From: artkramr@


Because he is the officer in charge. It is his decision to make and he made
it.
He need onty be called to explain by a superior officer in the chain of
command. Everyone else is outside the loop.

During the Korean War some platoon leaders from the 3rd ID were being briefed
in the field on an imminent action while an Air Force Tactical Air Control
Party slumped against a jeep. The company commander, a grizzled vet of WW2
infantry fighting, was outlining an alarmingly risky operation that was just
too much for one recent ROTC graduate. He stood up and began to question why
the operation was necessary. The CO stared at him in icy fury. Everyone
thought this green pea was about to get the butt reaming of all time. But all
the CO said was, "Shut up. Sit down." Four words only, but said with such
quiet, rock solid force and authority that the ego of that 2LT ceased to exist.
He shut up. He sat down.
Then the CO continued on as if nothing had happened.
An Air Force TSgt leaning against the jeep turned to one of his buddies and
remarked, pointing a thumb at the 2LT, "He thought he had a vote."


Chris Mark