He had to do what he could to keep the men confident about themselves and their mission. That was basic leadership. He remembered classes back at the Tank School Officer Basic at Fort Knox. One instructor had called it Buffer and Boost. The two Bs. Buffer his men, as in protect them from unnecessary stresses, things he could deflect, like shielding them from the higher headquarters pressures. Boost was all about building morale and personal pride, keeping his soldiers positive about their jobs and mission. In theory, a well-led man with sturdy pride could stay resilient in all kinds of circumstances.
Cooke had already assembled the men in the usual semi-circle, with the T-wall behind them. Most sat or knelt on the ground. Several sat with their backs to the T-wall, hats c****d at weird
