Hal Moore Qualities

Leader of Influence: Lieutenant General Harold “Hal” Moore

A distinguished leader embodies character, presence, and intellectual capacity by leading, developing, and achieving results. Lieutenant General (LTG) Moore possesses these characteristics and is arguably one of the most influential leaders in military history. His attributes and competencies elevated his significance and emboldened future leaders to assimilate his character; this is one of the foundations of a great leader. His philosophy shaped today’s leaders, including myself, to mold our mentality and take into consideration not only the success of the mission but the welfare and fortitude of our Soldiers. This paper describes the attributes and competencies that shaped LTG Harold

“Hal” Moore’s success on and off the battlefield.
Attributes and Competencies of a Leader
Although LTG Moore was a graduate of the prestigious U.S Military Academy at West Point, he never stopped learning. He would sit in his home office and study the enemies’ techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTP’s) extensively. LTG Moore wanted to know the enemy and what his men would be facing before they stepped foot on the field of battle. During training exercises, he would have his men listen to the incoming transmissions over the radio that were coming from Vietnam. By using this technique, he instilled the image of battle in the minds of his subordinates to simulate the situation they were about to encounter.
LTG Moore is known for his famous speech to his Soldiers and their families before leaving for Vietnam, where he states, "When we go into battle, I will be the first one to set foot on the field, and I will be the last to step off. And I will leave no one behind. Dead or alive, we will come home together. So help me God." (Hal Moore, 2011). He lived by the warrior ethos; always place the mission first, never accepted defeat, never quit, and never leave a fallen comrade behind. After his speech, the officers and Soldiers under his command were confident that they were going to war with a capable commander.
LTG Moore mentored the men in his formations transforming them into battle-ready officers and non-commissioned officers (NCO) while maintaining absolute military bearing and professionalism during formidable conflicts. His intent; fight, win and bring as many men home alive as possible. His efforts were documented heavily during the engagement of the Battle of Ia Drang in the Vietnam War, which later became his legacy.
As a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), LTG Moore commanded the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during the Battle of Ia Drang and he earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions.

He commanded a variety of Soldiers ranging from 19-year-old draftees to Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) lieutenants (LT’s). Though many Americans hated our country’s involvement in the war, and at times, the Soldiers fighting in it; LTG Moore knew the personnel under his command were his greatest asset and that his most significant challenge would be to lead and inspire his troops to work hard and execute tasks

willingly
During the Battle, LTG Moore and his men were surrounded, outmanned, and outgunned. He went to battle with approximately 1,000 men and met a force of nearly 2,000 Vietnamese soldiers. The battle began November 14th, 1965 at landing zone (LZ) X-Ray. Realizing the situation he and his men faced, LTG Moore showed the poise expected of any great leader. Immediately sending two platoons, led by LT Henry Herrick and LT Walter Marm, LTG Moore’s men defended the creek bed that was LZ X-Ray. Within hours, the two platoons encountered heavy enemy resistance and were surrounded. Remembering the promise, he made to his men, that he would not leave anyone behind, LTG Moore sent two Company sized elements to recover the platoons and the fallen. As the battle intensified over the following days, LTG Moore and his men were on the verge of losing. Maintaining his composure and sharp mind, LTG Moore commanded an attack involving heavy artillery, ultimately forcing the enemy to withdraw. In the end, LTG Moore kept his word. He was the last to step foot off the field of battle.
Impact on Army
LTG Moore was not only considered a hero by the men he served with, but also a hero to many that wear the uniform each day. His leadership qualities are the definition of what a real leader should be. In an After Action Review (AAR) posted by the Air University website, noted that the enemy specifically targeted leaders, “…the men who were shouting, pointing and talking on radios.” The AAR also mentioned that the men “…also appeared to concentrate on men wearing insignia of rank” (p. 23, Section F, 3). This AAR, initiated by LTC Moore, made the Army look at how to make Soldiers less identifiable during battle, which resulted in changes to the rank, and how Officers and enlisted men interacted on the battlefield.
After retiring, LTG Moore authored more than three books, Hal Moore on Leadership, We Were Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam, and We Were Soldiers Once… And Young. Hal Moore on Leadership is a book on his beliefs regarding the core competencies and attributes of a leader. This book, extend his influence on Officers and Soldiers in today’s military.
Growth and development
Leaders like LTG Moore influenced how I envision and mold my life, both inside and outside the military. LTG Moore was a family man and tremendous father. I have grown to know that family is the foundation that a real leader builds from, and I know that although we (Soldiers) are not always home, our children know we will still be there for them. If a leader cannot take care of themselves and their family, they cannot be an effective leader.
Speaking to your Soldiers about being there for them is just a statement, but if your Soldiers know that you will be there for them, no matter the time of day, then you have earned their respect and confidence. A real leader demonstrates their willingness to take care of their Soldiers and treats them as if they were family. LTG Moore did this, and it has been my way of leading since joining the military. The lasting effects that LTG Moore impressed on me are undeniable.
Leadership Philosophy
I will be the first person to formation, and the first to volunteer for details or tasks that our leadership has asked of us. I will be an example of what Soldiers and junior officers want to emulate. I will lead by example and do the hard tasks, in order to inspire Soldiers to do the same. Integrity, honesty, and duty are the core values I hold nearest to my leadership style. I believe in doing what is right, especially when no one is looking and expect the same of my Soldiers. Honesty has a direct correlation with integrity. If a Soldier cannot be honest with a leader, they cannot be honest with themselves. Accepting responsibility for decisions rendered, whether good or bad, is what being a real leader is. Above all, duty is the most prominent part of my philosophy. I have an obligation to take care of my Soldiers, honor my family, and defend this great nation.
MY Legacy
I hope to impress upon all Soldiers I come across an image that exhibits the Army Values, core leader competencies, and attributes.

Mission accomplishment is crucial to military success and taking care of Soldiers is essential to mission accomplishment. Always leading from the front and being the example for others to emulate is the legacy that I want to leave behind.

Conclusion

LTG Harold "Hal" Moore was not only a tremendous leader to those within his command but outside his command as well. When individuals hear the name Hal Moore, they immediately relate it to an influential leader who possessed great poise during Battle. He showed he genuinely cared for the personnel within his command, thus earning their respect and confidence. He encompassed the Army core competencies and attributes and strove for excellence by leading from the front and setting the example for others to emulate.

References

American Profile. (2011, May 24). Vietnam War Hero Offers Leadership Lessons, Retrieved from http://americanprofile.com/articles/leadership-lessons-list-from-vietnam-veteran/

Air University. After Action Review, IA DRANG Valley Operation 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry 14-16 November 1965. Retrieved from

http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/vietnam/ia_drang.pdf