Discipline in the Army: Common Army and Military Discipline Issues | Citizen Soldier Resource...

It's the command. You can take a stone cold gangbanger out of the hood and turn them into a good soldier - I've seen it. It takes good mentorship when they're trying and a hard and swift (and fair) kick in the ass when they're not; but it's always the command that ties the hands of the first line leadership... that's an easy bitch though. The problem is that the Army leadership doesn't want to think for itself anymore, it outsources everything to outside so-called experts with no military experience instead of developing training and policy by soldiers for soldiers.

I served for 25 yrs from 83-08. During my time I saw a lot of different types of climates within units. The best units (mission focused, mission capable, etc) were well disciplined from the top down. The leaders set the tone of all soldiers. That being said, if the unit as a whole wasn't well disciplined or functioning I ensured that my piece was. As a subordinate leader (or soldier) that is all you can do and then hope that your self discipline and leadership style becomes contagious.

Great read. I've seen everything mentioned in the article.