Article November 17, 2003 Issue

INDEPENDENT THINKING in the military

By Ryder Stevens

I SERVED IN the military for over 23 years in a variety of units and often under trying circumstances. I have seen the positive and negative sides of the military up close.

In the military, where uniformity and disciplined action are rigorously stressed, there is a strange paradox—this citadel of conformity also values the independent thinker. In fact, in times of trial, the independent thinker with the moral courage to speak truth for the good of the unit is a highly valued person.

I'm finding that this paradox also surfaces in civilian life, to which I've just returned. People are expected to obey the rules of the road, the laws of the land, and observe less clearly articulated rules of social behavior, so that everyone can get to school or work safely and live in an orderly environment. Yet strong, independent thinkers are still required.