What is the role of rhetoric in your discipline?

Introduction: I am a U.S. Army contracted Cadet. Even though I am majoring in Economics and Business, I am more concerned with being prepared to commission and serving my country well. However, there is a unique phenomenon that I have began to notice while taking the many liberal arts classes I am required to take. Whether it is history, English, foreign language, business, or psychology, each discipline overlaps another, but for the most part, they operate within their own sphere of influence, use their own jargon, and have their own experts. In regards to military Leadership, while yes, all the disciplines I have listed are important aspects to consider in military operations, they in themselves do not represent the specific sphere of influence, jargon or experts in the discipline of military leadership. The unique thing about the United States military is that it is one of the least democratic institutions in the United States. This is because the discipline of military science relies (pun intended) on discipline. The military operates in a very deadly sphere of influence, which requires well exercised command and control; but at a more basic level, it requires obedience. A unit’s success is not measured individually, but as a team. In fact, the military is structured as teams within a team. Fire teams make up squads, squads make up platoons, platoons make up company’s and so forth. No matter how big or small the unit is, there must be a willingness to execute and accomplish the mission by each and every soldier, sailor, airman or marine. Leader’s must cultivate this willingness and ensure their subordinates are able to carry out the mission.

Thesis: In regards to Military Leadership, rhetoric plays the role of commanding subordinates to accomplish the mission by providing a clear and concise task, purpose and desired end state.