Replies, I love them!

I have received a number of replies on various postings, and as I have said before, I publish all of them, unless the are too profane. And, I have made it a practice not to reply to your comments.  Why?  First, remember that I write this as therapy for me, as a remembrance of me for my families and friends, and as a forum.  I do not want to start an argument.  I put my ideas, experiences, and observations out there and I encourage everyone to reply as they desire.  Your input is very important, and I respect what each of you say.  And, in every case, you who have responded have been respectful to me, even in your disagreement.  I appreciate that.   One thing I have on my side is age.  My Dad used to say;  I know a lot of old people and a lot of dumb people.  But I don't know any old, dumb people.  You have to be smart to be old!  That is a true statement.  Wisdom, which is the application of knowledge, comes with age.  Second, but related, I have 40+years working for the Navy.  I have seen many ideas and changes come and go.  I have seen brilliant ideas fail and dumb ideas succeed.  Go figure.  Just think how many working uniforms I have seen in the Navy in the last 40 years!!  And most of them lasted 4 years or less.  Morale of that story, don't buy too many powder blue camo uniforms.   It will change too!  The bottom line is, the people of the Navy are it's strength.  The men and now women who are the deck plate leaders of this Navy are the pivot point of success or failure.  If you lead, the Navy will succeed.  If you put yourself first, the Navy will fail.  I guarantee it!!  It does not take a program, a new rating, or someone to be your spokesman to the Chain of Command.  All that is needed is for every Petty Officer to lead their people, set a positive example, and mentor your people towards advancement.  If we all did this, the Navy could do what I wrote about a few posts ago.  Remember, you lead from the front!