In fact, second lieutenants were primary-school teachers.....

“ In fact, second lieutenants were primary-school teachers. Sure, teachers with guns, but a platoon commander was, nonetheless, the guy who sorted out the working day for 30 men under his command, taught their lessons, helped them with their homework, sorted out their petty squabbles and put plasters on their knees when they fell over in the playground. ”

Patrick Hennessey

From : The Junior Officers' Reading Club: Killing Time And Fighting Wars