"Kids are like dogs --- youve got to terrorize the little bastards when the're young so you get no jip of em when the're older" line from auf pet ... as true today ...as it was in 1982 The intake into the services the last 5 years ( at least ) has been hurt badly on the numbers front due to the amount of new starters not fit for service due to bad attitude, no respect , chips on both shoulders and so on... Is this due to any other reason than the failure to instill respect for others , simply discipline and basic manners by the schools or the parents. My opinion is this. When Corperal punishment was removed from schools it wasnt replaced by anything - it was there for a reason before it was removed and the reason did not go away when the punishment did. The reason is some kids just need a good hiding - but as thats not possible anymore ( as it isnt in the services ) other methods can be used - but they have to BE used otherwise everyone else is left with trying to deal with the little pricks.