> A good leader sets an example that others want to follow

So does any random decent person, no leadership or subordination required.

> one of the traits mentioned in the article is that an effective leader tells their people why they are doing what they are doing,

Except they don't. They are repeating the rationalizations and their weak-ass half-truths that were hammered into their head. I doubt this guy told his men that they're there to control oil and whatnot.

> Even spontaneous militias (and civilian groups) have leaders.

Except the second they're unfit, they have nothing to say anymore. Because it arises naturally. Compare to the military where disobeying orders doesn't result in "Oh well, I should have made you want to do this, it's my fault you don't want to do it. Don't worry, we're cool."