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unstoppable.
    Captain Jim Evans had the antitank element, the smallest of the five combat companies, but as he spoke of his unit in his New York twang, it was clear that he was confident it was a formidable force. He had only two platoons of missile carriers of four each, his third platoon having been detached to the armor battalion working on Always’ flank.
    The sixth commander, Captain Coving, was the most experienced of the lot. He had to command more than 300 men in Headquarters Company, mostly supporters—mechanics, staff, cooks, medics, and administrators—but he also had the mortar platoon of six tubes mounted in tracked vehicles and the scout platoon mounted in six Bradleys. Coving would have to possess great versatility to keep all of these elements pulling together in support of the upcoming missions, but he looked like he had the character and the skills to do it. Intelligent eyes accentuated a rugged appearance. He listened well and had the answers to a myriad of detailed questions that came up during the briefing.
    If anyone ever doubts the strength of America, Always thought to himself, he should look into the faces of the young captains that come to command in our combat forces. It seems unbelievable that a nation so steeped in hedonistic values could produce such hard-working, self-sacrificing men, so physically and mentally tough. The demands on them were impossible. Responsible for everything their men did or failed to do, liable for millions of dollars worth of equipment, vulnerable at every moment to mishap, misfortune, or misdirected orders, they nonetheless approached their duties with a total commitment and dedication, working hours that would fell an ox under conditions of physical discomfort that would crack the resistance of lesser men. Yet there was never a lack of willing candidates to step forward and pick up the yoke—enthusiastic and zealous young men, aware of the deep responsibilities they shouldered for their nation. Always had seen endless thousands of them in his lifetime, and it never failed to inspire in him a tremendous pride in his country and his profession. Among the many great resources America can claim, surely its capacity to produce such valiant men ranks at the top of the list.
    As Always took the floor to state his philosophy of command, to stress those values he would hold central to the men under him, he tried hard to establish strong eye contact with each ofhis commanders. Gathered inside the small canvas-enclosed operations center were the key men of the battalion. Clearly the most crucial to the health of the command were the company commanders. He had to know them intimately, and they had to know him. Each had to be attuned to the others’ way of thinking. And so it was to them that he directed his comments.
    “It is clear to me that this is a fine battalion. Your professionalism, your energy, and your strong leadership have been apparent throughout the unit. I can think of no outfit I would rather find myself with on the eve of battle. I lack experience in fighting a heavy force, but I know that with you to help me I will learn much quickly. I assure you I will commit myself to that end. In the meantime I know the bedrock of any unit is discipline, and that it is present in this battalion in ample quantity. We shall build upon that strength, as it will become more and more crucial as we face the tasks awaiting us.
    “I have yet to meet a man in this outfit whose heart is not in the right place. We are all trying to do our duty as best we know how. That is all I ask of you. It can be expected that we will make mistakes; good men trying to do the right thing often do slip now and then. Don’t worry about that. I am sure I will make mistakes too. I trust you will be tolerant of me, help me to correct them, and to avoid repeating them a second time. I will work toward the same end with you. In the meantime, our purposes are best served with mutual trust and