Nephi personally fought in battles (Jacob 1:10), as did Zeniff (Mosiah 9:16) and Benjamin, despite his age (W of M 1:13). Mosiah 20:8 implies that Limhi also personally fought. Alma headed the army, primarily as Zarahemla’s chief judge or political leader. In doing so he followed a long Nephite tradition; if age and position made some of them lead symbolically, that does not preclude the actual armed combat of others. Alma’s exact actions are not clear; and presumably, most of the military actions were carried out by other captains and chief captains. But personal combat by the chief leader is a crucial facet of the main battle this chapter recounts.