Small Unit Cohesion

Small units are dependent on strong bonds built among members of squads or platoons, as well as the individual motivation and will to fight. Small unit cohesion exists as the strongest connection among soldiers and remains the strongest motivating factor in a soldier’s will, even stronger than personal survival. These bonds often become so strong (especially during long combat periods), that their loyalties surpass even loyalty to higher organizations. This entry looks at studies of small unit cohesion and the role of small unit cohesion on morale and unit effectiveness.

Prior to World War I and the interwar years, little emphasis was placed on the needs of the regular soldier outside basic physiological necessities, and many supposed that future trends in technological warfare would eliminate much ...