Cohesion Building in the Training Base: A New Perspective.
Abstract
The excellence of soldiers coming from the training base is well recognized throughout the U.S. Army. Not only are the soldiers well trained in their individual combat and Military Occupational Speciality (MOS) skills, they also have learned how to be cohesive. The Army recognized the value of this experience and moved to capture it with the COHORT initiative. This evolved to the Unit Manning System (UMS) and is still in a period of decision regarding the final form. Intensive study and analysis of COHORT units reveal that some leaders capture and retain cohesion better than others. The UMS is a necessary but not sufficient condition for developing more cohesive units. Leader training must be geared to develop the bonding and team-building skills which lead to cohesive units. Senior leaders must provide the command climate to promote and reward cohesion building. Leaders from throughout the Army could benefit by learning from the leadership lab of Initial Entry Training (IET). Leaders need to understand and appreciate what their soldiers have experienced in One Station Unit Training (OSUT). More contact between the field and training unit leaders will facilitate a sharing of insights and promote better cohesion in small units. The UMS in a package replacement mode is the perfect vehicle to accomplish this.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 09, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA190672
Entities
People
- Donald R. Holzwarth
Organizations
- United States Army War College