Are true leaders born that way or are they made through training?

There's Talent, and there is Technique.
Some people are born with Talent. The military teaches Technique. In other words, some folks just "get it" more than others. They have inherent "vision" and (more) natural Leadership Potential, while others can be taught the fundamentals.

Leadership is an Art, but like most Arts, there is an "element" of Science to it. If you apply certain lessons, anyone can do it. Think of it like "paint by numbers."


So the reality is that it is more of a spectrum than a dichotomy. Someone with little natural talent, but lots of technique "may" end up a better leader than someone with lots of natural talent but little technique.

Good examples to pattern after help a good deal, but leadership comes from inside, IMHO.

It is a bit of both. Sometimes it is hidden and can be brought out. Training can only take you so far, after that you have to be able to use what you have. I have seen someone that can tell you engineering data on an aircraft but if you put a wrench in his hand he was useless. He had the training but did not have the talent. Good kid, Bad maintainer.