Trust Trials: An Analysis of the Army Culture of Trust
Abstract
Although most American citizens will argue that the US Army is one of the most trusted institutions in the United States, the Army profession is under attack by losing Soldiers' trust and public confidence. The Army inculcates its professional ethic by creating a culture conducive to service to the nation. This significance promulgates through sustained training, consistent displays of competence, Army doctrine, and the perpetual pursuit of self-development. Layers of mutual trust support the Army's culture. This trust exists in three primary contexts. External trust between the American public and the Army; including American citizens devoting their lives to service and the autonomy necessary to the Army to use deadly force on its behalf. An intermediate form of trust displayed organizationally between commanders and their commands at echelon who operationally and strategically decide the pace of the Army. Finally, the innermost level of trust, the trust amongst Soldiers operationally showing their worth through competence, care, and consideration for each other. The Army must recognize that trust comes with consistent practice and application; without it, American society will question its need for its high-level of autonomy, which if degraded, could leave it susceptible to any attack.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1177926
Entities
People
- Darryl D Ii Barnett
Organizations
- Marine Corps University