Enthusiasm is not the issue. The issue if selection based on who
makes the most noise. I think that is silly and am glad that LL's
batch is different from mine.
As i said before, the officers of today no longer have to stand at
the top of a fire trench, wave his sword around and shout "tally
HO! CHARGE!". The days of officers leading a cavalry charge on a
white stallion are largely over.
The officers of today are more planners and managers than anything
else. They have to motivate, but motivation doesn't come from some
silly person shouting "YOU CAN DO IT!" - BUggeration does.
That there is no test of planning ability and multitasking in the
selection of officers is an indictment on the quality of SAF
officers.
On the point of confidence, yes it is quite important but there is
a line between foolhardiness and confidence. Any idiot can go "COME
ON! LEt's go!". The good leader will instead keep a clear head and
decide on what is the best course of action, deferring his
authority if neccessary.
I certainly do not want to be led by someone who, w/o a moment's
thought, tells his men to wade across a river. I want someone who
will scout for a safer crossing point, eg maybe a fallen tree
trunk.
