Welcome back to JQ – where agents to be learn how to walk the walk and talk the talk.

This month’s column was supposed to be a lesson in how to dress the dress; however, recent events have brought forth an even greater lesson that needs to be learned. This month’s discussion is going to focus on how we Bond aficionados should behave in a time of war.

As this column is written, Saddam Hussein of Iraq has just over twenty-four hours to go into permanent exile with his sons. If he fails to do so, the governments of several countries will begin a military operation to remove Hussein from power.

With the world waiting out these last hours, one might be wondering what is appropriate to say or do. The faith and religion of James Bond has never really been addressed, but I do believe it is fair to say that the man, if he were real, would not mind if everyone paused for a moment here or there to pray for peace to whomever they believed would hear and act on such prayers.

It may also be appropriate to scale back some pleasure activities. While we don’t want the threat of war or terrosim to stop our every day lives, out of respect for those men and women making great sacrifices, and for the ones who will make the ultimate sacrifice, agents-to-be should not necessarily go out of their way to have fun. If internal politics dictate that you attend a function at school or at work, do so, but leave at a reasonable hour. Hold off on the wild parties and drinking outings until there is a better of understanding of what is to come. Public announcements of marriages, engagements, births, and promotions should also wait until better days are at hand.

Debate is an essential part of any democracy, and God only knows we have debated the validity of this war for many months. These debates can and should go on in homes, schools, and offices, but now it is also essential to be clear in your support for those men and women fighting in the Gulf region. You may not agree with why they are there, and for all we know, those soldiers might feel the same way, but forces above them have ordered them there and they could not say no. Knowing that the citizens at home are supporting them will give them encouragement in their darkest hours, which in turn may be the only saving grace allowing them to return home alive.

All of us can support those troops in many ways. If you know a family that has been directly impacted by the deployment – a father, mother, or elder child has gone off to fight in the war – try to do something nice for them. Buy the Sunday paper for them one week. Volunteer to look after the younger children on an evening or two. If you can see that they need help with some of the chores, offer to help without forcing yourself on them. Write letters, as often as appropriate, to the soldiers overseas. They will appreciate the kind words and cheer from home.

If you are part of a family of which a member is serving in this war, be sure to keep your communications with him or her cheerful. You do not need to tell them about the war coverage – these men and women know first hand what is going on. Do not burden them with worries about what is going on at home. Take care of what you can by yourself, and if you need help, ask for it. Fix the washer, get the car through the inspection, and do so without letting your soldier know how much is cost. Tell them only the good things. That will go a long way in keeping their spirits up.

When your loved one comes home, give them the space they will need to readjust to “normal” life. Give them a chance to reach out to you before urging them to talk. Some might not need to talk. Some folks may need more time than others to open up. But do be sure to see to it that if your loved one needs to talk to someone, that they do so. Soldiers are human, with feelings like us civilians. Make sure your soldier has someone that they can turn to, to talk about their feelings.

If you don’t know someone in the Services, chances are that once the war starts, the newspapers will run a list of addresses where you can send a letter to “any soldier.” The soldiers who get those letters tend not to have anyone to write to them, so they will be very happy to hear from you. Also, local bases will probably have special events for the children and families of those who are overseas. If they ask for volunteers, volunteer. Share your time and talent with those families.

And most of all, if it is asked for, share your treasures. Organizations that work with the families of soldiers and organizations that supply relief aid to war affected countries are going to need a lot of help in the next few months. Give them that help.

James Bond was not a sentimentalist, but he did appreciate kindness, and respected those who gave of their time, talent, and treasure to help make the world a better place.

If you find yourself to be one of those who have been called upon to serve in this war, there are several things that you should do, that any good agent would do in such circumstances.

Obviously, the first one is be honest with your loved ones, friends, employers and co-workers, about the risks of this war. Talk frankly with your employers and teachers about what is going on. You cannot you be fired, nor can you be kicked out of school, if you are a reservist that is called up into service. By that same token, if you know there is a good chance that you might be called up, do not take on any extra long term projects and do not make commitments past a week or two. That way if you must leave suddenly, the impact of your departure will be felt in the heart of those that care about you, and not in the core of the running of your workplace or school.

Make sure your affairs are in order – if you have affairs that need to be in order. If you have a family, make sure they are taken care of. Make a list of the things that need to be done in your absence and make copies of that list. Give it to three people who you trust and know will carry out your wishes. If you have time before you are deployed, pay down your credit card as much as you can, so your loved ones will not have to pay such a high minimum payment while you are away. If you suspect that you have an insurance payment coming up that will need to be made while you are gone, make that payment now if you can, so it is one less thing you or your friends or your family need to worry about.

If you are the only parent in the household, make sure you have made it clear whom you wish your children to live with, while you are away and if you should die during the war.

You cannot, in all good conscience, promise those you know and love, that you will be home. However, you can promise that you will do everything you can to come home. In order to keep that promise, you should not take any extraordinary risks. Do what your commanders tell you to do. Observe not only the policies of your particular fighting unit, but also the local customs, so not as to anger the native citizens of the country you are in. The last thing any soldier needs to be attacked not by the enemy, but by a group of locals, enraged by your behaviour.

War is ugly, inhuman, and scary. Bond has had to be all three in his day, but more often he has sought out the beauty, the humanity, and strength of others to get him through his missions. If you are at home, be that comfort to those overseas. And if you are fighting, remember that not everyone is your enemy. Find the beauty where you can, treasure it, and project it in front of your vision when the world seems too ugly to look at. If you do that, James Bond would be very honoured to call you a colleague and a friend.

Barbara Emanuele can be reached through barbara.emanuele@commanderbond.net. Feedback and comments are welcomed.