The purpose of this essay is to inform the reader about interpersonal communication, and why it is important to the military. Interpersonal communication is the universal form of communication that occurs between two individuals. This type of communication is in use worldwide on a day-to-day basis within the Army. Without the use of this type of interaction, our capability to fight and win the nation’s wars would be dismal at best. The necessity of interpersonal communication is paramount to our leadership, not to mention, the very forces of which they command.
The Army is in the perpetual process of transferring information from leadership to their subordinates, and vice versa. The Troop Leading Procedures are a superb example of this ongoing process. From the moment leadership receives the mission, to when they supervise and refine, interpersonal skills are evidently on display. Maintaining effective interpersonal communication ensures that correspondents and recipients understand their role in developing mutually beneficial solutions to problems or issues. Imparting information interpersonally aids the Army in almost every process which involves the Soldiers within its’ ranks.
Interpersonal communication is entirely noticeable when it comes to conversations, cellphone calls, written letters, or emails. One cannot send a message to a recipient unless they use a suitable type of process to relay information to others. The acts of reading or writing are examples relating to the process of communication between two or more people. Just as I am presenting this information to the reader, my superiors communicated this assignment to me as well. The procedural flow of information is always in development. It enables the Army to communicate within or outside of the ranks, with consistent precision, globally.
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Body language is also a method of interpersonal communication. The language of the body’s movement, or lack thereof, sends a clear message during the exchange of information between two people. The use of effective body language helps the Army’s leaders during various stages of counseling. Such as, leaning in to show attentiveness or nodding the head while in agreement. This helps the Soldier that is receiving counseling in the same manner. Although nonverbal in nature, these mannerisms show that both parties are paying attention or that they are not paying attention.
ADP 6-22 declares that, “Leaders cannot lead, supervise, counsel, coach, mentor, or build teams without communication.”. By listening actively while creating a shared understanding, we can conclude and transfer messages effectively amongst ourselves. Interpersonal communication is a two-way street, one that bridges the gap between all of us.
Regardless of Military Occupational Specialty, it is a necessary skill that everyone within the Army will make use of throughout their entire military career. Command Sgt. Maj. James VanSciver states in an article titled Interpersonal Communication from October 2, 2017 that, “A leader who lacks interpersonal communication skills such as tact will erode and ultimately destroy the very bedrock of trust within an organization.”, and that statement should resonate with everyone within the Army’s ranks on a personal level.
References
- https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2018/October/The-Army-Battlespace-and-the-Digital-Life-Ecosystem/
- https://www.defense.gov/Resources/Media/
- http://mentalfloss.com/article/502500/researchers-developed-form-braille-can-be-read-sighted-readers-without-learning-braille
- http://thestrategybridge.org/the-bridge/2019/3/21/in-defense-of-narrative-theory-in-contemporary-war-reporting-and-airpower-analysis
- https://medium.com/war-college/the-future-of-information-warfare-e3c233e3dafa
