Are we as a military taking a step back or moving in the right direction?

I have been in the Army for almost 28 years and have seen the Army change before my eyes. When I was a private all my platoon sergeants, first sergeants, sergeant majors, and senior officers were Vietnam veterans. The Army underwent a transformational change in discipline and the NCO took on a bigger role as a leader. Unit SOPs were heavily utilized, packing lists were strictly enforced, placement of equipment on your rucksack and person was exactly the same as every Soldier in your unit. NCOs issued orders that were obeyed immediately without question or swift reprisal followed. That was a Military built to face the threat of the Soviet Union, the Military that swiftly ousted Saddam Hussein from Kuwait, and the Military that swiftly defeated The Iraqi Army in 2003. The Army used divisions with their organic brigades in the legacy formation.

It is also the Military that struggled to be productive in sustained combat/COIN for several years in Afghanistan and Iraq until about 2006. Units started using uncoventional tactics, Soldiers tailored their "kits" to their preference, Soldiers expected to know why they were doing something instead of blindly following orders. Young NCOs at the squad level were making strategic decisions on a daily basis. It seemed to change the course of the campaigns as the Army became modular with plug and play Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs).

Now that the conflicts are slowing down (maybe) the old folks like me that have seen the changes seem to be trying to move the Military (the Army at least from my perspective) back to where it was pre 9/11. The Army is taking the Artillery battalion from the BCT and forming them back into DIVARTY, effectively taking organic fire support from the brigade commander. The Army has made changes to it's wear and appearance of the uniform regulation, going as far as dictating what Soldiers are allowed to do not only on duty but off. Making mistakes seems to be no longer allowed especially if you are a young Soldier, separation seems to be much easier than rehabilitation.

Young and very talented combat proven NCOs and Officers seem to be leaving the service daily. Young Soldiers that have not deployed are losing the experience and knowledge of these young leaders, not to mention the benefit they provide their branch of service. I am on my way out the door in a few years and I wonder if anyone else sees what I am seeing? Are we taking a step backward or is the military in general on the right track? What say you?