Following of orders is an essential requirement in various institutions particularly in the military. An order refers to a command given by superior officers to the other members in demand for them to follow it without thinking it through or disobeying. In institutions such as the military, when an individual receives an order, they have to obey, as various aspects depend on these orders.
First, orders instill discipline. Orders are passed from superiors to the juniors, as a way of ensuring everyone is on the same page through sharing of information with all individuals. Obedience is the following of orders implicitly and plays the role of maintaining structures in the various institution. For instance, in the military, obedience governs the effectiveness, success, and safety of the soldiers, hence when orders are given, the disciplined thing to do is follow. Moreover, it elicits teamwork and leading of the people. In case an individual decides not to follow orders given, the likelihood of failure arises whereby a gap in the delivery of services arise. Additionally, it affects teams’ relationship by making them some to react slowly or faster, thereby blindsiding others. It also leads to insecure situations that can result in detrimental effects such as death.
Secondly, following orders develop leaders. Leadership entails commanding respect and response from those under you. For one to evolve into a leader, they have to demonstrate that they have the capacity to lead others, and they show this by following orders. A good leader shows their ability to follow directions and commands quickly. If an individual does not learn the essence of following orders, development of leadership fails as the development of character-based leadership; essential in the military to lead others fails.
Thirdly, it prevents chaos. Chaos is a situation of confusion, disorderly and lack of control. Orders eliminate such situations by first, removing instances of ineffectiveness that can arise due to slow operation by a single soldier who doubts or question given orders. Second, it eliminates any guesswork, and anxiety of how to respond in case of various situations. Third, it enforces control. In a combat situation, orders determine the position of power that defines the role of each army officer and their actions. In doing so, they eliminate elements of presumption, confusion, and incidents of losses. Additionally, orders establish a control of various situations. Having a similar voice of action to follow rids out instances of second-guessing of decision, fear, and failure to heed to a course of action that can lead to chaos.
The following of orders upholds the chain of command. In every institution, individuals follow a particular existing hierarchy, from the superiors to the junior staff. In the military, for instance, the chain of command defines its leadership system. It comprises of all ranks within the organization from the lowest with no authority to the highest that is in charge of operations and the other soldiers. Failure to follow orders appear as disrespect to the chain of command, which according to the uniform code of conduct is an offense that attracts severe punishment. It may not necessarily ask or give clear or ethical orders, but the soldiers have to oblige nevertheless. Moreover, since the soldiers take an order before deployment that promises to uphold the Constitution and protect its country through showing allegiance, following of orders does just that.
The military structure emphasizes on the values and principles of discipline and respect for their absolute strength. To portray these values, soldiers have to obey and follow orders given, as they work towards achieving the mission objectives and maintaining the security of the soldiers.
