Napoleon was asked, "Who do you consider to be the greatest generals?" He responded saying, "The victors.

When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so as to evoke broader policy guidance. This can help to answer a range of similar issues likely to arise later.

Is it likely that an aircraft carrier or a cruise missile is going to find a person?

Arguments of convenience lack integrity and inevitably trip you up.

Plan backwards as well as forward. Set objectives and trace back to see how to achieve them. You may find that no path can get you there. Plan forward to see where your steps will take you, which may not be clear or intuitive.

At 78 years old, I am not surprised at much anymore. Germany has taken divergent positions before, so has France, so has England, so has the US.

Learn to say 'I don't know.' If used when appropriate, it will be often.