Colonel Michael D. Steele Character Analysis

As the newly designated Commander of the “Rakkasans” 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, I am aware that I am entering into a challenging position. Assuming command of a unit whose most recent combat deployment tarnished by the unjustified deaths of eight Iraqi civilians, the pending conviction of several United States Soldiers, and the pending relief of a Commander, Colonel Michael D. Steele. It is my duty to prepare this unit for its next deployment, only 12 months away. Prior to assuming command in November, I will prepare myself by examining the challenges the unit faced while under the command of COL Steele. To achieve a clear understanding of the current command climate, I will analyze the current issues of the unit through the use as a guide a model by Edgar H. Schein’s, the author of Organizational …show more content…
COL Steele’s motto and attitude of “violence to subdue violence” as a means to protect his troops, and the dehumanizing perspective of the Iraqi people served as toxic elements. Although these elements of Steele’s command were intended as means to protect his soldiers, it was ultimately transformed into a subculture of killing and deception that spiraled out of COL Steele’s control. I understand and appreciate Steele’s desire to protect his soldiers and his methods were not completely out of line. However, his downfall was his inability to articulate and define his views to the lowest level. Additionally, his presence was insufficient to observe the communication of such intense messages ensure that it was not misunderstood or taken out of context. At one point, COL Steele was described as being haunted and obsessed (an understatement) by the idea of killing Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. His actions lead me to believe that his focus was not on his soldier but rather on his personal