UZIEL Fighting System: Police & Military CQC/H2H NOVEMBER 2013 | Page 3

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Select capable men from all the people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate
dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.
Exodus 18:21 (NIV)

While dug in around Beirut International Airport in May of 1983, I was given command of an Infantry
Weapons Platoon. For me as the Artillery Forward Observer, having been selected by the Company
Commander to lead an Infantry platoon was a great responsibility. I was ecstatic!!! However, candidly
speaking, I knew nothing about combat leadership and what was required of me to lead Marines in a
potentially hostile environment. I really felt that combat leadership in some ways was a combination of
false bravado coupled with solid physical fitness. This combination was designed to ignite a spark of
aggressive resilience in subordinates during times of crisis. I think this is a typical pitfall for many young
officers, as there is this constant internal battle pitting genuine leadership against flamboyance and
color. In other words, possessing the desire to look tough and cool at the same time. What becomes
readily apparent is that Cool ain’t important. However, caring for the men you are entrusted to lead
is!!!!
Select capable men from all the people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate
dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.
Exodus 18:21 (NIV)

While dug in around Beirut International Airport in May of 1983, I was given command of an Infantry
Weapons Platoon. For me as the Artillery Forward Observer, having been selected by the Company
Commander to lead an Infantry platoon was a great responsibility. I was ecstatic!!! However, candidly
speaking, I knew nothing about combat leadership and what was required of me to lead Marines in a
potentially hostile environment. I really felt that combat leadership in some ways was a combination of
false bravado coupled with solid physical fitness. This combination was designed to ignite a spark of
aggressive resilience in subordinates during times of crisis. I think this is a typical pitfall for many young
officers, as there is this constant internal battle pitting genuine leadership against flamboyance and
color. In other words, possessing the desire to look tough and cool at the same time. What becomes
readily apparent is that Cool ain’t important. However, caring for the men you are entrusted to lead
is!!!!

©UZIEL Fighting Systems 2013