The Power of Experience? Innovative and Authoritative Leadership Values Among Danish Army Cadets

Traditionally, the military is seen as an unequivocally authoritarian organization. With survey data collected at the Royal Danish Military Academy, this study shows that that is a qualified truth. Thus, cadets enrolled directly from the noncommissioned officer corps—those most acquainted with the norms of the armed forces—do not weigh authoritarian leadership values over nonauthoritarian ones. Instead, their view reflects that for the experienced leader, the context, and not overt ideals, enables them to choose the leadership tools they expect will prove most effective. On the contrary, cadets enrolled based on their civilian merits clearly prioritize authoritarian values. This is particularly true among cadets returning to the military after a break, former professionals, and former draftees alike. Their view also reflects experience, but a different kind of experience, as they have primarily encountered the military hierarchy from the receiving end.

“With Rifle and Gun”

This chapter details Kantorowicz' life in the army with the outbreak of World War I. Kantorowicz enlisted in August 14, 1914. His speed in enlisting was typical. Tens of thousands of young German men, including Jews, stormed the recruiting stations. On September 17, Kantorowicz was sent to join his regiment on the western front. He received successive promotions. He entered the army as a private (Soldat) and moved up by steps from private first class, to corporal, to sergeant (Vizewachtmeister), a noncommissioned officer rank he attained in October 1915. In June 1915 he received the Iron Cross, second class. On July 5, 1916, he joined a field artillery regiment that was in the midst of the battle of Verdun.