The book is dedicated to all those who understand that the most essential dynamic of combat power is inspirational leadership. It has always been and will always be. The book provides an opportunity to prepare you for that truest test of character, to cross the line between fear and courage, and to deliver up what is most required in those most challenging of times-honor. How best to do that is a decision you must make. How it's been done and what elements are associated with this fundamental leadership responsibility are provided in the following pages. Everything that is done and everything that is not done is either additive to or subtractive from how both the leader and those led will react in combat or stress. Leaders must be able to make decisions under great stress, based on less than perfect information, knowing that the consequences may be significant for their country, crew, and self. Being a part of creating the old Command Leadership School from scratch and being involved in the writing and facilitating of the earlier school were together by far my greatest accomplishment and contribution to my navy. I urge leaders everywhere, military and civilian, to take these lesson topics to heart and become inspirational leaders. Start today Teach them today It's important, and it's needed