Ssg Kennedy Leadership Qualities

The purpose of this paper is to describe the attributes and competencies of former Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Ashley Kennedy. Most leaders impact their soldiers, but it is a much more impressive feat to leave a lasting impact on a generation of new leaders; SSG Kennedy accomplished that and more. Through his leadership successes and, to an extent, his personal failings, SSG Kennedy directly contributed to the growth of numerous soldiers who were eventually “handed the reigns” of the NCO Corps and whom “charged forward” to lead the Army of today. More specifically, SSG Kennedy directed affected my personal view of the competencies and attributes that an Army leader should embody and impacted my opinion of the legacy I wish to leave upon my …show more content…
SSG Kennedy spoke highly of civilian and military educational opportunities while he led my squad. Although not formally educated, SSG Kennedy recognized that future leaders required a level of intellect and formal knowledge in order to continue to overcome our adversaries in unique and complex combat situations. From the first day I joined his squad, SSG Kennedy spoke to me of the value of military correspondence courses and enforced that his team leaders include guidance concerning education during all periodic counseling sessions. SSG Kennedy knew that I entered the U.S. Army with only a General Education Diploma, and motivated me to seek out further educational successes throughout my career. Just over 10 years later, I have earned Associate and Bachelor level degrees and continue to take classes towards a Master’s degree in Strategic Intelligence. Although I know that I alone complete my coursework, I credit SSG Kennedy with the drive I have developed towards achieving educational successes. SSG Kennedy often told me that soldiers respect and “look up to” a leader who can speak of more than just the Army, and through my educational endeavors I believe I can now say I have followed SSG Kennedy’s guidance and mentorship in this regard. I feel as though I am a stronger leader because of a more thorough understanding of geo-political factors that …show more content…
I am of the firm belief that soldiers who trust and respect their leaders will follow those leaders into the gates of hell if directed. The greatest fighting force in the entire world requires leaders to maintain many attributes and competencies to succeed. I hope I in some way contribute positively to molding leaders of the future, just as SSG Kennedy did for