The thousand-yard stare or two-thousand-yard stare is a phrase often used to describe the blank, unfocused gaze of combatants who have become emotionally detached from the horrors around them. It is also sometimes used more generally to describe the look of dissociation among victims of other types of trauma.
-Wikipedia
Judging by his no-nonsense manner, I’d say a fair few corporals have felt the short sharp sting of his boot over the years.
That would have gotten him a quick court-martial in any military in the Western world.
The writer of this article obviously hasn't a clue about military regulations, military traditions, or any aspect of military life except what he half-remembers from watching re-runs of "Gomer Pyle" or reading "Beetle Bailey" as a child.
Regards,