Discipline: the life blood of a victorious force Published Oct. 21, 2008 By Capt. Christopher Baker 21st Space Wing Legal Office PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Few professions are as dependent on discipline as the military. A military is best seen as a collection of individuals who must set aside their personal interests, concerns and fears to pursue the purpose of the group collectively. The marshalling of individual wills and talents into a single entity enables a military to face daunting challenges and great adversity and therefore to achieve objectives unattainable except through concerted effort. The instrument by which this is accomplished is discipline. The chief purpose of military discipline is the harnessing of the capacity of the individual to the needs of the group. - The sense of cohesion that comes from combining the individual wills of group members provides unity of purpose. - Effective discipline is a critical factor at all levels of the military, and nowhere more so than at the unit level. Discipline plays a vital role at all levels within the military. - Too frequently armies treat discipline as a concern regarding the lower levels: a matter to be attended to primarily by non-commissioned officers at the unit level and below. - But discipline is important for the proper functioning of the chain of command throughout the military. - Undisciplined staff officers or commanders who hold themselves above the law can do far more harm to the collective effort of the military than any soldier in the ranks. Discipline in basic military tasks is the foundation for discipline throughout the Air Force - For example, an officer who does not herself live by the dress and grooming standards presents a poor example for her subordinates. If the subordinates see she does not even abide by the standards, they may question why they themselves must meet them. They may then begin to question the orders she gives. - As with the dress and grooming standards, it is equally important to live up to the fitness standards. - Saluting may seem like an antiquated practice but it is rooted in military tradition. Failure of an officer to address a subordinate who does not render a salute simple reinforces poor discipline at the most basic level. - Likewise, failure to maintain professional relationships in the workplace can have a crippling effect on discipline and can erode discipline completely in that work area. When there is insufficient respect for and attention to the need for discipline as a first principle, military operations can be expected to fail. The first requirement is to take steps to recognize the importance of discipline and the role it must play as a matter of fundamental policy. Discipline requires not only policy definition and emphasis in doctrine, training and education, but also a prominent and visible focus in the interests and concerns of the most senior leadership. (Editor's Note: This article is one of several highlighting the Air Force Space Command Year of Leadership and its focus on discipline)