Comparing Leadership In The Kunk Gun, Alpha, And Platoon

The difference between a good and bad leader manifests itself in the habits and actions of that leader. Often, a good leader practices virtues that naturally draw others to them while constantly guiding their subordinates through physical and moral hardship. They uplift those around them, ensure the growth of their subordinates, and maintain a healthy climate of dignity and respect. Meanwhile, a bad leader creates a toxic environment, one that may be exclusive, harmful, or demeaning. Bad leaders, such as those observed in The Kunk Gun, Alpha, and Platoon, engage in vices that harm their ability to effectively lead. Thus, bad leadership fails to develop and protect their subordinates, and indicates what actions a good leader should take instead.

A good leader would follow the laws of war and refrain from clearly immoral situations. Chief Gallagher’s vices hinder the development of his team and his ability to effectively lead them in combat. War provides a place of comfort and growth for a virtuoso at the cost of their unit’s development. As the human embodiment of war, a virtuoso undergoes a transformation through their experience in combat. Coker claims “it allows him to lead an authentic life”. In that sense, his life is never quite the same again.” Thus, a warrior in combat finally finds their sense of purpose, serving through sacrifice and hardship. Such is the case for Sergeant Sgt. Barnes from the movie Platoon. Painted as a war-hardened veteran, Sgt. Barnes vigorously leads in combat through violence, injustice, and deception. As a virtuoso, Sgt. Barnes excels in war and has the reputation of an invincible warrior; Rhah appears to idolize him by saying, “Barnes has been shot seven times and he ain't dead. Barnes ain't meant to die! The only thing that can kill Barnes is Barnes.” Sgt. Barnes’ on-screen appearance justifies such

Half the men with Elias, half with Barnes. There's a lot of suspicion and hate.” Elias’ murder advances Barnes' corruption of the platoon; his promise to testify against Barnes at a court-martial resulted in his death. Barnes sends a clear message to those willing to oppose him. The bad leader, through ruthlessness and deception, overcomes the will of the good leader. Thus, the vices of a leader inhibit the growth and protection of their subordinates and undermine the moral foundation of their unit. In conclusion, a bad leader allows their vices to corrupt their leadership, while a good leader lives a virtuous life. LtCol Kunk’s pride, short-temper, and spite prevented a healthy command climate in his battalion. His unwillingness to accept criticism and the public belittlement of his company commanders fail to establish a culture of dignity and respect. In doing so, Kunk’s subordinates are unable to reach their full potential as leaders and are unable to advocate for themselves. Meanwhile, SEAL Chief Gallagher neglects his team in combat, focusing only on how many fictional kills he could claim. His ego, dishonesty, and blood lust feed into his character, which undermines his men’s