SHOULDER STABILITY DRILL

EXERCISE 2: “T” RAISE

Purpose: This exercise develops shoulder strength and stability (Figure 6-16).

Starting Position: Prone position with the head slightly elevated and in line with the spine. Feet are together and toes are pointed to the rear. The arms remain on the ground and are extended sideward at 90 degrees to the trunk, forming a “T”. The hands are in a neutral position (perpendicular to the ground) with the thumbs and fingers extended and joined

Cadence: SLOW

Count:

1. Raise both arms 3-6 inches off the ground.

2. Return to the starting position.

3. Repeat count 1.

4. Return to the starting position.

Figure 6-16. “ T ” raise.

Check Points:

􀁺 At the starting position, tighten the abdominals to stabilize the trunk. The head is slightly elevated and in line with the spine.

􀁺 On counts 1 and 3, keep the back generally straight with the head up.

􀁺 Throughout the exercise, the arms should be fully extended and the trunk and legs should also be in line.

Precaution: Keep the head slightly elevated throughout the exercise and do not jerk the body into the up positions on counts 1 and 3.

Leadership Challenges

Each day as a leader brings new challenges. Some of these challenges are predictable based on
experiences. Some are unpredictable, surfacing because of a situation or place in time in which Soldiers
find themselves. Leaders must be prepared to face the effects of stress, fear in combat, external influences
from the media, the geopolitical climate, and the impact of changing technology.

Some of these factors are mitigated through awareness, proper training, and open and frank
discussion. The Army must consider these external influences and plan accordingly. An effective leader
recognizes the tools needed to adapt in changing situations

PROVIDING PURPOSE, MOTIVATION, AND INSPIRATION

Leaders influence others to achieve some purpose. To be successful at exerting influence Army
leaders have an end or goal in mind. Sometimes the goal will be very specific, like reducing the number of
training accidents by one-half over a period of six months. Many goals are less distinct and measurable
than this example, but are still valid and meaningful. A leader may decide that unit morale needs to be
improved and may set that as a goal for others to join to support.

Purpose provides what the leader wants done, while motivation and inspiration provide the
energizing force to see that the purpose is addressed and has the strength to mobilize and sustain effort to
get the job done. Motivation and inspiration address the needs of the individual and team. Indirect needs—
like job satisfaction, sense of accomplishment, group belonging, and pride—typically have broader
reaching effects than formal rewards and punishment, like promotions or nonjudicial actions.
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Besides purpose and motivation, leader influence also consists of direction. Direction deals with how
a goal, task, or mission is to be achieved. Subordinates do not need to receive guidance on the details of
execution in all situations. The skilled leader will know when to provide detailed guidance and when to
focus only on purpose, motivation, or inspiration.

Mission command conveys purpose without providing excessive, detailed direction. Mission
command is the conduct of military operations through decentralized execution based on mission orders for
effective mission accomplishment. Successful mission command rests on four elements:
Commander’s intent.
Subordinates’ initiative.
Mission orders.
Resource allocation.