system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: why did commanders throughout history fight in the front lines?

Wouldn't that make it easier for the enemy to kill them? I know boosting morale is important but how could you ever risk your leader?
gpt
Because they were often the the most effective fighting force in the field of battle.  Your typical commander was a noble, which meant:

* they had ample food and medical care as a child, making them bigger and stronger than most men
* they were trained in sword and horse almost from birth
* they had the best equipment money could buy
* they were surrounded by similarly well equipped and well trained bodyguards

So the commander didn't just lead the battle, they often served as shock troops who could turn the tide of the battle.