Deliberately not a reward system? Yes. I’ve been in units that advertised a reward at 270, only to rewrite the policy to 300 when too many qualified for the reward. With as many seasoned personalities as we have, I didn’t think a reward system would be believed or effective for those not meeting that standard already, and they essentially qualify for the reward by going TDY/School/Mission/etc anyway. It really surprised me just how much fear that OPORD inspired in people, despite assurances I wouldn’t grade it pedantically and force continual rewrites. I might’ve got a weaker reaction threatening Article 15s. Even after completing the assignment for a fictitious NCO, they still gripe about how hard the task is.

Cultural shift? Unsure, but I’m seeing success and some significant success, with generally solid morale. I was hoping for a much greater cultural shift, with Soldiers pitching Ironmans and Mud Challenges, perhaps authorizations to take extended lunches if a gym session were included, etc etc. Since so many have pushed back on the writing assignment, to include my 1SG reversing her position, I haven’t pushed the issue further.