How do we reward and motivate? Is it time that we, as a military, adapt the way that we do so?

Please try the link I just posted if you would like to view the video.

Thanks for the feedback, I think you are right the system won't change as it has been moving along the same track for too long. I think it should change for that reason, we are losing too many of our best and brightest for archaic industrial output methodology.

There's a lot of self motivation required in this and with the Army it has to be directed in the right direction with supervision to insure completion. I do believe too many times individuals are told how to do things instead of letting them figure it out. My style of leadership was to give a task and let them figure it out, which in a way in a way what he is talking about, but I also had to be there to insure they didn't fail. I found too many never had to figure things out for themselves. I think the biggest reward was the figuring out the problem and completing the task. I found many soldiers were more satisfied to have tackled a problem, found a solution and completed the mission. Self gratification goes a long way.

SGM Mikel Dawson
Exactly! That is what Mission Command is all about, give intent and guidance and let your subordinate leaders plan and execute (with a good back brief of course). Unfortunately Mission Command seems to be just a buzz word these days, should probably be renamed Micromanage Command.

CSM (Join to see) - I most heartily agree with your comment regarding micromanagement. To paraphrase Winston Churchill's 1939 comment: Micromanagement is "a riddle wrapped in an enigma".
It is a system whereby the micromanager attempts to retain information, to retain is to control. "Information is mine, all mine!" The enthusiasm of the rank-n-file is stifled, leading to demoralization and frequently, failure to achieve the mission.
I know not when the US Army closed the NCO's, and Officers Clubs, in fact I am heartened to read of their resurgence i.e. 10 Mountain.
What is my point? Britain's, Royal Army the WO's & Sgts. Mess, in company with the Officers Mess, are not considered to be a military version of a Men's / Families Club. Oh contraire, Messes are associated with every individual Battalion, Regiment or Corps HQ's.
The former is ruled by the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), the latter by the CO, with each referred to as the Mess President. Each Mess is governed under strict rules as to conduct and dress. An example might be, that after 1800, uniform is only worn by the Duty Sgt., / Duty Officer, all others will wear shirt-n-tie, jackets-n-trousers, and polished shoes.
Messes are institutions, such that in my, and many of my peers enlisted days, they became a goal of achievement. Learn my trade, sharpen my skills, qualify in every area of my trade. Promotion follows, and entrance is gained to the WOs & Sgt's, Mess and thence into the Officers Mess. Herein lay a system of achievement, motivation, camaraderie, and the all-important, esprit de corps.
May I conclude by saying, my family and I came to America in April 1983, we are all proud American Citizens, my daughter a serving CW4 (A coin-slot in 2023), my son recently retiring from the US Army, a SGM with thirty years under his belt.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
OK sproggs, get your nose into those manuals. I've got a mission for you!