Last month marked the 30-year anniversary of what is often described as the last great tank battle of the 20th century. For those of us who fought in the Battle of 73 Easting, our experience confirmed timeless lessons that apply to combat as well as building confident, high-performing teams capable of taking the initiative and winning. In February 1991, I had the privilege of commanding the soldiers of Eagle Troop, Second Armored Cavalry Regiment. They won a lopsided victory in a larger battle and a war that were also lopsided victories. The assault against a much larger defending force helped kick the door open to Kuwait and make good on President George H.W. Bush’s pledge that Iraq’s aggression “will not stand.” I was proud to command a team of courageous troopers dedicated to that mission and to one another. On Feb. 26, 1991, our 132 troopers, equipped with nine M1A1 Abrams tanks and 12 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, moved east across the featureless Iraqi Desert. Eagle Troop was leading the so-called left hook, a massive envelopment attack, to crush Saddam Hussein’s Republican Guard and liberate Kuwait. In a furious 23-minute battle, Eagle Troop destroyed a much larger defending enemy force while suffering no casualties. The Battle of 73 Easting demonstrated that there is good reason behind our military’s emphasis on initiative, rapid decision-making, and quick action. Combat is unforgiving; the stakes are high. Hesitation in battle...