An artists rendition of Teancum (Derengio7 at DeviantArt)
This is Teancum (tee-An-cum). While we don't know a lot about Teancum's personal history (he isn't even mentioned until well Alma 50:35), we can infer that he was one of Moroni's best military leaders, and a warrior to the core. But even more, he was an extremely bold warrior and leader. In Alma 50, Teancum's army is dispatched to stop a group of dissenting Nephites from joining the Lamanites. When Morianton, the leader of the dissenters, convinces his group to fight, Teancum's army soundly defeats them and Teancum kills Morianton himself.
The following year, when an internal rebellion threatens the Nephite government, Moroni is forced to use his armies to restore governmental order. Adding to Moroni's urgency, the Lamanite armies begin a major campaign against the Nephites. "Behold, it came to pass that while Moroni was thus breaking down the wars and contentions among his own people, and subjecting them to peace and civilization, and making regulations to prepare for war against the Lamanites, behold, the Lamanites had come into the land of Moroni, which was in the borders by the seashore." (Alma 51:22)
Just as before, Moroni chose Teancum and his army to stop the Lamanite advance. The reason Moroni chose Teancum is spelled out, "for they were great warriors; for every man of Teancum did exceed the Lamanites in their strength and in their skill of war, insomuch that they did gain advantage over the Lamanites." (Alma 51:31) So we see, when military emergencies emerge, Moroni sends Teancum's army first, because of their abilities. Implied here is that Teancum, as a leader, has expertly trained and prepared his soldiers for combat. Especially over the next decade, the ability of our military leaders to ensure their soldiers are trained and prepared for combat will become more important than ever.
We then get a glimpse of Teancum's personal qualities as a leader and warrior: after fighting all day, the Nephites and Lamanites set up camp to rest. Teancum, who knew that the Lamanite leader was a Nephite dissenter named Amalickiah, understood that Amalickiah was the cause of this war and decided to act on that knowledge:
"And it came to pass that when the night had come, Teancum and his servant stole forth and went out by night, and went into the camp of Amalickiah; and behold, sleep had overpowered them because of their much fatigue, which was caused by the labors and heat of the day. And it came to pass that Teancum stole privily into the tent of the king, and put a javelin to his heart; and he did cause the death of the king immediately that he did not awake his servants. And he returned again privily to his own camp..." (Alma 51:33,34).
Teancum saw the opportunity and conducted his own special operation to kill the Lamanite king, successfully infiltrated the Lamanite camp, found the King, killed him without waking anyone, and then exfilled the camp unharmed. I'd say that's pretty audacious and bold, and he did it without super stealth Blackhawks or NVGs. If a SOF soldier were looking for a good example to emulate, Teancum should definitely be high on the list.
At this point, Teancum gets back to his camp, and not only does he not call ENDEX, but again displays his leadership and warrior skills: "...and behold, his men were asleep, and he awoke them and told them all the things that he had done. And he caused that his armies should stand in readiness, lest the Lamanites had awakened and should come upon them." (Alma 51:35,36) When the Lamanites wake up, find the air let out of their king, and see Teancum's army ready to fight, they conduct a hasty retrograde into the cities they'd already captured.
When it becomes obvious that the Lamanites aren't coming out of the strongholds, who does Moroni turn to? Teancum, whose army plays a vital role in decoying the Lamanites out the strongholds. (Alma 52) Unfortunately, just prior to the end of this particular war, Teancum makes an attempt to repeat his killing of Amalickiah, and sneaks into the Lamanite camp, finds tent of Ammoron (Amalickiah's brother, coincidentally) and lets the air out of him as well. Only this time Teancum made two mistakes, the first being that "he did go forth in his anger" (Alma 62:36) and second that he didn't kill Ammoron instantly, but "behold, the king did awaken his servants before he died, insomuch that they did pursue Teancum, and slew him." (Alma 62:36) Teancum's death hit Moroni and Lehi pretty hard, "for behold, he had been a man who had fought valiantly for his country, yea, a true friend to liberty." (Alma 62:37) Had Teancum not gone "in his anger," maybe he would have been a bit more careful when poking holes. But, this also serves as a lesson that even great warriors can, and often do, die in war.
I especially love the example of Teancum because of his boldness, audacity and professionalism. In fact, I would say that he is my favorite of the Nephite commanders. Unfortunately I think both he and Lehi take a backstage to Moroni and Helaman, because their stories are somewhat muted. But when it comes to warrior examples, these men fit the bill perfectly.
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