What follows is a compendium of axioms and aphorisms sure to bring glory and happiness to naval officers who seek out their wisdom.
On the Profession & One's Posture as a Naval Officer
1. Justice will triumph, right prevail, and goodness is its own reward. (Wardroom, USS Trout [SS-566])
2. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. (General Colin Powell, USA)
3. Deeds, not words. (Rear Admiral Robert Welander—motto of USS Fox [CG-33])
4. The naval officer's job is to set standards. (Lieutenant Commander Don Todaro, USN)
5. Manage for success. (Adage from U.S. business)
6. If you're gonna be a bear, be a grizzly. (Chief Warrant Officer Gerry McNally, USN)
7. If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right. (Submarine Prospective Commanding Officer Course)
8. Potential is interesting—performance counts. (Captain Jim Beatty, USN)
9. We are all victims of our own experience. (Commander Don Kniss, USN)
10. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it. (General Colin Powell, USA)
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