Cohesion in the US Military

Abstract

In the aftermath of the Vietnam war, a number of military analysts have commented on the apparent deterioration of unit morale and cohesion during the latter stages of that conflict. While other analysts have disputed that conclusion, there is a rather widespread view among military professionals that cohesion was a problem. This study was designed to do several things that are necessary if the cohesion issue is to receive the systematic study if needs. First, to develop a conceptual framework that would identify the principal components of military cohesion. Second, analyze the major systemic, macro variables we believed to be causatively related to the intervening factors of leader behavior and organizational culture. Third, focus a great deal of the effort on the Officers Corps, which is believed to be the key organizational element with respect to cohesion. The conclusion and recommendations in this study are targeted for decisionmakers in the Pentagon, OMB, and Congress.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA140828

Entities

People

  • Arthur C. Blades
  • James M. Hinkle
  • Jan D. Kindrad
  • John B. Creel
  • John H. Johns
  • Michael D. Bickel
  • Samuel E. Stocks
  • Wade S. Gatling

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
  • Employment
  • Enlisted Personnel
  • Families (Human)
  • Health Services
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Operations Research
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Students
  • Task Performance And Analysis
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Theoretical Analysis.