Discipline can be defined as orderly behavior that is as a result of effective training. Military discipline can be achieved through obedience to orders. Military recruits are encouraged to obey their seniors immediately they enter the boot camps.
Types of Military Discipline
The Air force has published a book called, Air Force standards, in which they explain four types of discipline. These are: task discipline, group discipline, imposed discipline and self discipline.
Task Discipline
This type of military discipline is based on how we handle the tasks or work given to us. Task discipline requires us to be responsible in doing our jobs with excellence. It also entails working overtime to accomplish a mission when the need arises.
Group Discipline
This military discipline emphasizes the importance of team work. It can require that you deny yourself some preferences for the sake of your task team or group or unit.
Imposed Discipline
This military discipline requires that you obey every legal order and regulation. The order does not have to be explained for it to be obeyed. You are expected to obey orders quickly.
Self Discipline
This military discipline is a discipline that will lead us to willingly do whatever needs to be done. Self discipline will ensure that we get to work on time, know all about the tasks we’ve been given, set priorities and deny ourselves some personal preferences. Self discipline can also show our commitment and sense of duty.
Military Indiscipline
Military members who do not obey the lawful orders of their seniors or superiors can face serious consequences. The uniform code of Military Justice states that it is a crime for a military member to willfully disobey a superior warrant officer. It is also a crime to willfully disobey a superior commissioned officer. It is a crime to disobey any lawful order. The military members have to obey lawful orders; if the order is not lawful they do not need to obey it. Obeying an order which is unlawful can lead to criminal persecution. Military members can be held responsible for crimes committed under the pretence of ‘obeying orders’.
There are three approaches in dealing with indiscipline: the punitive approach, the preventive approach and the corrective approach
Preventive approach involves understanding human habits, using effective management and leadership skills, being a role model and imposing the standards.
Corrective approach involves disciplining the people who have not responded well to the preventive approach.
The punitive approach involves some form of punishment as a way of dealing with the indiscipline case.
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