In an interview with U.S. News last week, Powell pointed out that, for many years, the Army has been transforming America's loafers and would-be felons into productive soldiers. Powell said, speaking as if still on active duty. Structure, discipline, care, a healthy start, a trade, reinforcement with rewards and medals and recognition, and punishment if you don't follow our standards. Much of that is transferable over into civilian life. Powell could have added more to his list of things that military institutions can teach civilians.
Soldiers are dependent on each other.
Each knows that failing to meet standards can harm not only themselves but their friends. Peer pressure mostly provides incentives for positive behavior, in contrast to the negative ones that prevail in street gangs. Next, definite external goals. Soldiers are on duty ultimately not for themselves but to help others by defending the country. One of the most important things that could come out of the summit is the idea that all Americans, including troubled young people, should serve others and not just be served.