No, not at all. In fact, I'm fairly certain that if they'd wanted to, they could have overpowered me.
[After all, Major or not, West was only one man amongst a group of unruly, hopeless lads.]
Part of it is the inherent structure of our military-- in training, you are taught to listen to your superiors, regardless of your personal feelings. Another part is simply confidence and presence. If you make a sound decision and carry yourself as though you do not question or second-guess yourself, they, in turn, will not be as likely to question you.
[He shrugs a little]
And, naturally, establishing a sense of camaraderie strengthens loyalty. It's one thing to follow a man because you're meant to; it's quite another when you see him as one of your own and understand that he has your health and safety and happiness as his priority. [He smiles] But you mustn't cross the line between camaraderie and pandering; otherwise, they'll believe they can walk all over you.
[And what he doesn't mention, of course, is the occasional need to maintain order by making a quick, brutal example of dissenters and threats]
no subject
[After all, Major or not, West was only one man amongst a group of unruly, hopeless lads.]
Part of it is the inherent structure of our military-- in training, you are taught to listen to your superiors, regardless of your personal feelings. Another part is simply confidence and presence. If you make a sound decision and carry yourself as though you do not question or second-guess yourself, they, in turn, will not be as likely to question you.
[He shrugs a little]
And, naturally, establishing a sense of camaraderie strengthens loyalty. It's one thing to follow a man because you're meant to; it's quite another when you see him as one of your own and understand that he has your health and safety and happiness as his priority. [He smiles] But you mustn't cross the line between camaraderie and pandering; otherwise, they'll believe they can walk all over you.
[And what he doesn't mention, of course, is the occasional need to maintain order by making a quick, brutal example of dissenters and threats]