I realize that the use of the word "brainwash" is generally slotted as a negative thing. However, the process for change can be a good thing and still fall within the definition of "brainwashing."

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The US recruit training units, for example, describe the process as breaking people down, giving them a new set of experiences to serve as a frame of reference for the future, and then building them back up. The word "brainwashing" is absent from that description, but the description itself is practically the dictionary definition of "brainwash".

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(From the discussion group finding links for wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Recruit_training)


Brainwashing consists of two processes, a softening up and an indoctrination process. ...

When one enters the military, they go in with a variety of beliefs and systems for daily living. Few work in the theater of war and self survival. The recruit must be stripped of beliefs that will get not only themselves killed, but their unit too. They have to learn team work, and first lose self reliance before they can relearn self reliance through their training and being "fit for duty."

Brainwashing is a harsh term in today's society (and indeed was also in the 40s regarding what the Communists realized regarding faithful soldiers.) A process by any other name... results the same.