Small Unit Cohesion: The Case of Fighter Squadron 3-Vl.G.IV

Abstract

Among military social scientists, cohesion in a small military unit is generally viewed as a key to military effectiveness. A conceptual model for developing combat proficiency in small units was published in 1991 by Bartone and Kirkland, and, although their article is about small army units, the model also seems valid for flying squadrons, specifically fighter squadrons. Newly established fighter squadrons in NATO need about the same period of time to "mature" to (limited) combat-ready status or initial operating capability status as do army companies, i.e., some 12 months. In World War II about six months were needed in the United States, Great Britain, and Australia to train fighter squadrons to combat readiness. Even this period could be much shortened, however, as was proven by fighter squadron 3-Vl.G.IV in the former Netherlands East Indies in 1942. The development of 3-V1.G.IV to a cohesive and combat effective squadron is analyzed using the Bartone and Kirkland model.