Music and Combat Motivation
Abstract
Music has the power to influence combat motivation and morale; as a nation, the United States must do a better job capturing and utilizing this powerful tool. There are many historical examples from which to draw evidence of the impact of music on fielded forces. One must study not only the historical events, but also the scientific principles behind motivation and music. Primal human nature drives motivation while music reaches deep into the mind to create decision-affecting moods. With the knowledge of the influence of these factors, many governments intentionally tried to use music to sway enemy soldiers morale through propaganda in WWII. Additionally the United States attempted to bolster the motivation and morale of its own troops through music in WWI and WWII. In Vietnam, the US saw music as a tool to improve morale, while little effort went toward developing combat motivation. As technology and social norms evolve, the methods for delivery and the effectiveness of music must evolve as well. The future of music for combat motivation is unknown, and for that reason, must be explored. Two events capture the attention of history scholars with their overwhelming motivational effects on the soldiers of rival units. During the Civil War, troops from both the North and the South came together through music as their bands and soldiers sang nostalgic songs common to both cultures in unison. In the immediate timeframe following the music, the soldiers wanted to cease hostilities. The music reminded them of home and they simply wished to return to their families. In the longer term, this music solidified their resolve to fight for the ideals that brought them to war initially. Again, the power of music is visible in a similar way during the Christmas Truce of 1914 in WWI. Soldiers shared a cultural experience, initiated by music, leading to an enduring cease-fire and continued friendly interaction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA635065
Entities
People
- Sally C. Maddocks
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College