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Comment by Mike "Lapo" Lapotasky on November 16, 2011 at 10:09am

As a professional educator, I can appreciate the perspective and the percieved goal of the article. One way that this article could be more effective is in the realm of methods. The article does a fine job of outlining the less-effective methods and even identifies some of the more efficacious alternatives, however, it does not explain how to employ such methods or strategies. How do you encourage the proper attitude and behavior? A culture of serious professionalism must be modeled by the instructor. This, at times, can be impeded by the instructor's need to win instant favor with the recruits. Instructors should bear in mind that the best way to earn a recruits respect and develop a culture of professional "swagger" (ability and maturity) is to reward and recognize those that possess it, place those who possess it in leadership positions among the group of recruits, and model this behavior and mentality from the standpoint of authority.