Clarity.

The Officer Commanding summoned me to his office.

'Explain your legal advice on the Base Swimming Pool matter, please.'

'Defence Instructions allow commanders to authorise civilian use of Defence land or assets only for Defence purposes, Sir. For you to have the power to authorise local non-RAAF families and children to use the Base pool, you have to demonstrate how Defence will benefit from having those civilians coming onto the Base. That's a lot of potential liability on the Commonwealth running around, Sir. There has to be some payoff for Defence to justify inviting that risk.'

The Air Commodore pushed a document across his desk towards me. 'Here are my four reasons for existence as Officer Commanding,' he said.

I picked up the piece of paper. It was the OC - my Boss's -  Letter of Appointment as Air Officer Commanding Western Australia from his Boss -  the Air Officer Commanding Training Command.

'Read dot point four,' the OC said.

'To develop and maintain positive relationships with the local civilian community,' I read out loud.

'Would you agree that me allowing the locals to use the Base swimming pool would be consistent with the execution of that aim, Legal Officer?' the Air Commodore asked.

Widget clarity is the foundation for good decision making.

A good and patient boss who has the confidence to show his working out is a priceless gift for life.