Comments on: Unit Cohesion and Morale

By: Bryan

Bryan — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 20:35:14 +0000

The decision had to come down from the top, no one would personally issue such an order without being able to prove it came down from the top. This is bedrock to the Code of Conduct – the loyalty has to flow both ways.

This is what happens just before the “fragging” starts in units. This is part of Rumsfeld’s disdain for people in uniform. It breaks an army of draftees, and it will be worse in an army of volunteers.

By: Steve Bates

Steve Bates — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 14:55:29 +0000

Well said, Bryan. Like ellroon, I’ve been confused by the controversy. At one point, I thought the issue was complicated (and said as much to ellroon in a comment). Now I’m coming to see it in simple terms, as I did in the first place.

A command structure that would order American troops to abandon their own at the behest of a foreign government is a command structure that would order those same troops to perpetrate the horrors that happened at Abu Ghraib… and those troops may rightly conclude that it won’t be the last time they receive unconscionable orders.

So much for Bush’s assertion that he leaves such on-the-ground decisions to his generals. I can’t imagine any general made this particular decision of his own volition.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 06:06:24 +0000

Glad I could help. It is a gut issue for those of us who were on the inside. It can be quite stifling for creative people if they can’t compartmentalize their lives, but it is essential when you must react rather than think.

By: ellroon

ellroon — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 05:49:55 +0000

Thanks for explaining this more clearly. Those of us who have had no military experience can’t imagine the bond that takes place when you rely on each other to stay alive. Have commandeered part of your explanation. Thanks.