SSG Brown,
In my mind, the "smoke session" has never really gotten the job done. A good leader doesn't need the power to cause their subordinates physical pain to get their point across. MG Schofield said it better than I can.
“The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army. It is possible to impart instruction and to give commands in such a manner and such a tone of voice to inspire in the soldier no feeling but an intense desire to obey, while the opposite manner and tone of voice cannot fail to excite strong resentment and a desire to disobey. The one mode or the other of dealing with subordinates springs from a corresponding spirit in the breast of the commander. He who feels the respect which is due to others cannot fail to inspire in them regard for himself, while he who feels, and hence manifests, disrespect toward others, especially his inferiors, cannot fail to inspire hatred against himself.”
Major General John M. Schofield
Address to the Corps of Cadets
August 11, 1879
The smoke session is still an available tool in the NCOs kitbag. We must watch how we use it. Like many other things that tool will only work sometimes on some Soldiers. It is not a one tool fix all.
20 years ago the majority of my NCOs didn't care if I had a financial issue or family's problem. They focused on my fault and either smoked me or encouraged me by yelling at me. Today we are taught to identify the underlying problem and fix that.
I honestly believe you are a better leader if you talk to your Soldiers instead of smoking them, but understand that a smoke session can have a great impact if used properly and at the right moment.
I also think a lot of this has come around because of society. I got smacked as a kid and my butt would be black and blue for any mistakes I made. I can honestly say that does not work on my kids. I can get through to my kids more effectively by talking and giving them a verbal dress down. Times change and we must change with them.
Find out how to get through to your Soldiers and then use the right tool for the job. If a good ole fashioned smoke session is in order do it correctly and don't abuse it. I think you will find that just talking to the Soldier will yield better results. Like I always tell my NCOs - you have to be approachable to be an effective leader.
Remedial PT should be tough, but attainable, that not only reaches the goal, but also sends a message that you don't want to do this again. Most Remedial PT Programs I have been aware of have been after the duty day as well.
You greatly misunderstand the point of my comment. It's not the remedial PT that's a reward. It's the fact that it isn't done on THEIR time. It's done during the duty day, detracting from the mission at hand, and the job they are suppose to be doing.
Taken one step further, why is negative reinforcement the "go to" for shaping and molding subordinates? What about positive reinforcement?
1SG,
I couldnt agree more, when I went to BCT, we were scared sh*tless of the DS, now there are pictures of a DS throwing gangs sings and middle fingers with IET Soldiers. When I get a new Soldier they dont even stand at parade rest when addresing NCOs and when I blow my llid and start yelling, Ive actually been told that I'm not allowed to "smoke" them. I usually reply with "thats under TRADOC, you're not under TRADOC anymore". I also have 18-19 y/o PVTs that are 2 mos out of BCT and they cant pass an APFT. One of Soldeirs admitted to failing his APFT in BCT and being "pushed" thru. I actually had a lower enlisted call my CO because they lived next door to each other and complained that I was being "too hard" while we were in Pre Mob training. (We both volunteered to go with our BN HQ on an OEF mission). The Army as a whole has lowered its Standards and is conforming to today's "Trophy Generation". This is the ARMY not a social club.