The ties that bind us are stronger than the occasional stresses that separate us.

How can we be enemies when there is so much that pulls us together? But in general I found that I had to work with each one of my foreign colleagues in a way that was consistent with their system. Some are democracies, some are not.

Have fun in your command. Don't always run at a breakneck pace. Take leave when you've earned it, spend time with your families.

It's not just a matter of whether you support Obama or Romney. It's who they have coming with them. I always keep my powder dry, as they say in the military.

Everybody makes bad decisions. I am sure I have made my share of them over 40 years of service. Or I have made good decisions and have been overruled. The real challenge, when you are overruled, is to remember who the boss is and don't take it personally.

Giving back involves a certain amount of giving up.

One of the greatest talents of all is the talent to recognize and to develop talent in others.