Peer Pressure

Warfare requires an organized body of men and women to achieve the objectives of the state. Combat puts unique stresses on an organization. It must survive intact despite loss, by either death or trauma, of any number of members and still carry out its mission. A successful military unit must adapt to constantly changing circumstances. It requires men and women to take on risks in a group that they would not necessarily accept as civilian individuals. What would make a man charge across an open field while under fire from a well-dug-in enemy? Or fly in an aircraft, risking getting shot down by antiaircraft fire? Or remain deep in the hull of a ship being pummeled by high-explosive shells?