The Torah commands in Parashat Shoftim (Debarim 20:5-7) that when Beneh Yisrael go out to war, a specially designated Kohen must accompany them and address them before battle. The Kohen – called the “Kohen Mashu’ah Milhama” – would deliver words of encouragement, urging the soldiers to place their faith in Hashem, and would also announce a number of exemptions. Specifically, anyone who had planted a vineyard but didn’t yet partake of its fruit, built a house but didn’t yet move into it, or betrothed a woman but didn’t yet marry her, is sent home from the battlefield. These soldiers are excused from war, the Sefer Ha’hinuch writes, because their minds are preoccupied with their vineyard, home or wife, and will thus not be able to properly focus on the war effort. Additionally, the Torah teaches, soldiers who are guilty of certain transgressions would be sent home, as they and the other soldiers might perish in battle on account of their wrongdoing. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that it was important to have a person of distinction who commands the respect of the soldiers to announce these exemptions. These exemptions are given only to soldiers fighting a Milhemet Reshut – optional war. But in a Milhemet Misva – obligatory war – even newly-married brides and grooms must leave to join the war effort. (Although women do not fight in battle, they help the war effort in other ways, such as by preparing food and tending to the wounded, and thus even brides are expected to participate in a Milhemet Misva.) Other officials also joined the soldiers in battle, and they were authorized to physically block soldiers from fleeing. The Sages explain, “Tehilat Nefila Nisa” – flight is the first step toward defeat. Therefore, officials were stationed to beat soldiers who tried to escape the battlefield, in order to force them to remain and fight. This Misva is assigned to the entire nation collectively. Those leading figures who are in a position to appoint a “Kohen Mashu’ah Milhama” are required to do so. Somebody in a position to appoint a “Kohen Mashu’ah Milhama” who fails to fulfill this responsibility violates this affirmative command.