Why the Imperial Military Was Never Led by Darth Vader
Renowned General Anakin Skywalker of the Grand Army of the Republic later transformed into Emperor Palpatine's Sith pupil, Darth Vader. One may question why Darth Vader never took command of the Galactic Empire's military, given his extraordinary intelligence, fighting skill, and wealth of military experience. Palpatine purposefully kept his apprentice out of such a direct leadership position, nevertheless, for very good reasons.
The Empire's Shadow of the Sith
Palpatine used the Empire as a tool to further his ultimate aim of complete dominion over the galaxy. He created an independent Imperial military apparatus and made sure it would function on its own. In this manner the Sith, and especially Darth Vader and Palpatine, could focus their efforts on developing and using the Dark Side of the Force. Although the Empire's resources were important instruments for achieving its goals, they were not the end goal.
Darth Vader's Exclusive Intent
Keeping the Sith dominant and eliminating any last Jedi was Darth Vader's major goal. He was not cut out for the complicated and multifaceted world of Military Leadership because of his undivided focus. In contrast, the Empire's efficacy was based on teamwork and collaboration. Though vital to the Sith's existence, Vader's vengeance-driven attitude and unrelenting hunt for Jedi survivors would have complicated the Empire's strategic planning.
A Case in Point: The Battle of Hoth
One of the key scenes in "The Empire Strikes Back," the Battle of Hoth, demonstrates Vader's incapacity to put the greater military goal first. Motivated by personal retaliation, his fixation with apprehending Luke Skywalker took precedence over the necessity of dismantling the Rebel Alliance. In the end, the Rebellion was able to escape thanks to this tunnel vision, demonstrating Vader's shortcomings as a leader.
A Self-Serving Dark Side Leadership Pattern
Two generations later, Kylo Ren—Vader's grandson—continues this cycle of self-serving darkness side leadership. Similar to how Ren's unwavering hatred of Luke Skywalker in "The Last Jedi" impedes the First Order's military advancement. In both situations, their personal grudges take precedence over the strategic needs of their respective companies.
Military Leadership: The Dark Side
Though uplifting, the dark side of the Force naturally encourages self-interest and a disdain for the needs of others. Those who embrace the dark side are therefore ill-suited for military leadership, which necessitates a more expansive outlook and a concentration on group objectives, due to this basic contradiction. In the end, though, Darth Vader was never meant to be the mastermind behind the Galactic Empire's military strength, no matter how great his abilities and expertise were. He was not the galaxy's guiding strategist; rather, he was a weapon, a means by which the Sith could impose their will.
