I had just taken command of my company two months into our deployment to Iraq. The outgoing commander had reached his 18 month-mark, and it was time for him to move on.
"During my last deployment, I saw leaders deal with a range of emotions during some tough situations. Good leaders always overcame their emotions and maintained the higher road. I believe their sense of honor allowed no less. I know, if permitted, emotion influences rational decision making; however, honor will always trump emotion."
From 2004 through 2006 I served as a company commander in a recruiting battalion in Southern California. Before arriving, I had no idea what recruiting conditions were like in the area and reality came as a shock.