Well said, brother.
Not to step on your thread, but I would add the following.
Saw Paul last week, he does get it. Anyone sees an op to train with him, take it. You will not be disappointed.
Don't forget that the medic can be your very best friend.
I have also learned that it is easy to be good when you are fresh, on a flat range, plinking paper in broad daylight. Show me your skills after the infil, the hump to the target, hurt, against live opponents, in a nasty structure, in the dark.
Video is a great addition to training, especially if it is used properly. Video can end that "yes I did", "no you didn't", "I got you first" line of argument, and makes it easy since if properly placed, the student can critique himself.
Sims are really great, especially when you think you are getting good.
If you take a course, you should always learn something, even if it is something not to do. A course where you learn a new "tool" for that kitbag is a good one. If you learn more than that, it was a great one. Remember that you have more than one hammer in that bag, and don't get stuck on your favorite trick. If the skill you learned is applicable, and you have demonstrated efficacy in training, use it. Remain flexible without becoming completely limp.
Gear doesn't make the man. The mall ninja with $10,000 in Gucci gear will lose to the warrior with a sharp stick every time.
Gunwriters get paid to sell magazines and keep advertisers happy. Not all are as good as you might think, or even as good as you would hope.
There is a never ending battle between perfect, and good enough. Learn to walk the line.
Same holds with gear. You can never carry everything you might need, but you can frequently find youself without something you do need. Men die because of this, and I have lost brothers over it. The ideal situation is to find yourself at the end of the mission having used everything that you carried at least once, and having had a back-up for any mission critical gear.
Learn the difference between need, and want.
Remember PACE. Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency.
The only time you can be carrying too much ammo is when you are trying to swim.
Try not to go out on a mission with unproven or unreliable people. Better to go shorthanded than with people you cannot trust.
Not much to add to what NDD said. Those words are pearls. Thanks brother!
TR