Take it down a few notches more, we train our youngest soldiers to become leaders, to take initiative. I have served as an escort officer for deligations of foreign officers and civilian leaders. Many are clueless about the NCO corps. They cannot comprehend what an NCO does. They have no idea of the authority given to a second lieutenant. Our youngest NCOs and junior officers impress these folks to no end! That is our secret! We train our soldiers, from top to bottom, to think and take initiative!
Our military's training is heavily based on being able to assume the role of your squad/platoon leader should they be taken out. As you said, taking the initiative is stressed.
When I was a Chaparral/Vulcan Platoon Leader (late 70's), my squad leaders were mostly Corporals and Buck Sergeants. Thanks to my inexperience, we flunked our first ARTEP (training evaluation). From then on, it was kick ass and take names.
During NATO Tac Evals, our battery ALWAYS put the base over the top in Base Survivability.
Even with our meager Carter-era defense budget, we'd figure out a way to get our training accomplished. All of this new technology is great, but the defense dollar that goes the farthest is the dollar spent on training.
It is time for Charley Rangel and the others to STFU about a draft. Our all-volunteer force, for all of its warts and PC, has proven itself on the field of battle, and the results speak for themselves!