The Cornerstone of the Military

Discipline.

The dictionary has several definitions for discipline, but why is it so important to the military that it is considered the cornerstone?

For many in the military, particularly the newest members, discipline is sometimes viewed as what happens after they make a mistake. And for many members, because of less than perfect leadership and their own failings, this is the only definition of discipline they know.

But this is not the discipline that has kept the military strong.

The discipline that is so crucial to the military and to the individual Sailor, Soldier or Airman, is personal discipline.

Why do I say this? Because being disciplined is more than just getting up everyday promptly at five in the morning, although that is a form of self discipline, it is not the discipline that is the cornerstone or the military.

The cornerstone of the military is the discipline to do the right thing morally and ethically all the time, every time. To maintain your self discipline, when you are tired, hungry or cold. And to have the moral courage to point out to others when they lapse in their own discipline.

Discipline, not being being beaten when you mess up, but the discipline that you posses to do your job right, to keep yourself and other safe, to protect and care for your family, is what allows Saliors, Soldiers and Airmen to deploy to hostile zones and return alive.