A Formula for Building Cohesion

Abstract

The US Army recently implemented its New Manning System (NMS). A two-pronged approach to improving unit cohesion and affiliating soldiers on a permanent basis to a unit, the New Manning System is progressing deliberately and impacts only a small portion of the Total Force. The problem this paper addresses is how units waiting for full implementation of NMS can build their own cohesion. A review was conducted on the contributions of military scholars and historians to the topic of cohesion as a factor in military units. In addition, the Army's own attempts at building cohesion were investigated to include an analysis of the NMS. Furthermore, in order to discuss appropriately the ways a unit can go about building cohesion, the psychological aspects of group interaction and processes were examined. Based on the research conducted and the author's personal experiences, a formula was derived to build cohesion in military units. It was concluded that units that provide for stability, employ stress, and ensure achievement is rewarded with success, will achieve cohesion. (Author)

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 30, 1985
Accession Number
ADA158031

Entities

People

  • Frederick G. Wong

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artillery
  • Artillery Units
  • Attrition
  • Civil War
  • Combat Readiness
  • Employment
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Hospitals
  • Military Operations
  • Military Personnel
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Recreation
  • Second World War
  • Training
  • War
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Military Mobilization and Reserve Forces Studies.
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.
  • Systems Analysis and Design