You were right. I groaned metaphorically through the entirety of it. Even she found it funny. Yes, I realise exactly what the Army intends to do - model a kind of conformity, and I am comfortable with this. The way a commander is moulded is entirely in line with my own beliefs, and, after having read the core values (
here), I'm sure you'll understand why, and perhaps even agree with me. It's directing my inherent skills and capabilities towards that which is healthy for me as an individual. So yes, I'd say it does allow one to retain a certain element of individuality, and it allows for those who are weaker in these values to build their strength in them so as to become better individuals in society. Just because they require a certain standard of outward appearance i.e. dress, doesn't mean that they want to annihilate someone's character in order to remould them completely. That isn't the aim, nor is it part of the Army's ethos. It is, fundamentally, a good institution. It aims to make people good people. It accepts nothing society wouldn't. Hence, scapegoating and bullying are frowned upon just as much as they are in society. Of course, there will be a level of playfulness, but no harshness is intended. It's like when you told me about the north and south senses of humour. The south plays oneupmanship, making witty but cutting comments, with intent of harm or damage to the other. The north jests and makes digs, but it's all in good humour. This never gets out of hand. If a CSM started bullying someone, as soon as the bullied went to a higher command, the CSM would be disgraced morally, and they would most likely be demoted for their behaviour. No one is willing to take that risk to satisfy their sadism or insecurities (which are built upon anyway). The root causes of things like bullying etc. are weeded out very early on in training, very simply to avoid this kind of thing. And I, as a potential officer, have even more responsibilities. We don't just need to follow those values in the link I sent you - there are more. We must set an example for the men under our command to follow. This is one of the three pillars of officership, so you can understand just how crucial it is.