[meyer]

In my experience in life, and I imagine its the same in the navy, it often takes some serious humility, some “Ok, I’m just a human like everyone else” moment, in order to break down that “I’m in charge, do what I say, little people” attitude and turn it into “this is our goal, WE need to get there safely and effectively”.

[LonePalm]

In my experience in life, and I imagine its the same in the navy, it often takes some serious humility, some “Ok, I’m just a human like everyone else” moment, in order to break down that “I’m in charge, do what I say, little people” attitude and turn it into “this is our goal, WE need to get there safely and effectively”.

Exactly. I used to remind myself, "Nimitz was an Ensign once too." I didn't like some of the stuff I had to do but it made me a better officer.

It did help that my father and grandfather were former Naval Officers even if they didn't make a career of it. They gave me a good grounding in navigation, piloting, and small boat handling. From the Scouts I had a knowledge of semaphore and a moderate ability in Morse Code.

The night before I reported to Officer Candidate School I had a long and very serious talk with my dad. He explained exactly what my duty was and what was expected of me from the stand-point of the nation, the Navy, and the family.

It boiled down to you have to go out. You don't have to come back but you damned well better do your duty no matter what. Sort of "With your shield or on it."

The most useful advice was "Trust your Chief."

SpyNavy

Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)