Those who study civilian-military relations talk frequently about the unequal dialogue between America’s civilian and uniformed leaders. Civilian leaders sit atop the chain of command and have the final word on defense policy and strategy matters. Without this respect, the dialogue ceases to be a conversation and becomes a series of partisan orders. Short of that, he could take the opportunity at Quantico to acknowledge and underscore the respect due to general and flag officers. Finally, senior civilian leaders should show respect for general and flag officers as people.