Finally, he said, there was one overriding factor that would mark the difference between success and failure on the battlefield. “Leadership,” he bellowed. “Rommel—who was the commander of the entire German Army in Africa—led from the front. Gentlemen, our men deserve nothing less. There is no substitute for leading this way. I will be up front and I expect you to be there as well!” Days later we saw first-hand the chaos and unpredictability of war—and we witnessed Macgregor and McMaster both living out every word of their combat gospel: at the front, under enemy fire, and in charge!

Daniel L. Davis is a retired U.S. Army colonel who served multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is a senior fellow with Defense Priorities. Follow him on Twitter @DanielLDavis1.