“No one will know you are an idiot until you open your mouth.”
For several years of my military service, I was a TAC Officer (Training, Advising, and Counseling) at an Officers Candidate School. Yes, that’s me in the photo providing some advice. The mission of the school was to train Non-Commissioned Officers and Enlisted soldiers to become combat leaders. Subjects from indirect fire to proper dining etiquette were trained all while being conducted in a combat simulated environment. Development of decision making skills under stress, leadership, and personal accountability; OCS is considered one of the premier leadership programs in the world.
Prior to a class graduating and receiving their earned Commissions, I would always offer this advice:
- Always keep yourself in shape; fat and sloppy is hard to follow.
- Polish your boots, press your uniform and have a fresh haircut.
- If you follow steps 1 & 2, no one will know you are an idiot until you open your mouth.
- Have something relevant to say, or don’t say anything at all.
Enough said. Cheers y’all.
