The Will is the Key to Victory
Abstract
This monograph is a study of cohesion in the officer corps of the US Army. The basic premise is that the capability of an army is measured by its operational effectiveness. This has three components: physical, conceptual and moral. The monograph argues that the moral domain is the most important, and that within the moral domain the most important factor is cohesion. The study is conducted within the framework of the transformation of the US Army and argues that as the Army transforms, cohesion becomes more critical on the empty battlefield. The study focuses on captains and majors, since they are the ones who will turn transformation from a concept to reality. The study is primarily based on novel research conducted by issuing a questionnaire to 150 students at the USA CGSOC, 150 students at the US CAS3 and 120 students at the British JSCSC, with the aim of comparing and contrasting the three organizations. The questionnaire covered some brief demographic data, and then included sections on cohesion (using social and task parameters defined in personal and group terms as developed by Widmeyer et al), operational effectiveness (defined in terms of the principles of mission command - utility of effort, decentralization, trust and mutual understanding) and opinion about factors affecting cohesion. The conclusion is that as the US Army transforms and learns to fight on the modern battlefield it will require a more cohesive officer corps than it currently enjoys. The monograph proposes that in order to facilitate the development of stronger cohesion the US Army might examine the concept of permanently task-organized battalions with a proto-British style regimental system. Further recommendations include, examining ways of reinforcing social cohesion at the heart of each battalion, delaying company command until officers reach field grade, placing more emphasis on self reliance through adventure training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA403935
Entities
People
- Nicholas P. Berchem
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College