I like the “incorporeal commander” idea. It puts you in the shoes, not some random guy. XCOM did that, too, the old one and the new one, and I think it was well done. FTL as well, as another high-profile example.
This could, of course, be complemented with an officer system, so that you do in fact have a “leader in the field”, one of your men. I don’t think those ideas are mutually exclusive, however. Also, if you think mercenary companies don’t need a figurehead, please go ahead and tell that to Mr da Vinci. ;)
