**K-19: The Widowmaker**

**Submitted by:** Pam McDonald

**E-mail:** <Pam_McDonald@nifc.blm.gov>

**Phone:** 208-387-5318

**Audience** **Rating:** PG-13

> **Released:** 2002
>
> **Studio:** Paramount
>
> **Genre:** Drama
>
> **Runtime:** 137 minutes

**Materials:** VCR or DVD, television or projection system, Wildland
Fire Leadership Values and Principles handouts (single-sided), *Leading
in the Wildland Fire Service, Incident Response Pocket Guide* (IRPG),
notepad, writing utensil

**Objective:** Students will identify Wildland Fire Leadership Values
and Principles illustrated within *K‑19: The Widowmaker* and discuss
leadership lessons learned with group members or mentors.

**Basic** **Plot** (taken from
[http://www.rottentomatoes.com](http://www.rottentomatoes.com/))**:**

Inspired by a true story that was kept secret until the fall of
communism, *K-19: The Widowmaker* is a tale of ordinary men who
sacrifice everything for their shipmates and their country. In 1961, at
the height of the Cold War, an ill-prepared Russian nuclear missile
submarine embarks on its maiden voyage with near-disastrous
consequences.

When the sub\'s nuclear reactor malfunctions, Captain Alexei Vostrikov
(Harrison Ford) makes some decisions that are unpopular with the crew.
Tensions mount as radiation levels rise throughout the submarine and
there is no respite in sight. If the sub explodes, it may cause an
international incident as it may be mistaken as an attack on a nearby
NATO base and an American Navy destroyer that is in the area. If the sub
dives deep below the surface, perhaps the malfunction can be fixed, but
the loss of some lives is then inevitable. The Executive Officer,
Mikhail Polenin (Liam Neeson), who formerly commanded the sub, can
placate the crew, but must decide where his own loyalties lie.

**Cast of Main Characters:**

Cast and Crew

> Captain Alexi Vostikov Harrison Ford
>
> Mikhail Polenin Liam Neeson
>
> Konstantin Poliansky George Anton
>
> Oleg Falichev Steve Cumyn
>
> Yuri Demichev Steve Nicholson
>
> Vadim Radtchenko Peter Sarsgaard
>
> Pavel Loktev Christian Camargo
>
> Marshal Zeletsov Joss Ackland

**Facilitation Options:**

The framework for the Leadership in Cinema program allows facilitators
to tailor the program to fit local leadership development needs and time
frames. Facilitators are in no way bound to ask every question or
utilize every part of the lesson plan.

Creation of this lesson plan focuses students on *Leading in the
Wildland Fire Service*. Facilitators are encouraged to provide each
student with a copy of this document
(<http://www.fireleadership.gov/documents/LeadingWFS_Pub.pdf>).

Participants and facilitators of the program are encouraged to submit
suggestions regarding the program of specific lesson plans to the
Leadership in Cinema coordinator at <leadership_feedback@nifc.blm.gov>.
Local units are also encouraged to add to the Leadership in Cinema
library as well.

The film can be viewed in its entirety or by clip selection, depending
on facilitator intent and time schedules. Another method is to have the
employee(s) view the film on his/her own and then hold the discussion
session.

***[Full-film Facilitation Suggestion]{.underline}:***

When opting for the full-film method, the facilitator should determine a
good breaking point near the middle of the film.

1\. Review the Wildland Fire Leadership Values and Principles with
students.

2\. Advise students to document instances within the film that
illustrate/violate the Wildland Fire Leadership Values and Principles on
the handout provided.

3\. Break students into small discussion groups.

4\. Show students *K-19: The Widowmaker*.

5\. Break. (Suggestion: After the scene where Vostrikov is listening to
music in his quarters and immediately prior to the nuclear accident;
approximately 0:58:15)

6\. Begin the guided discussion.

7\. Provide a short synopsis with some "ticklers" to pay attention
before beginning the rest of the film.

8\. Resume the film.

9\. Have students discuss their findings and how they will apply
leadership lessons learned to their role in wildland fire suppression.
Facilitate discussion in groups that have difficulty.

10\. Wrap up the session and encourage students to apply leadership
lessons learned in their personal and work lives.

***[Clip Facilitation Suggestion]{.underline}:***

1\. Review the leadership value or principle targeted for discussion.
(May be given or ask students to identify the value or principle being
illustrated after viewing the clip.)

2\. Show the clip.

3\. Facilitate discussion regarding the selected clip and corresponding
value and/or principle.

4\. Break students into small discussion groups.

5\. Have students discuss their findings and how they will apply
leadership lessons learned to their role in wildland fire suppression.
Facilitate discussion in groups that may have difficulty.

6\. Wrap up the session and encourage students to apply leadership
lessons learned in their personal and work lives.

***Clip times listed are approximate!***

***[Mentor Suggestion]{.underline}:***

> The mentor should be available to the student to discuss lessons
> learned from the film as well as incorporating them to the student's
> leadership self-development plan.
>
> Encouraging individuals to keep a leadership journal is an excellent
> way to document leadership values and principles that are practiced.

Incorporate the use of *Leading in the Wildland Fire Service* (PMS
494-2, NFES 2889) into your mentoring program. The publication can be
found at <http://www.fireleadership.gov/documents/LeadingWFS_Pub.pdf>.

> Suggest other wildland fire leadership toolbox items that will
> contribute to the overall leadership development of the student.

***[Other References]{.underline}:***

Facilitators may wish to incorporate the book *K-19: The Widowmaker --
The Secret Story of the Soviet Nuclear Submarine* by Peter Huchthausen
which features the memoirs of real-life K-19 captain Nikolai Zateyev.
The book provides a deeper understanding of the political pressures that
contributed to leadership failures within the Soviet Navy.

The *National Geographic* maintains an interactive Web site referencing
the K-19 submarine at
<http://www.nationalgeographic.com/k19/index.html>.

Hyperlinks have been included to facilitate the use of the Wildland Fire
Leadership Development Program website. Encourage students of leadership
to visit the website at

**[http://www.fireleadership.gov](http://www.fireleadership.gov/).**

***K-19: The Widowmaker***

**The following clips illustrate/violate the Wildland Leadership Values
and Principles. These are only guidelines and may be interpreted
differently by other views; they are presented as a guide for
facilitation.**

**Duty**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(+): Vostrikov is given command of K-19. Polenin isn't expecting    |
| him until the next day. Vostikov takes control at this moment.        |
| (0:10:07)**                                                           |
|                                                                       |
| **(+): Vostrikov cancels all leave. (0:15:26)**                       |
|                                                                       |
| **(+): Vostrikov and Polenin work together to save the boat and crew  |
| after Polenin transfers command back to Vostrikov. (1:43:41)**        |
|                                                                       |
| ***Take charge when in charge*.**                                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(-): Dr. Savin is not qualified in the area of radiation exposure   |
| and only thought he was responding to an emergency. (0:20:40)**       |
|                                                                       |
| **(-): Radtchenko has never operated a reactor at sea. (0:15:26)**    |
|                                                                       |
| ***Consider individual skill levels and development needs when        |
| assigning tasks.***                                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(-): Polenin steps in to assist the crew when two sailors are       |
| injured (0:42:29)**                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| ***Delegate those tasks that you are not required to do               |
| personally.***                                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(-): Viewers get the sense that Vostrikov has no plan or at least   |
| has not expressed his plan to his subordinates after the accident     |
| when Polenin makes the following statement, "May I ask then, what is  |
| your plan?" (1:26:14)**                                               |
|                                                                       |
| ***Develop a plan to accomplish given objectives.***                  |
|                                                                       |
| ***Clearly state expectations.***                                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

**Respect**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(+): Vostrikov releases Lieutenant Yashin when he is found sleeping |
| and drunk in the reactor room. (0:11:29)**                            |
|                                                                       |
| **(+): Polenin respectfully suggests to Vostrikov that diving to 250  |
| meters is an unnecessary risk. (0:37:47)**                            |
|                                                                       |
| **(-): Vostrikov says, "Half degree we can handle. We'll compensate   |
| with seawater ballast 'til we get back to port. If we get back to     |
| port." (0:18:46)**                                                    |
|                                                                       |
| ***Put the safety of your subordinates above all other objectives.*** |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(-)The base physician who has no real nuclear experience replaces   |
| the doctor who is killed prior to deployment. (0:20:40)**             |
|                                                                       |
| **(-) Vostrikov asks doctor how his men are doing after the accident. |
| Doctor has no idea since he has no training in radiation              |
| contamination. (1:33:59)**                                            |
|                                                                       |
| ***Employ your subordinates in accordance with their capabilities.*** |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(+): Vostrikov briefs the crew after the test missile is fired.     |
| (0:47:16)**                                                           |
|                                                                       |
| ***Provide accurate and timely briefings.***                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(-): Polenin and Poliansky discuss the absence of radiation suits.  |
| (01:10:34)**                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| ***Put the safety of your subordinates above all other objectives.*** |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(+): Vostrikov gives the reason that the boat and crew should dive  |
| and attempt to repair the reactor---horrifying retaliatory attacks on |
| the motherland. Polenin tells Vostrikov to ask, not order, the crew   |
| to dive. (1:43:41)**                                                  |
|                                                                       |
| ***Give the reason---intent---for assignments and tasks.***           |
|                                                                       |
| ***Use positive feedback to modify duties, tasks and assignments when |
| appropriate.***                                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

**Integrity**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(-): When Polenin respectfully suggests to Vostrikov that diving to |
| 250 meters is an unnecessary risk when preparing to fire the test     |
| missle, Vostrikov replies, "I did not ask for your advice."           |
| (0:37:47)**                                                           |
|                                                                       |
| ***Actively listen to feedback from subordinates.***                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(+): Polenin steps in to assist the crew when two sailors are       |
| injured (0:42:29)**                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| ***Share the hazards and hardships with your subordinates.***         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(-): Polenin and Vostrikov have a verbal exchange in front of the   |
| crew after the reactor accident. (1:00:07)**                          |
|                                                                       |
| ***Don't show discouragement when facing set backs.***                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(-): Suslov and Yuri plot between themselves to relieve Vostrikov   |
| of his duties; they don't include Polenin. (1:35:09)**                |
|                                                                       |
| ***Keep your superiors informed of your actions.***                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(+): Polenin stands up to Vostrikov about extinguishing the fire    |
| and not turning on the fire suppression system. (1:38:10)**           |
|                                                                       |
| ***Set the example.***                                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(+): Vostrikov addresses the men who risked their lives to repair   |
| the reactor. (1:51:55)**                                              |
|                                                                       |
| ***Credit subordinates for good performance.***                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **(+): Vostrikov countermands Moscow by wanting his men off the boat. |
| (1:55:58)**                                                           |
|                                                                       |
| ***Choose the difficult right over the easy wrong.***                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

***K-19: The Widowmaker***

**Guided Discussion -- Possible Answers**

1\. What is the difference between the authority to lead and the
decision to lead? Discuss instances of these leadership frameworks (both
positively and negatively) that are found in the movie.

-   **Refer to "The Authority to Lead versus the Decision to Lead" in
    *Leading in the Wildland Fire Service.***

    -   **"The authority to lead is established by law."**

    -   **"The ability to lead is a different matter; it is something
        that cannot be legislated."**

-   **Examples of authority to lead and decision of lead may include:**

    -   **Suslov has the authority to lead via the political branch.
        (1:35:09 and 1:38:10)**

    -   **To be effective, leaders must earn the trust and respect of
        others.**

        -   **Polenin is trusted by the crew---"You are still our
            captain, Misha, and the only one we trust." (0:53:39)**

        -   **Admiral Bratyeev trusts Vostrikov. "I've known Captain
            Vostrikov personally for half his life. There isn't a
            submariner in the navy whose loyalty I trust more."**

    -   **Leaders choose to sacrifice their own needs for those of their
        teams and organizations.**

        -   **Vostrikov has the ability to lead but is seen by Polenin
            as leading with a focus on self---"You're defending nothing
            but your own ambition." (1:32:15)**

    -   **Leaders bring order to chaos.**

        -   **Polenin reinstates Vostrikov as captain after Suslov uses
            his authority to transfer command to Polenin. (1:43:41)**

2\. Review "Art of Leadership" in *Leading in the Wildland Fire
Service.* Discuss in your group(s) the art of leadership principles
depicted in the movie.

-   **Leaders deeply affect people and organizations, both positively
    and negatively.**

-   **Committed leaders can inspire others and make an enormous
    difference in people's lives, on the results of the team, and in the
    progress of the organization.**

-   **The art of leadership requires**

    -   **A constant interchange of theory and application.**

        -   **Being able to view the larger picture---discerning how to
            turn a weakness into a strength**

        -   **Gauging what is and is not within our control**

    -   **Successfully balancing many factors in the real world, based
        on the situation at hand, to achieve a successful outcome.**

    -   **Leaders may be required to provide authoritative, autocratic,
        tightly controlled direction that requires immediate
        obedience.**

    -   **Leaders balance the risks against the potential gains of any
        decision and action.**

3\. "In 1961 the Soviet Union has enough nuclear weapons to destroy the
world two times over. The United States has enough nuclear weapons to
destroy the world ten times over. Each nation continues to build more.
In 1961 Americans forward deploy nuclear submarines within range of
Leningrad and Moscow. Powerful men on both sides believe war is
inevitable. It is only a question of when. And who will strike first."

Discuss in your groups the pressures that existed for the Soviet
military and/or K-19 crew. How does this mirror the high-risk
environment of wildland fire?

-   **The K-19 crew is asked to make tough decisions under compressed
    time frames, given limited/biased information, in a complex and
    high-risk environment.**

    -   **The Soviet military was under pressure to "catch up" and build
        a nuclear submarine program that rivaled the U.S.**

    -   **Marshal Zeletsov has promised Comrade Khrushchev to tell the
        world they are a nuclear power to reckon with by firing a test
        missile from K-19 by the end of the month.**

    -   **Propaganda was widely disseminated.**

-   **This operational environment brought together people, machinery,
    and the destructive energy of nuclear supremacy.**

    -   **Crews were unskilled.**

    -   **Equipment was untested and many times faulty.**

    -   **The U.S. and Soviet Union were entrenched in the Cold War.**

4\. Refer to "Leadership Environment" in *Leading in the Wildland Fire
Service.* Identify the elements that make up K-19's leadership
environment.

-   **The leader (who is ultimately responsible for all actions and
    results)**

    -   **Most assuredly Vostrikov is the leader; however, some may
        identify the political party, or Polenin.**

-   **Your people (those that you are responsible for)**

    -   **K-19's crew and 200 million Soviet Union citizens.**

-   **The situation (unique variables that influence a leader's
    decisions such as objectives, conditions, resources available,
    organizational influences, and others affected by the action)**

    -   **Pressures of the Cold War**

    -   **Pressures from Soviet political party**

    -   **Presence of two commanders on the same boat**

    -   **Dissenters sent to Soviet penal labor camps (gulags)**

-   **The consequences---the short- and long-term effects of your
    actions.**

    -   **A wrong decision could result in a full-scale war between the
        U.S. and the Soviet Union**

    -   **Radiation exposure to crew members**

    -   **Treason**

    -   **American's taking possession of K-19**

5\. Refer to "Command Philosophy" in *Leading in the Wildland Fire
Service.* Compare and contrast Vostrikov's command philosophy with that
of wildland fire.

-   **Command Based on Intent:**

    -   **An explosion of K-19 could result in an explosion of the
        warheads which could destroy the American ship and cause
        retaliatory attacks on the motherland. (1:43:41)**

-   **Unity of Effort:**

    -   **Vostrikov countermands Moscow by wanting his men off the boat.
        (1:55:58)**

        -   **Is it "right" to put the sailors on the rescue vessels at
            risk?**

        -   **Doesn't this present a mixed message to his
            subordinates?**

    -   **Polenin has the opportunity to assume command of the boat
        after Suslov uses his leadership authority to transfer command
        from Vostrikov to Polenin but does not. (1:43:41)**

    -   **Polenin defends Vostrikov's leadership to Soviet officials.
        "No captain in the Soviet Navy has ever been faced with such
        decisions---the fate of the boat, the crew, the fate of the
        world---all in the balance. The navy is my life. And one thing I
        know, there can be only one captain of a ship. The burden of
        command is on his shoulders and his alone. None of you...None of
        you has the right to judge Captain Vostrikov. You weren't there.
        I was. He was our captain. He was my captain. And it would be an
        honor to sail under his command again." (2:01:23)**

6\. Marshal Zeletsov believes that "Captain Polenin put his boat and his
men before the party" during the failed dry dock missile launch
exercise. Therefore, Captain Vostrikov is given command of the ship yet
Captain Polenin remains as executive officer. What problems does this
pose for the crew? How do Vostrikov and Polenin handle the situation?
Give an example from wildland firefighting where leadership roles are
unclear.

-   **Problems for the crew:**

    -   **Blurred and overlapping jurisdictional lines/command**

    -   **Crew loyalty to Polenin**

    -   **Lack of faith in Vostrikov**

-   **Vostrikov and Polenin handling of the situation:**

    -   **Vostrikov expresses his need for Polenin**

    -   **Polenin gives up control**

    -   **Power struggles exist between the two**

-   **Examples from wildland firefighting:**

    -   **Who is in control? (Agency Administrator, IC, politician,
        landowner, etc.)**

    -   **IMT transitions**

    -   **Lack of clear commander's intent**

    -   **Poor communication**

    -   **Overall poor leadership**

7\. After two men are injured during a drill, Polenin addresses the
crew. "At ease. I was told there was some complaining. But I said, 'Not
my men. They're the best crew in the fleet. They will pull to the last.'
So, any complaints?" Pavel states, "There's no complaints here,
Captain." A disgruntled sailor looks at Pavel who puts his finger to his
lips and says, "Shush." How do you feel after watching this scene? What
"red flags" do you see that could affect your role as leader? How might
this affect crew cohesion? How does fear of retaliation play into our
decision making? Is there any hint in the movie that Vostrikov is
trusted by his commanders? Have you been in a situation where you were
told to remain quite? If yes, how did you feel and how did you handle
the situation?

-   **Leadership is a tough choice; however, leaders lead to make a
    difference. Silence may not be a good strategy. Often leaders must
    choose the difficult right over the easy wrong and be heard. In this
    scenario, there were complaints but few stood up to voice their
    concerns throughout all phases of the K-19 project---from
    construction through deployment.**

-   **Vostrikov comment to Suslov, "The crew needs you to show courage,
    not fear. Fear is contagious."**

-   **Fear of retaliation undoubtedly caused K-19's crew and commanders
    to act/react more cautiously. The book version insinuates that
    Captain Vateyev stood up for his beliefs.**

-   **Admiral Bratyeev trusts Vostrikov. "I've known Captain Vostrikov
    personally for half his life. There isn't a submariner in the navy
    whose loyalty I trust more."**

-   **Ensure that students speak only as they feel comfortable regarding
    previous experiences.**

8\. After the Americans offer K-19 assistance, Polenin, Suslov, and
Vostrikov have an exchange where Vostrikov fully vocalizes his
commander's intent. (1:32:15) What is that intent? How does Polenin
respond? How does Vostrikov handle Polenin's response and what does he
say to Suslov about responsibility as commissar, representative of the
party? Considering the complexity of the situation and all that has
happened, discuss and defend in your groups which leadership position
best fits with your understanding of the situation.

-   **Vostrikov states, "My duty is to defend the state, and I will do
    that to my last dying breath."**

-   **Polenin responds, "You're defending nothing but your own ambition.
    Tell that to the men who are dying down there. Go on; tell them."**

-   **Vostikov replies, "There will be no more talk of surrendering to
    the Americans. It is treason. *(Vostrikov addresses Polenin.)* You
    mention it one more time, I will have you confined to your quarters.
    *(Vostrikov turns to Suslov.)* And you, you are the commissar,
    representative of the party, responsible for crew morale."**

+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
| *         |                                                          |
| *Wildland |                                                          |
| Fire      |                                                          |
| L         |                                                          |
| eadership |                                                          |
| Values    |                                                          |
| and       |                                                          |
| Pri       |                                                          |
| nciples** |                                                          |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
| **Duty**  | Be proficient in your job, both technically and as a     |
|           | leader.                                                  |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Take charge when in charge.                          |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Adhere to professional standard operating            |
|           |     procedures.                                          |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Develop a plan to accomplish given objectives.       |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
|           | Make sound and timely decisions.                         |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Maintain situation awareness in order to anticipate  |
|           |     needed actions.                                      |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Develop contingencies and consider consequences.     |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Improvise within the commander's intent to handle a  |
|           |     rapidly changing environment.                        |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
|           | Ensure that tasks are understood, supervised and         |
|           | accomplished.                                            |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Issue clear instructions.                            |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Observe and assess actions in progress without       |
|           |     micro-managing.                                      |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Use positive feedback to modify duties, tasks and    |
|           |     assignments when appropriate.                        |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
|           | Develop your subordinates for the future.                |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Clearly state expectations.                          |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Delegate those tasks that you are not required to do |
|           |     personally.                                          |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Consider individual skill levels and development     |
|           |     needs when assigning tasks.                          |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
| **        | Know your subordinates and look out for their well       |
| Respect** | being.                                                   |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Put the safety of your subordinates above all other  |
|           |     objectives.                                          |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Take care of your subordinate's needs.               |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Resolve conflicts between individuals on the team.   |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
|           | Keep your subordinates informed.                         |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Provide accurate and timely briefings.               |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Give the reason (intent) for assignments and tasks.  |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Make yourself available to answer questions at       |
|           |     appropriate times.                                   |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
|           | Build the team.                                          |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Conduct frequent debriefings with the team to        |
|           |     identify lessons learned.                            |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Recognize individual and team accomplishments and    |
|           |     reward them appropriately.                           |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Apply disciplinary measures equally.                 |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
|           | Employ your subordinates in accordance with their        |
|           | capabilities.                                            |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Observe human behavior as well as fire behavior.     |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Provide early warning to subordinates of tasks they  |
|           |     will be responsible for.                             |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Consider team experience, fatigue and physical       |
|           |     limitations when accepting assignments.              |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
| **In      | Know yourself and seek improvement.                      |
| tegrity** |                                                          |
|           | -   Know the strengths/weaknesses in your character and  |
|           |     skill level.                                         |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Ask questions of peers and superiors.                |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Actively listen to feedback from subordinates.       |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
|           | Seek responsibility and accept responsibility for your   |
|           | actions.                                                 |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Accept full responsibility for and correct poor team |
|           |     performance.                                         |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Credit subordinates for good performance.            |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Keep your superiors informed of your actions.        |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+
|           | Set the example.                                         |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Share the hazards and hardships with your            |
|           |     subordinates.                                        |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Don't show discouragement when facing set backs.     |
|           |                                                          |
|           | -   Choose the difficult right over the easy wrong.      |
+-----------+----------------------------------------------------------+

***K-19: The Widowmaker***

**1. Document film clips illustrating or violating the Wildland Fire
Leadership Values and Principles.**

**2. Discuss leadership lessons learned from the film with group members
or mentor.**

**Duty**

-   Be proficient in your job, both technically and as a leader.

-   Make sound and timely decisions.

-   Ensure that tasks are understood, supervised and accomplished.

-   Develop your subordinates for the future.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

**Respect**

-   Know your subordinates and look out for their well being.

-   Keep your subordinates informed.

-   Build the team.

-   Employ your subordinates in accordance with their capabilities.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

**Integrity**

-   Know yourself and seek improvement.

-   Seek responsibility and accept responsibility for your actions.

-   Set the example.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

***K-19: The Widowmaker***

**Guided Discussion**

1\. What is the difference between the authority to lead and the
decision to lead? Discuss instances of these leadership frameworks (both
positively and negatively) that are found in the movie.

2\. Review "Art of Leadership" in *Leading in the Wildland Fire
Service.* Discuss in your group(s) the art of leadership principles
depicted in the movie.

3\. "In 1961 the Soviet Union has enough nuclear weapons to destroy the
world two times over. The United States has enough nuclear weapons to
destroy the world ten times over. Each nation continues to build more.
In 1961 Americans forward deploy nuclear submarines within range of
Leningrad and Moscow. Powerful men on both sides believe war is
inevitable. It is only a question of when. And who will strike first."

Discuss in your groups the pressures that existed for the Soviet
military and/or K-19 crew. How does this mirror the high-risk
environment of wildland fire?

4\. Refer to "Leadership Environment" in *Leading in the Wildland Fire
Service.* Identify the elements that make up K-19's leadership
environment.

5\. Refer to "Command Philosophy" in *Leading in the Wildland Fire
Service.* Compare and contrast Vostrikov's command philosophy with that
of wildland fire.

6\. Marshal Zeletsov believes that "Captain Polenin put his boat and his
men before the party" during the failed dry dock missile launch
exercise. Therefore, Captain Vostrikov is given command of the ship yet
Captain Polenin remains as executive officer. What problems does this
pose for the crew? How do Vostrikov and Polenin handle the situation?
Give an example from wildland firefighting where leadership roles are
unclear.

7\. After two men are injured during a drill, Polenin addresses the
crew. "At ease. I was told there was some complaining. But I said, 'Not
my men. They're the best crew in the fleet. They will pull to the last.'
So, any complaints?" Pavel states, "There's no complaints here,
Captain." A disgruntled sailor looks at Pavel who puts his finger to his
lips and says, "Shush." How do you feel after watching this scene? What
"red flags" do you see that could affect your role as leader? How might
this affect crew cohesion? How does fear of retaliation play into our
decision making? Have you been in a situation where you were told to
remain quite? If yes, how did you feel and how did you handle the
situation?

8\. After the Americans offer K-19 assistance, Polenin, Suslov, and
Vostrikov have an exchange where Vostrikov fully vocalizes his
commander's intent. (1:32:15) What is that intent? How does Polenin
respond? How does Vostrikov handle Polenin's response and what does he
say to Suslov about responsibility as commissar, representative of the
party? Considering the complexity of the situation and all that has
happened, discuss and defend in your groups which leadership position
best fits with your understanding of the situation.