When observing a unit in the field training or conducting combat operations, what are the things that are markers of disciplined units?

2017-09-23T19:21:58-04:00

Tell me the things that jump out at you when you see a unit operating?

What are the metrics that tell you a unit is disciplined?

How important is individual and unit discipline?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2017 8:49 PM

2017-09-23T20:49:49-04:00

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member Three things. 1. Intense training so that every man knows his responsibilities. 2. Noise discipline. 3. Leaving as little footprint as possible.

Response by Cpl John Barker made Sep 23 at 2017 8:51 PM

2017-09-23T20:51:26-04:00

Dispersion, the condition of their gear (i.e. gear bombs or organized and practical load out), general motivation among junior enlisted...hey I see from your profile you're 3rd LAR, I was 2nd myself sir Semper Fi

Response by Sgt David Wyble made Sep 23 at 2017 9:32 PM

2017-09-23T21:32:48-04:00

Silence, hand-signals, and initiative

- devildogshirts.com actual

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 23 at 2017 10:49 PM

2017-09-23T22:49:32-04:00

They have an SOP, they follow the SOP, each member of the unit knows their tasks in the SOP, they do so with minimal direction: Occupying a patrolbase or operating site. Quartering party ops. Actions on the objective.

Light, noise, and litter discipline.
Able to execute battle drills seamlessly
Range cards and sector sketches done to standard upon occupation.
Squad leaders and Platoon leaders overlapping fires in a perimeter or in a defense on unit seams. Unit convoy SOPs. Load plans and squared away secondary loads.
Seamlessly transition between convoy movement and security halts and vice versa
Soldiers that can do all communications tasks with their tactical radios and TACSATs (no one is waiting for commo to come load a radio)
Maintenance without being told

Able to handle the unexpected without a hitch

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 23 at 2017 11:29 PM

2017-09-23T23:29:14-04:00

The most obvious test for me was to watch a training unit prepare a deliberate defense, after a long tiring tactical movement. It is easy to decide you deserve a break. Taking a break leaves you incredibly vulnerable when it is real.
_Are they serious about their defensive preparations? Real fighting holes? Real Sectors of Fire? Walked FPL and sighted FPL's? Real Fire Plan Sketches? Primary and alternate positions? Selective clearing of fields of fire? OP's and LP's? etc. etc. etc.
_Do they move about openly or as if they may be under observation?

Individual and unit discipline is the difference between success and failure, between life and death.