Accountability,

Accountability, the heart of military leadership, is closely related to ethics, integrity, morality, and responsibility. This research paper first examines these relationships and illustrates some of the unique qualities of accountability which set it apart as the most critical element of leadership. Next is a discussion of where and to whom leaders are accountable, followed by an historical glimpse at military leaders and how their successes and failures were reflections of their accountability. The concluding section of this paper is a compilation of interviews with contemporary military leaders presenting their views regarding the urgency of accountability.