True. There is however a difference between having harsh discipline and simply being sadistic. The Roman Army had harsh discipline and punishments, but a good commander always knew how to reward his soldiers and make sure that they not feel they were neglected. These NCO's are simply punishing them because they get some kind of sadistic pleasure out of it - they are bullies, not NCO's and officers.
That's debatable. Harsher Sergeants correspond with harder fighting men. While there is sadism involved with most practitioners . . . there are geniune positive outcomes from this kind of horrid and brutish treatment. More discipline, no flinching, closer comradship bourne out of sympathy and fear. All HUGELY important for soilders during that era.
@maggielovethomas4eve thats the point make the recruits go through the worst pain possible so that on a battlefield you've always faced worse and can keep going on.
ah the joys and love of the british army in 1809..kinda makes u all weepy for wanting to enlist. Actually they should do a surreal life show about enlisting in the british army in 1757 just to give u a taste of how fucking awful it really was.. Imagine not bathing for months or even years, wearing the same sweaty, lice infested cloths, shit food, shit pay, and iron discipline.. not imagine that...ah
