Medic, perhaps? Or chronicler, maybe. Something on the sideline, at least. I would actually prefer to be as far removed from your fighting (or power structures or whatever you want to call it) as I can.
If we’re talking sheep/shepherd, I’ll be the cook …
I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier.
And definitely not a general, either.
If I were in an army or navy, I’d have to be off to the side of the command structure somewhere, along the lines of Stephen Maturin in Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin novels.
It was my understanding that the OP was asking which one are you more naturally deep down. They were not asking if you are/are not a good leader.
There are people that can be very effective leaders, but that is not necessarily their most comfortable station and they tend to avoid it.
I think I am a pretty decent leader, but I do not consider it a preferred condition for me. I tend to pick up the job when no one will or everyone else is being stricken by indecisiveness, but in the long run it leads me to a lower quality of life. I don’t like going to bed every night thinking if it all goes bad, everyone will point to me.
I am happiest as a soldier.
Yes. You appear to be the only person who actually read the OP and/or understood the point of the question.
And BTW, those of you who think you’re in the middle, that makes you a soldier.
I’m a Henry Blake. I’m not regular army, I don’t ever go into situations intending to be a Leader, but other people keep making me one. Some day, my self-image may match what others see in me, but not yet.
I’m both very good at following rules and orders and very good at leading groups of people and giving orders. What I’m not naturally good at is cooperation, ie, figuring out how to work with people whose styles of getting-things-done are very different from mine. It’s not that I can’t do it but that it takes a lot more concentrated effort.
This is me, too. I’ve ended up in leadership roles because no one else would do it, and it needed doing, and it bugs me when people are just milling about, not doing anything, but left to my own devices, I prefer to be left to my own devices.
Hard call to make. I have no problems making decisions and the buck stopping at my desk but I also enjoy being 2nd in command because I’m great at planning the details. I really enjoy setting stuff up so it runs smoothly down the line.
I suppose that makes me a soldier but more of a mercenary. Give me a task and walk away.
Other. I don’t seek out authority, and am happy following a competent leader, even if they’re not doing things exactly the way I’d prefer. I will, however, immediately take charge if the situation calls for a leader and none emerges (I can’t stand watching people mill about aimlessly with confused looks on their faces), or if the current leadership is obviously moronic.
That latter has gotten me into trouble before; my attempts at a more polite phrasing of “that plan is stupid and will fail, so we’re doing this instead” tend to convey that same message just as clearly. Then again, it’s also gotten me the occasional promotion, so I consider it a wash.
Well, I thought I was clear about it, but fuck it, have it your way.
No you were very clear. From your comment I’d put you squarely in the “General” column.
I’m one of ‘nature’s Sergeants’, I suspect. (Thanks, Terry Pratchett!) 
I’m good at seeing what needs to be done, but hate delegating other people to do it all, as I just know they won’t get it right. So I need to be mildly managing, but also part of the group. I also need someone above me who knows wtf is going on and whom I have faith in.
Hrm, maybe I’m just a pushy soldier.
This…prezactly this. It takes me little time to take the lead if it’s needed, but I sure the hell don’t WANT it. I’d rather someone knew wtf was going on and had a plan.
I’m a very good 2IC, but a poor commander - I like to know that there is someone to fall back on, even if I never plan to use it, it gives me the confidence to make the decisions I need to.
I selected “other”
Soldier, definitely. I can be in charge of things if I have to, but if there’s someone else willing to lead I’d rather follow.
Cannon Fodder
Neither. I don’t like telling others what to do and I don’t like being told what to do.
Neither-I’m the freelancing sniper in the bush, or (at best) the sub captain off doing his own thing within very loose guidelines.
Oh, me too. When needs to be a leader, and no one else is up to the task, it often falls to me. It’s not my favorite thing, but I’m rarely afraid to take the lead when it needs taking.
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Roland, you INTJ too?
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I voted other.
Even as a kid, my friends would look to me for things to do. People expect me to have all the answers and make the decisions.
After my military experience, I know I like being a leader. But the NCO’s get mad at me because I like to work, and they say I get in the way of the soldiers doing actual work. I think I would have to agree with them. But sheesh, I just want to help.