Small unit cohesion, About

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Confronting the Tiger: Small Unit Cohesion in Battle

Major Robert J. Rielly, US Army

Military Review - November - December 2000

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For the entire article, please see the PDF file below - Small Unit Cohesion in Battle

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"Different things motivate different individuals to fight. However, researchers generally believe that five factors kindle and sustain a fighting spirit: group cohesion, unit allegiance and pride, ideology and patriotism, lack of alternatives, self-preservation and leadership. However, all these motivating factors tend to deteriorate after prolonged exposure to combat except one: small unit cohesion.

"The strongest motivation for enduring combat, especially for U.S. soldiers, is the bond formed among members of a squad ⁽¹⁾ or platoon. ⁽²⁾  This cohesion is the single most important sustaining and motivating force for combat soldiers.  Simply put, soldiers fight because of the other members of their small unit.  Most soldiers value honor and reputation more than their lives because life among comrades whom a soldier has failed seems lonely and worthless.  Although cases of strong company-level⁽³⁾ cohesion exist, research has shown that in combat, as soldiers draw closer to the squad, they identify with the company less.  Higher headquarters become even more abstract as soldiers concern themselves with their personal survival in their small world of combat.

"Small-unit cohesion provides shelter from battlefield horrors and enables soldiers to persevere in combat.  The group provides soldiers with security, the belief that the threat can be overcome, a coping mechanism to deal with the trauma of death and killing and a sense that their contribution has meaning.  Psychiatric casualties have been highest among men who did not form close relationships with other members of their small unit.  Soldiers’ sense of obligation to comrades and their desire to obtain and retain respect allows them to endure what otherwise would be unbearable.  It provides a powerful motivation to fight, the ability to overcome fear and the motivation to carry on." (Bold emphasis added)

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Notes by glossary editor

(1) Squad = 3 fire teams of 4 Persons, plus a squad leader for a total of 13 people.

(2) Platoon = 3 squads, plus a platoon leader for a total of 40 people.

(3) Company = 3 platoons, captain and support staff for around 125 people.

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