March 5, 2024

As men come to the end of Basic Training, I like to explain to them that there is a difference between discipline and self-discipline. Men learn a lot of discipline in Basic Training, but very little self-discipline. Almost all of the discipline learned in Basic Training comes from the environment and the expectations the leadership team places on the men. It is pretty easy to learn to memorize the Bible when you are required to complete it on time, and have dedicated time built into the schedule to work on it. It is an entirely different thing to try and memorize when you’re at home and there is nothing right in front of you encouraging you to stick with it. That’s where self-discipline comes into play.

The rest of the ALERT program is designed to address this gap. While nearly every aspect of life is dictated for the men in Basic Training, 2nd and 3rd Phase have progressively less of that kind of control. The main goal in this structure is help the men develop self-discipline as they progress through the nine months of ALERT training. That way, they are able to move into life after ALERT with habits of intentionally prioritizing what is important.