[Lillie_Steins]

These "handmaidens of introspection"...what do they look like? How many are there? The answer better not be 72 or I'm calling plagiarism.

[Cucoulkrory]

I think it's overly pessimistic.

[Optosypoeds]

Yeah, really. Though maybe the National Guardsmen that never expected to become part of an occupying army.

[SiM7W2zi]

But people are always going to hate desk officers. That's just the way it is. I haven't been in a war, but even in peace time service most don't like desk job having people. It seems like a cushy job. They don't have to physically endure so much stuff. Now add possibility of really getting killed, I'm sure they are super hated.

The way I see it, there's only two ways of leading in a difficult situation. First is to make everyone do their thing by forcing them and making them fear the consequences. This works for a while and ends up ugly. Or you can lead by example. This one works the best. You can't be seen as a sissie who gives orders but never obeys that stuff themselves. That means when you go, you go first and lead the way. If there's not enough food, you'll be the first one to give up yours to someone else. And when everyone complains, you can afford to suck it up. This way you have respect and they know you have their best interest on your mind, they'll follow you. Leading by example. It's not 'Go!'.. it's 'follow me!'.

Now, some officers job isn't to do that but rather push papers. And that's why they will be always hated.