The relationship between male and female leaders' descriptions of their own behavior and the followers' descriptions of the leader's behavior in traditionally male-oriented leadership positions was examined. The data were collected as part of a research project to assess the assimilation of females at West Point and to determine how females were being trained for effective leadership roles. Using the Leadership Opinion Questionnaire, male and female platoon leaders described two leadership characteristics: consideration and structure (task accomplishment). Subordinates rated the platoon leaders on the same dimensions. Results were interpreted in terms of three issues: (1) the importance of sex roles as a leadership variable; (2) the leader's perception of the relative importance of consideration versus structure; and (3) the subordinates' perceptions of performance behaviors which are important in a platoon leader's role. It was found that there were no significant differences between male and female leaders' self description on the dimensions of consideration or structure. It was determined that subordinates perceive female leaders as having more concern for the welfare of the troops, but that both male and female leaders were perceived as equally capable of accomplishing the tasks. (MH)