Do you believe counseling soldiers has better results than making them do PT?

Couldn’t agree more

I've found that instead of "smoking" Soldiers, making them stand on one foot and rub their stomach and the top of their head at the same time while standing in front of their peers while explaining why they are there is quite effective.

I always saw a little physical training helpful in my career progression. I think correcting a Soldier by making them sweat is a tool for NCOs to use but was taken away. We all know why this happened too, its because there were far too many power tripping, asshole NCOs who could dish it out but couldn't take it, or they took it too far.

I have found that timely, honest, monthly professional growth counselings along with a few "smoke sessions" work best. Go ahead and mention any extra curricular PT that was done during the month on those counselings as well as a way to back up any future UCMJ.

Just go back to the 70's and 80'S style discipline. Article 15, or field grade article 15. Instirute field drills, make them run until they puke. Set up peer pressure to help encite change. If all that fails tjere is always the ccf. Kids today feel they are owed everything, they join the military after getting a high score on a military type game. Too bad cotton farms arent regularly available, picking cotton would drive that sorry streak out of them in no time.

I've noticed a steady increase in NCOs complaining about soldier discipline. Do something about it.

Active:90-99
Guard:01-13
Saw no purpose in smoke sessions or counseling statements. It was a waste of my time. I... just said "hit the wall locker" or "hit the wall". What they had to do is put their nose against them and stand at attention. I'd leave them there for 15, 30 to 60 minutes. I could go on further with my squad, group, team or platoon and aircraft maintenance that needed to be accomplished.

Yep even when I was in the Leadership thought motivation was telling a Soldier he was nothing instead of mentoring. Just smoke and nothing else. They were about their ownselves

Counseling statements are a good tool when used appropriately but an extended road march with full ruck and rubber ducks for the offender and his entire squad has always been a great attitude adjuster. Include the platoon or entire company and the BS ends real quick. The best thing is it's training, not hazing!

Not just the Privates that show a lack of discipline. The NCO's and Officers that I see around don't have much discipline, either.

I once corrected a female for unauthorized earrings, nails and hair color and bulk. It got me in trouble. I corrected a male for a fucked up hair style. It got me in trouble. I made kid shave who could not provide his shaving profile. It got me in trouble. I corrected a group of shit heads for harassing another unit, it got me in trouble. I dressed down smokers, phone talkers, head gear heroes, trouble trouble trouble. No wonder they're being kicked out, the chain of command isn't supporting the NCO's. It doesn't help that NCOs are from one generation and the JO's and up to a certain point the 0-3s are just kids themselves with more in common with the recruits and boots we aim to unfuck.