A Good Officer

... is hard to find 'cause there're too damned few!

A good officer walks quietly, speaks softly, and carries a big stick ... and he probably won't ever need to use it, because everyone knows he has it.

A good officer sets a fine example, leads from the front, and doesn't interfere with the way his sergeants run things.

A good officer knows when to shut-up, ignore The Book, and take advice from the people who actually do the job.

A good officer doesn't demand that the little people get along with him, because he gets along with his people.

A good officer cares more about clean weapons than clean floors, regular exercise than regular inspections, complete gear than complete paperwork, and group effort than group therapy.

A good officer checks and double-checks, so none of the little things will cause the big things to fail.

A good officer provides hot food, cold beer, and rest whenever needed ... which is less often than the troops may prefer.

A good officer knows which rules to break in order to accomplish the mission, and does so vigorously.

A good officer isn't afraid to get into fistfights over his unit's pride.

A good officer knows that respect must be given to be received, that trust must be earned, and that honor belongs to every rank.

A good officer sweats, so his men won't have to bleed.

A good officer defends his men whenever necessary, and is willing to be defeated with them.

A good officer is rarely promoted to the highest ranks, because of all the bad officers.

A good officer believes in Death Before Dishonor.