The qualities needed in a support officer are therefore only superficially different from those needed in a combat officer. Out country's security demands excellence from all officers, regardless of rank or role. Among the most important ones are moral courage, dedication, intelligence, and acceptance of responsibility. These qualities are essential for successful leadership in war, which is the bottom line of our profession. Without it, physical courage is useless.
Dedication enables the officer to keep trying in the face of defeat.
Intelligence helps us to pursue the mission with minimal costs in materiel and blood, to know when and how to engage the enemy, and to anticipate future requirements. Officers must strive to be special people and to set a good example. They should get up earlier, go to bed later, and work harder than anyone else in their command. They must see to their subordinates' comfort before their own and do without if necessary. They must keep in mind that officers are scrutinized by the people of their command.