One important element of leadership is taking care of the troops.

Fear is a normal human emotion. It is not in itself a killer. We can learn to be aware when fear grips us, and can train to operate through and in spite of our fear. If, on the other hand, we don't understand that fear is normal and has to be controlled and overcome, it will paralyze us and stop us in our tracks. We will no longer think clearly or analyze rationally. We prepare for it and control it; we never let it control us. It if does, we cannot lead.

Organization charts and fancy titles count for next to nothing.

Another rule I have is: Don't let your ego get tied up in a policy dispute. Otherwise, if things don't go your way, you can end up breaking a relationship with somebody with whom you can't afford to break.

The United States is not looking for a way to launch war.

Time is passing, ... We have to look at the reality of the situation and ... redouble our efforts and get on with it.

None of us can change our yesterdays but all of us can change our tomorrows.