What methods have you seen work that build trust/camaraderie among your fellow military members?

2019-08-12T17:27:24-04:00

As missions become more technical, people and interactions become more asymmetric.

The ever present suicide and attempts of our Veterans comes down to people not knowing their people; actually caring for them.

We used to see Dining In's/Dining Outs. We used to hear people coming together and having BBQ's on a whim. I remember seeing my father go to Unit Event with a trunk full of sports equipment and watch them play for hours (volleyball, flag football, frisbee).

Each branch has ways of connecting with their members. Which methods are more organic and meaningful that you have seen in the past work to build friendships?

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Aug 12 at 2019 5:37 PM

2019-08-12T17:37:56-04:00

In the 70s thru 90s, I was usually assigned to Scout Platoons in Air Cav or Infantry BNs. We were not infantry so I had to maintain morale. We did this by having platoon competitions of Best Scout, Cav Stakes, Man-Tracking exercises, Sniper Shoots and Master Gunner (machine gun shoots and drills, anti-tank shoots, obstacle preps etc...) Competitions. They were tough physically and mentally.
The troops loved them as they were a chance to show their skills and abilities.
You just have to work something out as myself and my LTs did for our platoons. Good Luck.