[Sailor Steve]

In the navy I can only see one difference, and that is the expected performance from the military. We had an ocassional fight on our destroyer, but discipline was strictly enforced and everyone knew that such behaviour could be dealt with very strictly. Usually wasn't, but could be.

But morale is influenced by many factors, including the relationship between captain and officers and men. If the men trust and respect, and even like, their officers, then low spirits do not necessarily equal low morale. True morale problems occur when the men feel they are not being properly led. Then performance can suffer. But even when things are going badly and spirits are low, I agree - that doesn't always equate to bad performance, or even bad morale.