Every detail, right

Rarely in the civilian world do you receive an e-mail marked as follows:

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Or:

Final Preparations (UNCLASSIFIED)

The first thing you notice as you come into the world of our military is the way people communicate. The tone, style, and substance of conversations and written messages is different; more precise, more formal, detailed, and structured.

Even the e-mails looked different, were marked with the above phrases. The subject lines are specific. The sign-off includes complete contact information.

Our meetings start today, however weeks ago we received an agenda and a bios of our leaders. We were introduced to our entire group and broken into teams. We were given background briefing on the various military services and complete background on the program. Checklists and weather reports arrived.

While always upbeat and positive, there is nothing casual about the approach. For security reasons, we weren't be given a daily agenda for the entire week ahead of time. Knowing that, our leaders have provided us with all of the details we need in order to for secure about the week ahead.

I have found the same thing is true when dealing with TACOM back in Warren, Michigan. Donna Edwards, my lead contact at TACOM, speaks and writes in much the same way.

You quickly the sense that people who fight wars, defend territories and routinely move thousands of soldiers and equipment across the world know the value and importance to organized, detailed, direct communications.

I’m going to a new place, with new people and no agenda.

That sounds like a problem these folks understand. That builds confidence.

Landing shortly, very excited.

Like they say: Caveats: NONE