HOW CIVILIANS CAN INCORPORATE MILITARY DISCIPLINE INTO THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES
George Washington once said, “Discipline is the soul of an Army, it makes small numbers formidable; procures success of the weak and esteem to all.” If you’re an American, those are some sage words from the Father of Our Country. While this idea certainly applies to military members, what lessons can civilians learn from their military brethren to help impart more discipline into their daily lives and, perhaps, to help them achieve greater personal or professional success?
Why is Discipline Important to the Military?
Why do military members seem to have more discipline than the average person?
The answer is that discipline and structure are critically important to the success of everything the military does. Every military organization makes discipline and standards one of its top priorities. It’s a key factor in determining a unit’s success. Without discipline from the bottom to the top of an organization, structure breaks down, communication fails, order becomes disorder, mistakes are made, people die, and battles are lost.
That’s some pretty dramatic stuff, but military operations are not for the faint of heart. Let’s take a look at military discipline and offer some ways that civilians can incorporate these techniques into their everyday lives.
What is the Purpose of Military Discipline?
Military discipline begins with respect – respect for yourself and for others, up and down the chain of command. Discipline goes hand-in-hand with standards.
In the early days of the US Army, for example, military members did not receive the same level of training they receive today. As training improved and standards became better established and understood across the Army, discipline also improved. The US Army became the “Gold Standard” for the world’s military organizations largely because it kept such high standards.
But what exactly is military discipline? What does it look like?
Simply put, military discipline is the practice of leading and commanding troops. When troops are disciplined, they are able to more precisely and properly follow the rules and maintain standards.
Without discipline, the military would spiral into chaos, as it unites military members and ensures the successful operation of military units internally and externally.
Examples of Military Discipline
- Following orders: Subordinates promptly and cheerfully execute legal orders.
- Respect: Showing respect for the rank and experience of superiors.
- Appearance: Maintaining a clean and neat appearance of uniforms, equipment, and living quarters.
- Teamwork: Placing the good of the unit above personal needs.
- Physical fitness: Routinely performing physical training and maintaining a high level of strength and stamina.
- Time management: Adhering to strict schedules, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines efficiently.
- Leadership qualities: Developing the ability to make decisions and demonstrating honesty and politeness.
How Can Civilians Incorporate Military Discipline into Their Lives?
Most civilians don’t display the same level of discipline as military members. Why should they? Their actions, both at work and at home, typically don’t have life or death consequences. However, this doesn't mean they can’t benefit from employing some of the techniques military members employ to maintain discipline in their daily lives.
Civilians can use some of the following tips to incorporate military discipline into their lives:
- Set clear goals and monitor your progress toward those goals. This goes hand-in-hand with setting a daily routine.
- Spend time getting mentally and physically tough. Invest in your mental and physical health and come up with habits that can help you overcome difficulties and rise above adversity. A strong body leads to a strong mind.
- Start paying attention to the small things. You've heard the saying, "Don't sweat the small stuff." But, maybe you actually should. In the military, the small details matter. It’s called "attention to detail.” Start paying attention to the small things in your life, and the improvements will start to make a difference.
- Always be open and willing to change. Adaptability is a common military trait. You’ve probably heard military members use the phrase, “Adapt and overcome.” It works. The next time life throws you a curveball, quickly adapt and roll with the punches.
- Create a daily routine. Routine and regimen are essential in the military. Create a daily schedule and adhere to it to the best of your ability. Create a schedule that incorporates and supports your short and long-term goals, and don’t forget to schedule time to maintain your mental and physical health.
The key difference between a military member and a civilian employing these techniques is clear. In the military, the members have someone – typically a supervisor or a colleague – breathing down their necks, ensuring that they remain on task. In the civilian world, you are your own commander.
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BY GEORGE RIEBLING
National Security Analyst at VeteranLife
Air Force Veteran
George Riebling is a retired USAF Colonel with 26 years of distinguished service as an Air Battle Manager, including operational assignments across five command and control weapon systems. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism, Radio & Television from the University of Missouri. Following his military c...
Credentials
Expertise
George Riebling is a retired USAF Colonel with 26 years of distinguished service as an Air Battle Manager, including operational assignments across five command and control weapon systems. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism, Radio & Television from the University of Missouri. Following his military c...
