We are saying the same things in different ways and I fully appreciate where you are coming from and I know you feel the same about me. Because that is what brothers in arms means even though we never served together.
I have been involved in two unscheduled encounters with material that was not sea water. Both resulted in investigations. One in particular remains in my memory where I was in control and watched my shipmates before and after. When I read the reports and saw that they were accused of things that I had personally seen with my own eyes weren’t true I became a permanent skeptic when I read reports like the very detailed accounts because I wasn’t there and the lawyer types asking blame before seeking the truth. I don’t mean to offend but that is my personal experience
And I tip my hand in salute you your service and career. BTW. Two of my kids served as well.
If you are still within the age bracket, becoming a officer exposes you to a whole new world. Where before you were responsible for yourself and maybe a few more, once you're commissioned, you're suddenly responsible for 40, then 120, then 535 younger servicemen. It sobers you up fast when you realize that just a small lapse in professionalism could mean death and maiming of those that you are leading.
If you put the hours into it, carefully developing the training and watching it carried out and supervising your officers' inspections and repair any discrepancies, and most of all, letting your troops know that what we're doing is important that you are depending on them, they respond by rising to the challenge, every time.
Yes we are Brothers in Arms at a time when so few want to join us in our mission to protect out country. Makes us value your brothers even more.