WASHINGTON — In a pointed response to images of Marines urinating on corpses and soldiers posing with body parts, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta appealed to American troops to refrain from misconduct that has complicated the war effort in Afghanistan.

Panetta, speaking Friday to an Army brigade at Ft. Benning, Ga., was blunt in his assessment of the breakdown of discipline within the ranks, saying these incidents "show a lack of judgment, a lack of professionalism and a lack of leadership."

He reminded the troops that they represent the American people and must live up to strict military standards. ...

Panetta's admonition is part of a broader effort by military commanders to tighten discipline in the Army and Marine Corps. It follows revelations over the past four months of disturbing conduct by U.S. troops that played into Taliban propaganda and strained relations with Afghanistan's president, Hamid Karzai. ...

Army commanders around the country have met with junior officers to emphasize their responsibility to enforce standards of discipline. The Marine Corps may require every unit not in combat to take courses on ethics and conduct one day later this month.

I think at least part of the problem relates to lowered entrance standards in terms of both minimum qualifications and behavioral issues. I think we're paying a price for needing to meet recruitment goals.