It thrives because soldiers understand that following orders, that they understand to be legal, are a necessity to survival on the battlefield. You can't have everyone doing their own thing and be able to expect to trust them with your life. It's a family that you trust and that trust you without reservation. It is a bond that that is developed to achieve safety/survival for yourself and others around you. That is the reason for its success. Trust, faith, willingness to lay down your life for those closest to you.