We all experienced sleep deprivation at times – hat is the nature of stress but a physically exhausted leader routinely makes poor decisions in times of crisis.
True satisfaction comes from getting the job done. Ribbons, medals, and accolades, then, are poor substitutes to the ability to look yourself in the mirror every night and know that you did your best.
I have always prided myself that I do my own thinking. I have my own philosophy. I have my own answer to the reasons things have turned out in my life.
Because I was in such good shape, my fatigue level never reached the point of physical exhaustion that contributes to mental exhaustion and, ultimately, to combat fatigue.
War exposes the best and worst of those who are called to fight. I know of no man who lacked character in peace and then discovered his character in combat.
That’s what officers must do – break the cycle of fear. If a soldier is concentrating on his own feelings and on his own fear, and he sees you moving around, he realizes that you’re sharing the burden with him. That’s why he can then move.
