Photo By Master Sgt. Doug Roles | Retired Brig. Gen. Richard Potter, an instrumental role-player in the creation of the...... read more read more
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HARRISBURG, Pa. - An instrumental role-player in the creation of the nation’s premier military counter-terror service - Delta Force - addressed members of the 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard on Jan. 10.
Retired Brig. Gen. Richard Potter, a two-tour Vietnam veteran, spoke to staff officers of the division about leadership. Division commanding general Maj. Gen. John Gronski hosted the event as a professional development and learning opportunity for his senior leaders.
“Leadership lessons should not be lectures,” Potter said before beginning the meeting. “They should be interactive discussions between professionals.”
For nearly two hours, Potter shared stories from his career that illustrated lessons he felt should continue to be learned by today’s leaders. Potter drew mostly from his experiences in Vietnam, during which Potter served in tactical-level leadership roles.
“I don’t want to sit here and talk about great strategic thoughts,” Potter joked, “because I’ve never had one.”
Regarding the importance of tactical-minded leaders, Potter recalled an anecdote about Gen. Creighton Abrams, namesake of the modern M1 Abrams tank. During a meeting with his lieutenants, Abrams reportedly told his young leaders that if more of his platoons win their battles than the enemy’s platoons then our Army would win the day.
“You have to trust your lieutenants and trust their training,” Potter said. “When a lieutenant comes in your office and needs a ride, you toss him your car keys. When he’s broke and can’t pay his rent, you help because you know he’ll pay you back, because he’s an officer. You could say the same thing about your NCOs.”
Among the questions that elicited the most conversation regarded preparing oneself for battle and death. Potter said he feels that personal preparation is not possible; nor is it necessary.
“It’s amazing how calm people are under fire,” Potter said. “The training truly does just kick in when you need it."
Potter also discussed leadership presence and the challenges of leading in today’s all-volunteer Army.
Potter, who served 35 years in the Army, also led special operations forces in the Persian Gulf War, served as deputy commandant of the U.S. Army Special Warfare Center and School, and was chair of the Special Operations Department at the Army War College in Carlisle.
| Date Taken: | 01.10.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2016 13:46 |
| Story ID: | 186834 |
| Location: | HARRISBURG, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 2,368 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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