In those early career years he will be particularly encouraged to take every opportunity to learn about leadership. His supervisors will make it clear to their young officers that ‘honest failure’ is acceptable, provided that they learn from the experience. This will encourage him to face challenges that he might otherwise dodge for fear of looking foolish or inadequate, and for which he will be mentored by his various company commanders and platoon sergeants. His skill and confidence will steadily and constructively expand.
