Breaking Down the Consequences and Impact of Undue Familiarity in the Army
In the army, camaraderie and teamwork are essential components for the success of any mission. While building bonds with fellow soldiers can be beneficial, undue familiarity can have severe consequences that affect the functioning of the unit.
What is Undue Familiarity in the Army?
The term undue familiarity refers to an inappropriate relationship between individuals in the military that violates ethical standards. It can result in a lack of discipline, morale issues, and low unit cohesion, leading to the failure of the mission.
Consequences of Undue Familiarity
The following are some of the consequences of undue familiarity in the army:
1. Reduced Discipline
When soldiers become too familiar, they may start disregarding the chain of command, rules, and regulations. This can eventually lead to disciplinary problems, which can affect the mission’s success.
2. Sexual Harassment and Assault
Undue familiarity can also lead to sexual harassment and assault. Soldiers may start engaging in inappropriate behavior, which can make the victim feel unsafe and affect their performance.
3. Conflict of Interest
Another consequence of undue familiarity is a conflict of interest. When soldiers become too close, they may start showing favoritism towards each other, affecting the fairness of the decision-making process.
The Impact of Undue Familiarity on Unit Cohesion
The impact of undue familiarity on unit cohesion cannot be overstated. When soldiers become too familiar with each other, they may start creating cliques, which can lead to an us-vs-them mentality. This can result in a lack of trust and respect within the unit, leading to morale issues and low cohesion.
Real-life Example
In 2010, the US Army released a report on the consequences of undue familiarity. The report cited several cases where soldiers engaged in inappropriate behavior, including sexual harassment and assault. One of the cases involved a group of soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division who were accused of inappropriate relationships with female soldiers under their command. The incident caused a significant scandal and had severe consequences on unit cohesion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, undue familiarity can have severe consequences in the army. While camaraderie and teamwork are essential components for mission success, they must not violate ethical standards. Soldiers must maintain discipline and professionalism to ensure the success of the mission and maintain unit cohesion.
