Project- Influences of Roman military on modern day riot control

[Robert Vermaat]

What makes you think anyone needs to be 'at the front leading the men' when we are talking about well trained, disciplined soldiers?  The US Army, like the British Army, trains officers that they need to 'lead from the front' but that doesn't actually mean that they are the one kicking the door in or walking point.

What makes me think that is the very same reason I would never ever compare a Roman miles with a modern British or American infantryman. Totally different society, totally different army structure, totally different individual training. Roman milites were not trained to think for themselves (as soldiers would not be for the next milllennium and a half), but to follow orders. Orders are given where they can be followed, which is at the front. Shouting from the back through the din of a battle involving tens of thousands is not really effective, is it? Looking at the battle stabndard is. And lo and behold this is where we find the commanders to be positioned.