FACT SHEET UNIT COHESION Unit cohesion is one of the most critical elements in successful military endeavors. It is the fundamental bond between soldiers, under the watchful and guiding eye of the Non-Commissioned Officer ("NCO"), which allows the military mission to function positively. Both sides on the ban issue agree that unit cohesion must be maintained in the military. Many who oppose lifting the military's ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual servicemembers argue that to do so would adversely impact unit cohesion in the armed forces. This position is not based on any presumed negative consequences of homosexual behavior. Instead, the argument is based primarily on assumptions about heterosexuals' reactions to gay people. Those promoting the continuation of the ban suggest that soldiers will not bond if one of the members of the small group is a gay person because it is likely or possible that some members of the group will be prejudiced against gay men, lesbians and bisexuals. In that case, the bond relies upon shared prejudices and bigotry, not the military mission. These are not universal American norms or values. It is true that each man or woman entering the military does so with a different history, life experience and world view. Some are Democrats, others Republican. Some are Jewish, some Catholic, some Protestant, some Muslim. Some have ancestors who arrived on these shores on the Mayflower, others on far less welcome ships. These personal experiences and opinions are those of the entering person. But they should not be confused with the values of the military. A soldier serves not his or her personal opinions, but rather his or her country. This proud service is what creates a bond within the unit. Unit cohesion begins with basic training and continues with service to one's immediate colleagues and to the military. It is the goal of being the best soldier, best platoon, best division, best battalion. None of these goals are assisted when a quality soldier is excluded for being lesbian, gay or bisexual -- not because that individual presents a problem of misconduct, or because he or she doesn't pull her or his weight, or because she or he is not loyal or brave; but just because he or she is gay. The history of our armed forces also supports the view that lifting the ban will not adversely impact on unit cohesion. Many gay men and lesbians served with relative openness during World War II and yet won the respect and admiration of their straight comrades. To a lesser extent, this scenario was repeated in the Vietnam Conflict and the war in the Gulf. The military has relaxed its ban at various points in peacetime as well as during war, permitting some openly gay people to serve, apparently with no ill effect. Published works and legal challenges to the DOD policy have repeatedly demonstrated that many gay servicemembers have served with at least the tacit knowledge of some of their peers and superiors. The secret to unit cohesion is the watchful and guiding eye of the NCO. An NCO is responsible for making the unit work, even under the most difficult of situations. An NCO could not succeed if the soldiers' opinions were allowed to outweigh the military values of loyalty and unit integrity. However, this is exactly what proponents of the ban insist will occur. Opponents of change seem to suggest that our military leaders cannot control our troops. This is preposterous. Our Nation has built the finest military in the world based on our soldiers' unparalleled ability to carry out the orders of their chain-of-command, including its civilian Commander-in-Chief, regardless of political party. This process is an integral part of our Nation's world-renowned peaceful transfers of power. In our military, if a servicemember refuses to follow an order, he or she faces the severe consequences of strict military discipline. When the current ban is lifted, servicemembers will continue faithfully to execute their orders, regardless of the issuing officer's sexual orientation. To suggest otherwise is to question the integrity of the military's entire system of rank and command. Indeed, it is this very system of rank and command that will ensure a smooth transition when the ban is lifted. When our Commander-in-Chief issues a new executive order, our military leaders will salute smartly and implement the new policy in a timely and professional manner, as they would any other order. The cornerstone of the new policy will be discipline and good order. Conduct that is inappropriate in a military environment will not be tolerated, regardless of the sexual orientation of the perpetrator. Good leaders know that unit cohesion is based on the common value of accomplishing the military mission, not on personal characteristics. Despite opponents' suggestions to the contrary, our troops understand this and hold an adult view of what is needed for combat success. To continually assert that our hardworking American military professionals -- among the most dedicated and courageous in the world -- will be unable to perform because of the personal characteristics of some small number of their comrades is insulting. Our fighting men and women deserve more respect. * * * * Prepared by the Legal/Policy Department of the Campaign for Military Service. 2707 Massachussetts Ave, NW Washington, DC 20009. (202) 265-6666.