This research identified the influence of transactional and transformational leadership styles on innovative behavior. The research followed a cross-sectional quantitative methodological approach, with a correlational explanatory scope and non-experimental design. A sample of 386 cadets from the Chorrillos Military School, Coronel Francisco Bolognesi (Peru), was used. The results were assessed by modeling structural equations using partial least squares (PLS-SEM). It was found that there is an influence of the two leadership styles studied on the innovative behavior of the cadets. According to the variance explained, transactional leadership would explain 22%, and transformational leadership 31% of the variability of innovative behavior. Therefore, this research contributes to understanding the relationship between leadership and innovative behavior in the military.