During a mission, what Element of Command is demonstrated by a company commander visiting Soldiers?

The demonstration of a company commander visiting Soldiers aligns with the Element of Command known as leadership. Leadership encapsulates the ability to influence, guide, and motivate individuals or teams to accomplish a common mission or goal. By visiting their Soldiers, a company commander is not only demonstrating presence but also fostering relationships, addressing concerns directly, and embodying the responsibilities of leading personnel in a way that promotes morale and cohesion. This personal interaction serves as a critical function of effective leadership, ensuring that Soldiers feel seen and valued, which can enhance overall unit effectiveness and readiness.

In contrast, the other elements—control, planning, and coordination—do not capture the essence of the action taken by the company commander during a visit. Control refers more to the management of resources and operational aspects of a mission, while planning involves strategizing for future operations. Coordination centers around the collaboration and seamless operation among various units or groups, which is not the primary focus of a commander's visit. Thus, the act of a commander visiting Soldiers is fundamentally about exercising leadership.