“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:

1. Always keep yourself in shape; fat and sloppy is hard to follow.
2. Polish your boots, press your uniform and have a fresh haircut.
3. If you follow steps 1 & 2, no one will know you are an idiot until you open your mouth.
4. Have something relevant to say, or don’t say anything at all.

Enough said.  Cheers y’all.