Group passions, cohesion and determination also affect the conduct of war. Leadership is Crucial in War. Man is the central element in war, and leadership is the critical factor in shaping human effort. Leadership inspires and persuades men and women to help commanders achieve their objectives in spite of adversity and danger. Leadership is both an exercise of character and an application of management and professional skills.
War is a complex phenomenon.
It is neither ordered nor does it follow a set of rules. Beyond the danger, exertion, fear, uncertainty and chance that permeate warfare, there are four significant components that characterize its nature. First and foremost, war is unpredictable and chaotic which often makes its outcome unassured. This confusion and uncertainty bring about a condition in warfare that is detrimental to its conduct. Secondly, war's actions are controlled by the seemingly opposed, but closely interrelated, concepts of offence and defence.