RG
I was and the answer is ...with honesty.
The overwhelming majority of Sqn chaps and chapesses are first rate people, who need very little leading and even less "arm round the shoulder" stuff. Most of them can sniff out bullsh1t at 500 paces. Treat them with honesty and they will respect you, even if they are pretty f**ked off with the service.
If them above don't like the message you are delivering to them below, that is their problem and theirs alone.
@skaterboi. It was 2 years in 2001. I was promoted 1 Jan 2001 and left via PVR in 2003 on a Sqn Ldr's pension.
Don't know if it has changed since.