I've been in a position before where a president has turned to me in the Oval Office in a difficult moment, without any pleasantries, and said, 'I'm asking you as your president and Commander in Chief to take command of the international security force in Afghanistan.' The only response can be, 'Yes, Mr. President.'

Obviously, resilience matters. I was no stranger to adversity, but it's different when it's personal. Not something I would recommend.

Being in combat is not unending high-five moments.

David Petraeus Quotes