As a division officer, you should realize early on that all the demands imposed upon the division and division personnel can never be completely satisfied.  Rarely will there be perfect appearance or personnel and materiel and at the same time complete preparation in all respects for wartime operations.  The emphasis on spit and polish sometimes tempts young officers to believe that appearance and smartness are the most important considerations in apportioning their time and manpower.  It is a grave mistake, however, to believe seriously that any responsible senior is more interested in appearance that in combat efficiency.  Ships that are outstanding in appearance may win the battle efficiency awards, but in most cases the same ships are outstanding in fighting potential too.

Never forget that you and your sailors have one primary mission: to prepare for and to conduct wartime operations.  All duties and activities should lead by some means to this end.