Warriors in Peace Operations - Strategic Studies Institute - U.S. Army

assigned weapons. It was a great confidence-building
measure.
• Maintain high standards at all times. Our soldiers
should look the part of a tough and professional Army.
This means leaders must constantly check things and
possess the moral courage to enforce discipline at all
times. This was one of my constant themes,
hammered into the officers and noncommissioned
officers on a daily basis. Remember, someone is
watching every step you take and they notice everything.
• Security must be stressed in all you do. We allowed no
vehicle movement unless the plan was briefed,
rehearsed, PMCS verified, and mission certification
approved by the battery commander. Keep your
vehicles off the road in a peace enforcement operation.
Otherwise, vehicles should move in fours for force
protection. For my battalion, the 2-minute rule was in
effect at all times. This meant when a convoy stopped
for more than 2 minutes, drivers disembarked to
chock wheels, clean windows, and assume a force
protection stance. I held leaders accountable for this
rather simple activity, and in time the precautionary
attitude rubbed off on other things we did.
• Maintaining high standards of appearance in
lodgment areas was critical. Other units relaxed
rules. Those that did routinely suffered accidents and
other problems. I did otherwise. Uniform standards
were in effect whenever soldiers were outside a tent or
living area. Leaders were expected to enforce what we
called “Thunder Standards.” That meant our soldiers
were always a cut above the others. Remember, if you
leave soldiers to their own devices, they will tend to
become bored and sloppy. It is simply human nature.
Pride in the unit should drive an intense desire to look
and be number one.
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