And, when the information profile on that building came up on his hand-held computer, it revealed that the building, which looked sound, was in fact condemned because of imminent structural collapse. It was that reason why he ordered his men out before they had begun to fight the fire. And, true to computer predictions, within a moment of the firefighters exit, the building s interior floors gave way and the floors collapsed one atop another right down to the cellar. Now, had the men taken the time to ask why they were being asked to leave, or argued with the chief, or urged the chief to take some time to discuss the matter and to follow the rules of good process, the lives of a fire brigade would have been lost, in addition to the loss of the building, Instant obedience was required. Instant obedience is required in many circumstances, such as firefighting, police work, and some forms of military strategy.
Obedience is key.
When I was younger, I spent, as did many men of my generation, some time in the military service. Several years of ROTC training in the University had not prepared me or any of us for the bizarre and seemingly pointless experience of marching for hours in the hot sun this little cultural experience unfolded, I should point out, in El Paso Texas in the summer when a cool day was one where it did not go above 100 degrees. The one thing that was hammered into us was the importance of obedience. Mindless, immediate obedience without reflection. We had to do some of the dumbest things.