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I wrote this letter when I was the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division more than 25 years ago. It was presented to all incoming brigade and battalion commanders on the afternoon of the day they assumed command. Since then, soldiers are better educated (although I'd argue they're not any smarter). Collectively and individually the Army is better trained, and for the past four years has been fighting an insidious enemy while simultaneously nation building in Iraq and Afghanistan. And if this wasn't sufficient challenge, during most of the current century, the Army has also been conducting a metamorphic series of major reorganizations. But the one constant that transcends time and events is human nature, so while it's a different generation and a different Army with different organizations and different terminology, this letter-written with people in mind-is probably as relevant today as it was then.
Dear (Rank) ____________,
When you assumed command of the __ today, you also assumed the most important responsibility our nation and Army assigns any officer: commanding and leading American soldiers. Regardless of your previous assignments, nothing will compare with the professional challenges-and rewards and satisfaction-you will experience in the months ahead. No matter how far or in what direction your career eventually takes you, I predict you will always consider this assignment one of the all-time finest you ever had.
It is an extraordinarily physical and mental task to supervise, guide, direct, coordinate, influence and take care of the almost __ soldiers in your unit all day, every day. You, and you alone, are singularly responsible for everything your unit does or doesn't do. But you know that, I'm sure. What you also need to know, though, is exactly what I expect of you.
I charge you with leading, administrating and training the __ so it can accomplish every assigned mission effectively and efficiently. I expect the __ to achieve such a high state of individual and unit tactical and technical proficiency and operational readiness that each trooper has unflinching confidence that his unit knows how to fight, can fight, will fight, and no matter who the enemy, no matter where, no matter when and no matter why, his chain of command knows how to win and is going to...