Why Standards Matter

“Silver wings upon their chest, these are men, America’s best. One hundred men will test today, but only three win the Green Beret.”
- Ballad of the Green Beret

We have had the privilege of supporting Special Operations selection and training programs in every branch of the military for close to two decades. While each program is unique, one constant is a clear standard that is preserved at all costs. These high standards result in substantial attrition throughout the brutal selection and training process. This attrition creates a significant manpower issue for Special Operations units that are already undermanned and overworked. However, the community will not sacrifice quality for quantity.

Why? Simply put, because standards build trust. A candidate that overcomes the crucible experiences in a selection program is likely a suitable fit for the job of a special operator. A student that can pass the rigorous training process is likely to possess the baseline knowledge and skill to perform the job of a special operator. It is the uncompromising standards held in selection and training that give confidence to the community that this new member is suitable and competent. This is why standards matter. When a Ranger receives his tab, a soldier is given the Green Beret, or a sailor is pinned with a Trident, it symbolizes to the community that he is now one of them. No matter the unit he is assigned, from that day forward, he will have the immediate trust of his teammates because he has passed their standard.

Coaches — what are your standards and how do you enforce them? I’m not talking about words on a sheet of paper; I’m talking about a clear set of uncompromising standards where every member of the team is held accountable. It is important to understand that when you fail to establish clear standards you also fail to establish trust; when you hold athletes to different standards you erode trust; and when you compromise on a standard you build mistrust. Clearly defined and consistently enforced standards engender shared sacrifice for a greater purpose that builds trust and pride within the team. This is why standards matter.