Star Trek repeatedly sends executive officers and other senior leaders on away missions. Stargate provides a more plausible comparison through small teams that operate while General Hammond normally remains in command. Junior lieutenants and corporals work at the front, whereas a lieutenant colonel's responsibility is to direct the whole battalion. A security, science, or specialist Marine team should establish what is happening and secure the area before senior personnel follow. Hammond's exceptional rescue mission is defended because its unusual nature is acknowledged and numerous teams protect him. The Hornblower comparison depends on the force involved: a captain may be needed to lead a large operation, while a junior officer leads a fireship or forlorn hope with promotion expected if he survives.
Notable Point · 1:45:00-1:54:40
Why senior commanders should not lead routine away teams
Sending a ship's executive officer and senior specialists into every hazardous landing needlessly risks irreplaceable command experience.