Vertical and Horizontal Cohesion: Combat Effectiveness and the Problem of Manpower Turbulence.
Abstract
This monograph seeks to answer the questions: Do current manpower-management processes support Marine Corps doctrine by recognizing the importance of unit cohesion both vertically and horizontally? In this post-cold war period are manpower managers guilty of mismanagement of dwindling personnel resources as the Corps attempts to respond to new strategies and increasing commitments? To answer this question the monograph first establishes the importance of the human dimension of combat. Central to this discussion is the examination of theory and the physical, cybernetic, and moral domains of battle. These last two domains are concerned with the destruction of command and control and the destruction of will that are key concerns within Marine Corps warfighting doctrine. The monograph illustrates the important relationship between cohesion and combat effectiveness. Recent attempts to promote cohesion within the Army and Marine Corps are looked at to help further define the problems with horizontal and vertical cohesion. Next is an examination of current Marine Corps manpower management policies to decide whether they support both theory and doctrine. Marine Corps doctrine is analyzed to highlight the exiting inconsistencies between doctrine and policy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 19, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA300224
Entities
People
- Christian B. Cowdrey
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College