On another thread, not on this theme, Ken W. posted this valuable observation:
The need for immediate, unthinking obedience served a valid military purpose for many centuries but it has become a harmful anachronism in the last 100 or so years.
Link in Post 15:http://council.smallwarsjournal.com/...ad.php?t=15109

I have assumed this is a valid point. Has this been recognised in contemporary officer selection? Or should it?