Why do Senior Leaders care so much less in Korea? Why are rules and regulations viewed as "guidelines"?

SSG Williams, I noticed the same thing when I was in Korea the last time. I think it is because many of them don't want to be there so they do the bare minimum to get through the year and return to the U.S. So although they have a duty and responsibility to uphold the standards and discipline of their organizations and the Soldiers they come in contact with, they choose to look the other way. The problem is not just there though, it is evident throughout the army now. The best thing I can say is, do the best everyday to affect your own corner of the army and hope that your influence will extend beyond your element. When junior Soldiers see a leader that gives a shit about them others want to be a part of your organization. That is truly the best you can do.

This is what they call Command Climate. Top down type of leadership. If the senior leaders believe in a certain type of leadership it becomes contagious. I worked in a few places with this mentality. I ensured my soldiers that I did not soldier that way. We do things right or don't do it. Be true to your Creed and validate your integrity no matter where you are or what position you are in.

SSG (Join to see) I did not see, experience, nor condone what you describe. As the Military Police brigade commander and US Forces Korea Provost Marshal, I can assure you that rules and regulations were enforced when I was there, at least within my brigade and in areas that I had influence/control over.

Because there is less visability. For instance I had a discussion with several senior leaders today about our brigades dispatch policy which my battalion refuses to follow. In the states, specifically Fort Bliss I would just assume let the Division Comet team catch them riding dirty and have their picture in a slide deck at the the MSRR but there is no such team in Korea. Since there is no one checking the senior leaders, they think that since they are 'senior' they don't have to follow doctrine.

SSG Williams, I'm on the last gasp of my second tour of Korea and while here I've seen both ends of the spectrum, the senior leaders that are such sticklers for rules and regulations that it becomes toxic and detrimental to the unit and Soldiers, good junior Soldiers and good NCO's, that came to Korea wanting to stay in and make a career out of the Army decided not to reenlist specifically because of their senior leaders. I've also seen leadership that was so lax and uncaring about Regs and standards that the Soldiers beneath them didn't survive the changeover to new leadership because they weren't taught properly by their NCO's and showed serious levels of disrespect. A high majority of lower enlisted Soldiers that come to Korea are just out of AIT and what they see they emulate. Short tours like Korea give Soldiers wether they are Officers or Enlisted "short timers disease"

I realize everyone's experiences are subjective, however I experienced exactly the opposite during my three tours to Korea (in most respects). The mission, training and preparation for the very real possibility of war were always high on the list of priorities. That said, there was the challenge of people being either brand new or on their way out the door for half their tour... however I don't recall anyone ever allowing that to serve as an excuse for lowering standards. Looking back on my time in, it's clear that I was always at my very best coming off "hardship tours" in Korea... physically and mentally.

Seeing as how I just got orders to Korea, this is mildly disheartening =o)