Mɛsugbapkʌbd (Me-sug-bap-kub-duh)

The Leader Caste acts as not only the guidance and authority within the Federation of Xah, but also the oil that lubricates the motions of all the other castes. Integrated at all levels, Leader personnel manage human resources, logistics, and handle discipline and role status.
One of the more critical roles are the Leaders who are seconded to the Warrior Caste Soldiers, called the Mɛsugbapkʌbd ('ones who manage weapons'). It is the Mɛsugbapkʌbd who, with appropriate advice from the Warrior commanders, make strategic decisions, decide on logistical plans, and hold ultimate operational command in a theatre of battle.

Career

Qualifications

Potential members are identified at a young age, from those Leader caste members with a cool temper but a slightly more aggressive nature than other members. Mɛsugbapkʌbd must not hesitate when the use of violence is deemed necessary, but must also not act in anger or passion. Every action, no matter who gets hurt, must be considered rationally.
Potential recruits are trained very similar to Warriors marked for command, receiving tactical and strategic education, along with the other subject considered crucial for war; logistics, medical care, politics, and technology. A good comprehensive education is one of the prime tests for successful candidates.

Perception

Purpose

Whilst the Leader caste is aware that the Warrior caste could manage themselves, they are also aware that an unfettered Warrior caste would pay less heed to more vital considerations, particularly political ones. There is also the unspoken concept that a Warrior caste without appropriate Leader guidance, especially at the lower levels, would seek to take control for themselves. Therefore strong and visible Leader presence, reinforced with well reasoned commands, will keep the low ranking Warriors in line.

Social Status

Within the Leader caste, Mɛsugbapkʌbd are considered slightly boorish, with a primitive mindset towards violence that a lot of more diplomatically inclined members find distasteful. Their role is appreciated, and valued, but they are frequently left out of higher level meetings of Leader Caste members.
Higher ranking Warriors see the Mɛsugbapkʌbd as a necessary evil, knowing that they are not always privy to higher level or more esoteric political demands. Lower ranks perceive them as interfering busybodies, who thankfully rarely accompany them on combat missions, whereas mid-level field commanders tolerate their interferences, so long as tactical operations are not impeded.
The other castes have their own versions of Mɛsugbapkʌbd, most of whom are typically more deeply embedded, with direction control of operations and routine decisions.