The days of the relaxed rules of engagement are over.
The 984 graduates at the Air Force Academy on Wednesday got an unedited introduction to the difficult world they now face as new officers.
The graduation’s keynote speaker, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, told the group they will see battle soon. And they will be expected to win every fight.
“Your primary weapons system now is your attitude,” Mattis said.
That’s no surprise to the Class of 2018, all of whom have spent the majority of their lives in a nation at war. But having war as a daily backdrop isn’t enough to condition troops for how tough those fights can be when you’re in the middle of them, Mattis said.
“Always be ready to fight and win,” Mattis said. “There is no room for complacency.”