Introduction by General Ariel Sharon, continued

Combat commanders are tested mainly when they are asked to carry out an assignment independently, when there is no higher officer of a higher rank around to help and rescue them if necessary from the battlefield, an officer who will notice them during a battle. The greatest effort is demanded of an independent officer. He leads his men, fights himself, heads the attack, and brings his men back to their base safely after the battle. An officer in this situation decides whether or not the mission will be carried out and decides how it will be carried out.