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[bondsprofoundly]

Those of you who have been in a position of power- commanding an army, a leader of people, where you have considerable influence...

How informed did you keep your soldiers?

Comments

[disfavored]

Well, we had a police force in Republic City rather than a conventional army, but...We kept our police force informed about relevant matters. If a situation called for police involvement, it was much more efficient to have everyone up to speed. There were matters that needed to be kept low-key which may have only been disclosed to those directly involved, but that was rare.

[That wasn't totally honest on his part. For most of the council - and most of his time on the council - that was true enough, but he was trying to come clean about his past, so:]

...But misinforming the police and the general public - while not something I'm proud of anymore - was surprisingly easy.

[bondsprofoundly]

It usually is. [Cas had a hard time with it, but then again Cas isn't so good at lying either.]

[Video]

[oathwalk]

[A matter relevant to them all immediately comes to mind. Richard wonders if that is what this is about. Instead, he elects to give a measured response.]

I've always preferred to keep my soldiers as informed as reasonably possible. Battles waged in total ignorance are not as often successful as those where soldiers understand our goals and the best methods for accomplishing them. Recently, we've faced a new, more dangerous breed of monster, and it has been of vital importance to keep all troops informed about the situation. Ignorance could be fatal to everyone. [But they have never told the soldiers why these monsters exist. They can't afford that.

Which brings him to the next point, though it is more relevant to his battles against his uncle.] However, when the possibility of treachery could undermine our campaign, it was necessary to restrict certain information to only certain trusted commanders. Such is the cost when knowledge would be a sword for your enemy more than it is a shield for your people.

[Video]

[bondsprofoundly]

Do you mean when the enemy could use certain information to call your leadership into question?

[kvarterskommissarie]

Although I personally don't have much experience with leading an army, I've spent enough time with officers to understand that the common soldier tends to be kept in the dark more often than not. Too much information can spread discontent or fear among the ranks, not to mention confusion if said information is not passed on correctly.

It is not a practice I necessarily agree with, but... that's what it was like, both in the fleet and within the law enforcement.

[bondsprofoundly]

It's a practice common enough. [Considering men do it, angels do it, and fuck knows demons do it all the time.]

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[una_persson]

It depends heavily on the circumstance. Sometimes too much information can be demoralising, but sometimes it's just what you need to rally the troops.

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[bondsprofoundly]

So you believe information should be treated more as a tool for manipulating morale.

[cravats]

It's a complicated question, I think. Giving too little information runs the risk of unpreparedness. Too much can foment discontent, when it's the wrong sort of information- yet one does not wish to seem dishonest. I give my subordinates the information that they require to do their jobs. It varies, depending on the task and the person.

[bondsprofoundly]

Are you in the position where the most crucial decisions depend solely on your judgment alone?

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[survival_isnt_living]

[Septimus debates long and hard with himself before answering this--and makes a point to make it slightly private (he's no computer whiz) and not video.

He's been happy, putting aside the part of his life that, well, got him killed. But it's a legitimate question, one he'd trained all his life to be able to answer.]

Instinctively, there is no way I can answer that question without context. I've watched enough different leaders at close range, and the circumstances dictate behavior.

If I have an idea what context--battle, politics, espionage, whatever is on your mind--I can tell you what I've observed.

[He's trying to avoid admitting it's more than observation. He's probably not doing so well.]

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[bondsprofoundly]

I don't need observations. [Cas has observed the rise and fall of every human civilization, he's kind of full up on observation.] I just want opinions, informed and uninformed.

[notamachine]

Cas. [Dean is not so sure about this, especially considering what usually happens when Cas starts bringing up topics like 'soldiers']

[bondsprofoundly]

It's not what you think. [Or it's exactly what you think, Dean.

...it probably is exactly what you think.] Maybe.

[iguanasolution]

Well... [He wasn't exactly on command, but he did act like a leader during the War Games. And being a sort of Mars means he has to think about this kind of thing, right?]

I think the more informed they are the better. Having them misinformed means more chance of them messing up?

[bondsprofoundly]

Yes; a lack of intelligence does increase the chances of failure.

What about on a more interpersonal level?

[inseine]

It is up to the superior officer to inform his men honorably... when he must.

[bondsprofoundly]

[Oh it's you again, hey dude.] And the circumstances that determine when he shouldn't?

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[sophos]

[Wow this girl sure doesn't look any older than seventeen.]

Context can easily influence the exact answer as to how informed; it depends. But generally speaking, what's needed to keep people alive and set them on the path to success. The more information available, the more likely victory. [There are exceptions but w/e.]

Preparation is important. Knowing what you're up against should always be shared when possible.

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[bondsprofoundly]

[what's up cas will be friends with anybody]

In specific battle situations, I agree. But what about general knowledge, regarding state affairs and the overall goals of the leadership?

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[solo_patria]

[Here is a somewhat grave Enjolras, his expression somber and serious as he considers the question.]

It depended on the information to be shared. With my most trusted lieutenants, most everything but my feelings. With my feelings, I trusted the two friends I held most dear, and with the general group, all plans, honest estimations of our potential for success, most of the reasons why.

[Enjolras's face appears to sadden here as something else occurs to him, but the moment passes over him quickly enough.]

I think, perhaps I might have shared my love for them instead of simply my love for the cause. Any man who fights under a leader ought to be made aware that he is valued. There was one of my mistakes.

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[bondsprofoundly]

[You're like the first guy who's actually said something reasonable, bro.]

What resulted from your mistake?

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[gaudy]

[ Fenris has never been in a position of power. People do not follow elves, much less escaped slave elves with chips on their shoulders and drinking problems.

The fact that Castiel asks puts a furrow in his brow. He still knows so little about the man - angel. ]

... Have you been in such a position?

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[bondsprofoundly]

I have. [Didn't like it. Turned out bad for everybody.]

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[justlittle]

As informed as possible, so that they could make decisions should I be incapacitated or in no position to lead.

[And yes, this eight year old boy has commanded armies.]

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[bondsprofoundly]

Do you usually command large armies or small task forces? [Cas is realizing he should have asked this of other people too. Maybe later.]

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[candystriped]

What's the matter, wannabe? You looking to learn "coup d'etat" as your next phrase?

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[bondsprofoundly]

[excuse you pint-size]

No, I already know what that term means.