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Arrows and Hatchets An Excerpt From Commitment-A Novel

     “Hmm?” Steve answered groggily. He wore a stupid smile. It’s not over. I need you to take the controls so I can prop the plane. Those guys drained the battery.”      “Ok, fly to get more batteries,” Steve said in his delirium.      “No! no! no!” John yelled. “I have to hand prop the plane. Listen; just hold your feet on the brakes.”      John climbed out and turned the propeller a couple of times and prepared for a starting kick. Then he saw a commotion in the jungle. Some of the natives were holding up the ponchos where he and Steve had been. So far they hadn’t seen him.      “Please, God, let this start,” John prayed before throwing the propeller downward.      It went around sputtering but not catching. The alerted natives looked and moved slowly toward the plane, taking cover as they advanced.      “Great, an audience.”      A hastily fired arrow struck the back window and deflected high above John’s head. He jumped up and shoved the propeller with all his

Army Leadership

7-14. Apprising happens when the leader explains why a request will benefit a follower, such as giving them greater satisfaction in their work or performing a task a certain way that will save half the time. In  contrast to the exchange technique, the benefits are out of the control of the leader. A commander may use  the apprising technique to inform a newly assigned noncommissioned officer that serving in an operational  staff position, prior to serving as a platoon sergeant, could provide him with invaluable experience. The  commander points out that the additional knowledge may help the NCO achieve higher performance than  his peers and possibly lead to an accelerated promotion to first sergeant. 7-15. Inspiration occurs when the leader fires up enthusiasm for a request by arousing strong emotions to  build conviction. A leader may stress to a fellow officer that without help, the safety of the team may be at  risk. By appropriately stressing the results of stronger commitment,

It's Time To Go; An Excerpt From Commitment-A Novel

     Time passed slowly that morning. The natives searched for hours before finally leaving, or at least that’s what John hoped they’d done. The sun was higher in the sky and began burning off the rain water that fell the previous day. Once again fog and steam started to form, leaving John hoping for a gentle breeze to disperse it.      His plan was simple. He would help Steve the seventy-five or so yards to the awaiting plane and take off straight down the runway. The airstrip sloped upward about five degrees, so he would need all the power the plane had. He nudged Steve, who less than alert.      “It’s time to go.”      “Huh? What’s going on?” Steve lifted his pale face, his glazed eyes trying to focus.      “I need you to be alert. There are very dangerous people after us. We need to get to the plane. Do you understand?”          John spoke slowly, hoping the words would break through Steve’s clouded mind.      “Just help me up and I’ll race you there.” Steve sobered sudd