allowing them to be more effective and cohesive in their operations, as Cox (2004) notes in A Proper Sense of Honor and again in Boy Soldiers (Cox, 2016). The article supports that outlook again and again with numerous examples of Washington putting himself on the line to ensure success.

Cox (n.d.) provided ample evidence of the importance of leadership and integrity in Washington’s military—and it showed that he could do so without kowtowing to political correct sentiment or to faux-virtues that are paraded about today as though they were all that mattered. Washington’s army would have collapsed had he been that kind of fraud—but the point that Cox (n.d.) makes is that he was not a fraud but rather a genuine and genuinely concerned man who wanted to lead because he had the skills, knowledge, ability, and desire to do so. He could marshal the men and rally them around an ideal and a cause that mattered, and he could do so with integrity, by appealing to true virtue and not flinching from reality. He stands as a beacon for all leaders today and serves even still as a good example for us now.