SFC Private RallyPoint Member 6283 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Many have argued that "bad things happen" in the military environment. For example, I recently read and opinion that stated when men and women are together in stressful combat environments it is almost inevitable for them to fraternize (whether they are allowed to by regulation or not). What it sounds like to me is that we're allowing circumstances under which lapses and breeches of good order and discipline are OK and even expected. This makes me wonder. How do leaders shape the "military environment?" What role does popular culture play? What role does the military culture play and where does the military culture come from? Are we just victims of circumstances or can we actually steer the ship so to speak? 2013-11-14T14:50:09-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 6283

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Many have argued that "bad things happen" in the military environment. For example, I recently read and opinion that stated when men and women are together in stressful combat environments it is almost inevitable for them to fraternize (whether they are allowed to by regulation or not). What it sounds like to me is that we're allowing circumstances under which lapses and breeches of good order and discipline are OK and even expected. This makes me wonder. How do leaders shape the "military environment?" What role does popular culture play? What role does the military culture play and where does the military culture come from? Are we just victims of circumstances or can we actually steer the ship so to speak?

2013-11-14T14:50:09-05:00 2013-11-14T14:50:09-05:00 CMC Robert Young 6325

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>I have observed the same thing in high speed military environments as well as a similar phenomenon in civilian public safety (law enforcement, firefighting, hazmat, etc.). While shared experiences (particularly stressful ones) are frequently catalyst for building team unity, they like every other facet of military life must be managed appropriately or the positive results may ultimately become a negative influence. As leaders, it's on us to establish the tone for how this situation evolves in our environment. If we allow an air of informality to creep in while involved in difficult circumstances, we begin the slippery slope towards more egregious breakdowns in discipline, and such events in high stress situations will be used to justify them in less troublesome times.</p><p> </p><p>We are not victims of circumstances. We have the opportunity to create and maintain the military culture, and as leaders, it's on us to exactly that. For some exceptional insight into how it should be (and has been) done, read Band of Brothers; see the mini series; and watch some of the interviews with Major Dick Winters about this very subject. He repeatedly cautioned his subordinate leaders about allowing an unmilitary familiarity to invade their commands which would degrade the ability of senior leaders to enforce discipline. He understood the implications; behaved accordingly; and despite enduring some of the most brutal combat witnessed by his generation managed to maintain his professional standing within his command. At the conclusion of his service, he is not liked in the conventional sense regarding popularity; he revered by his subordinates in a way that is deeply rooted in respect born of solid performance.</p><p> </p><p>Our culture is the product of centuries of tradition, heritage, regulations, rules and customs. It is our charge and our responsibility to hold fast to those things; and to maintain the appropriate culture. If we as leaders are unwilling to do precisely that, then our organizations will change with the winds of popular social convention. Our military culture is what makes us different...makes us special like no other organization in the nation.</p><p> </p><p>Senior chief rant complete...boy do I feel better!</p>

2013-11-14T18:29:43-05:00 2013-11-14T18:29:43-05:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 6359

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is a broad question, but the short answer is:<div><br></div><div>1. Lead by example</div><div><br></div><div>2. Take and provide  mentoring from seniors, peers and subordinates. There is a lot of good and bad advice out there, with time you lean to keep the good and get rid of the bad.</div><div><br></div><div>3. A wise General once told me that to be a successful Leader, one must have a well grounded and balanced tripod (1. God 2. Family 3. Country).  If one is missing love or fulfillment from one area you will seek love and fulfillment from other possible negative places.  Best advice a got.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

2013-11-14T20:07:10-05:00 2013-11-14T20:07:10-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 6376

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>An excellent question for us all to consider, SFC Tyler.  There are two pieces to this issue, I think: 1) those things we can control and 2) those that are beyond our control.<div><br></div><div>As for (1) we owe it to ourselves, our organizations, and our military in general to enforce the standards and behave as the professionals we are.  If we all do this we'll have less of the "bad things" you allude to.  If we are willing to hold our buddies accountable, face them when they've screwed up, and accept their feedback when we have, then we'll have less of the "bad things."  We can care about our subordinates without being their buddy.  We can develop their trust without going out drinking with them.</div><div><br></div><div>As for (2) if we all do as my 1SG regularly reminded me and "focus on our bubble - make our bubble as good as possible" then this one will begin to take care of itself.</div><div><br></div><div>As leaders in the best military on the planet, we are absolutely not victims of circumstance.  We are as good as we are because of strong, competent, and dedicated leaders of days gone by.  We will stay that good if we do the same.</div>

2013-11-14T20:34:10-05:00 2013-11-14T20:34:10-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 6502

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>So I recognize and appreciate a couple of key points here. First, all of the respondents are senior personnel. That's great in that there is a lot of wisdom and experience talking here. The bias, though, is that we were at least all influenced by the same kinds of values and beliefs. The difference I see is that Joe doesn't feel the same way. He doesn't think of right vs wrong or appropriate vs inappropriate the same way. We probably don't feel like the standard changes just because we take the uniform off, for example. Joe often does. So, how do we help our Soldiers (Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen) come to that reality?

2013-11-15T01:48:51-05:00 2013-11-15T01:48:51-05:00 Capt Jeff S. 183365

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>By your example.

2014-07-21T21:11:51-04:00 2014-07-21T21:11:51-04:00 2013-11-14T14:50:09-05:00