The government is being urged to adopt a US-style programme returning former soldiers, sailors and airmen to school.
The Centre for Policy Studies says ex-soldiers could have a profound effect on discipline and learning.
The Conservatives are backing the idea, saying children need order and role models for self-discipline.
A report by think tanks says the fact that ex-soldiers had a macho image could help engender respect - particularly among boys.
The Troops to Teachers (T3) programme in the US retrains soldiers with a minimum of 10 years' experience, and a degree, as fully certificated teachers.
Those with lower qualifications are retrained as vocational teachers.
Some 16,000 service personnel have qualified as teachers since T3 was set up in the US in 1994.
The report said the programme had been an "outstanding success", with some 88% remaining in the profession three years after they qualified.
This compared to the usual retention rate for teachers in the US of 50% after five years.
