A bit of humor here: Should Airmen give Policemen "wet willies"? See article....

SSG Fleming--we hope that decorum and good taste are not unique to any branch of service, nor apparently, is lack of maturity...I used to be amazed at how the Theory of Anonymity played out overseas. The theory is that people will behave differently when they are away from their own culture. Some will behave better, some worse.

SGM Dan Coberly, in my opinion, the it is not a theory, I have served overseas with the Army and worked as a civilian, it is a fact. (of course I never behaved differently...) So I guess the same concept goes for being anywhere but home. People always say "it doesn't count if it is in a different ............... (insert continent, state, zip cope, planet or other appropriate disclaimer)".

SSG Fleming...to clarify, sociologists and behavorial specialist on and out of DOD have studied the actions of expatriates. When I wrote a series for Stars & Stripes about Child Abuse and Violence in Military families, we had access to that information and to information about he behavior of military brats--all subjects of keen interest to me since I lived in that environment. Similarly, a series I wrote: Close Encounters of the Korean Kind, involved other data that was new at that time. DOD was also seeking to inculcate the idea that we are Ambassadors when stationed overseas. We found a percentage of people with no criminal backgrounds who engaged in criminal activities only overseas (one in fact, only committed murders when repeatedly stationed overseas in Germany). The stress of living overseas and lack of coping mechanisms, and feelings of isolation were contributing factors, which then supported new interest in the Overseas Orientation Program, where I played a leading role.

SGM Dan Coberly, That is outstanding, but it must have been a huge undertaking. I commend you for even looking into it much less publishing your work. Human nature is strange and hard to fully understand. It sounds like it would have been a great project to have been a part of. I would agree there are a number of contributing factors. The one thing I think should be added (and I am sure you covered this in your greater project) is the involvement of peers and leadership. I had a many a deep talk with 'troops' while in adverse locations about not completely losing yourself or your mind. Basically if at the of the day you can look yourself in the eyes when looking in the mirror you are still you... I think you can understand the deeper implied meaning. But 03-04 was a wild time in Iraq before the 'ROE' and such were truly implemented... As just one obvious example.