I believe that LT. McDonough’s frustration with his fellow Platoon Leaders is warranted and is justifiable. When LT. McDonough conducted the night link up and had no choice but to come up on the platoon without giving notice we can validate his feelings. LT. Smalley fell asleep, and so did his RTO when they were expecting LT. McDonough and his platoon to link up corroborates with LT. McDonough and his ability to pick up on the character of LT. LT. Smalley’s sloppy platoon is a direct reflection of his leadership. I feel that the event could have been avoided had LT. McDonough addressed his concerns in the beginning when he was initially concerned. I think that if LT. McDonough addressed these issues to LT. Smalley when he initially noticed them, then perhaps the problems wouldn’t have arisen when the link up was being conducted.

LT. McDonough’s statement, “Leadership, must be positive.” holds a lot of weight for all leaders. Leaders, lead by example, and subordinates look up to leadership for guidance, purpose, and direction. In times when efforts, dedication, and hard work feels pointless motivation is going to deplete. Therefore, it is a leader’s job to help keep the motivation high, even when things feel useless. Positivity creates optimism, which is a force multiplier. Subordinates won’t believe they can succeed unless their leader believes it!