Fires:

The purpose of the Chinese treatment of POWs was not to break down the discipline within the ranks.  It does however, seem to be a second or third order effect of the equal treatment among the ranks.  As a former enlisted Soldier I believe that it would be hard for me to just watch my Soldiers do hard labor without my help if I am able.  I would not be hesitant to ask for equal treatment and show my Soldiers that I am no better than they are.  If I was in this situation as a POW and receiving equal treatment, then I would 100% own it.  I would honestly want to be treated like one of my Soldiers.  I would want to do the hard labor they would do, but I would also understand that I would have other responsibilities within that.  I would attempt to combat the complete loss of morale by giving Soldiers tasks to ultimately escape.  I would give them a sense of hope for escape and ensure they have a reason to continue to survive and follow my lead.