If you had the opportunity to develop Navy midshipmen before they commissioned, what pieces of advice or lessons would you give them?

Listen, observe and ask questions throughout your career. And always remember ’Mission first, Troops always’.

There was a saying in the Corps that there was a reason that Second Lieutenants (O-1) and Majors (O-4) wore gold rank insignia. It meant that while these officers were found technically qualified for service in that grade, they required additional experience and guidance to be operationally proficient.

To all the Officer Candidates currently at your university, I impress upon them these things:
1) Always be willing to learn new things. College is a test of educational endurance. Officers must have a degree to keep up with the pace once you commission when learning new processes, understanding each level of war and translating technical information to superiors.
2) Practice being organized. Prepare for each day as if you’re being watched…because you are. Prioritize your day from morning PT to mentoring another Sailor on expectations for the weekly. Make your guidance clear so time is not wasted and proper steps are followed to complete projects.
3) Seek advice often from Senior enlisted leader and middle grade officers. You can avoid common mistakes by learning from those that come before you. At all times maintain your composure and civil disagreements with a grain of salt. Do not easily become frustrated.
4) Control the controllables. Drop all the rubber balls and hold on to the glass ones. Understand that you are not expected to be perfect, just be confident, be thorough and stay motivated.