On March 3, 1969 in our stolen trailer at Fytertown USA Top Gun's class one convened. I issued a heartfelt welcome aboard and said we'd been charged with an important purpose. The main thing for any skipper to bear in mind is this: The troops need to know he's interested in their welfare. This is true regardless of the leader's personal communication style. Hardasses can care too. Some leaders give lip service to caring, but what a leader does it does to show it is far more important.