 2,400 years ago, in the war between Athens and the Peloponnesians, the Spartan leader of Precedus gained the trust of his allies and countrymen and the respect of his adversaries for his personal example, exemplifying a philosophy of zeal, honor, and discipline. Even under tremendous pressure and a great personal risk, he helped fast to these core values and used them to inspire his followers to great victories. Today's military leaders must do no less, living within a moral and ethical framework that includes honor, courage, and commitment, but also competence and character. In crisis, we do not rise to our own expectations, but rather tend to fall to the level of our training. This means that whatever we do, each day we must prepare for the day that we will be tested. The way to do this is to have a personal framework for making proper decisions in the defense of our nation. Think well this week.