In 2001, the Belgian Defense Force (BDF) significantly adapted its structure and operational engagements to better meet the contemporary organizational challenges. In this thesis, recent studies of organizational leadership are combined with the characteristics of military organizations in general and of the BDF in particular. The result is a generic framework that maps effective contemporary leadership and can serve as a starting point for the development of a leadership doctrine for the new BDF. This framework is based upon the integration of three generic models: Yukl's Conceptual Leadership Process Model, Quinn's Competing Values Model and the European Foundation for Quality Management Excellence Model that contributes both as a management tool and as a self-assessment tool. The proposed framework extends the current leadership initiatives in the BDF by incorporating a number of more restrictive leadership theories and by emphasizing the situational characteristics of the different BDF leadership environments. It is centered on a leader who internalizes the appropriate values, is sensitive to cultural influences and possesses the competencies that provide him with the indispensable behavioral complexity needed to operate effectively in the current rapidly changing environment. In addition, this thesis formulates a number of recommendations for further operationalization of the framework, for leadership development, and for attuning human resource management processes within the BDF.