In your experience, what determines the degree to which a unit will uphold such standards vs. degenerating into what the OP calls "sociopaths"? Is it a matter of training? leadership? character?
Edit: what bothers me about the article is that it seems unlikely that a true sociopath would describe himself in these terms.
The problem is that leadership isn't a consistent action. Very capable and honest leaders can be sullied by PTSD (one symptom of which is lack of empathy) given enough combat experience.
However the degree this affects a unit, and the starting point, is primarily due to the leader. Especially in combat units.