Esprit de corps

Media

Part of Philippine Armed Forces Journal

Title: Esprit de corps
Language: English
Source: Philippine Armed Forces Journal Volume IX (No. 6) September 1956
Year: 1956
Rights
Fulltext: By Lt. Col. R. A. Mendoza & Lt. Col. L. I. Gunabe Meaning of Esprit de Corps SPRIT de_corps is a_ Fren.ch r:~~zat~:nb:::ci~~p~~~e 0~h:t ~r~~t I makes for sticking together, for orterm which ~ay hterarJly dier has in the accomplishment of be translated mto the Eng- his unit. It differs from morale in lish phrase, "Spirit of the organiza- that while morale pertains more partion" or simply "group spirit." But ticularly to the individual esprit de the English equivalent has never been corp5 applies to a unit a~ a whole. found adequate to e.xpress the whole meaning and the entire connotation Relation to Efficiency and Discipline that the French term embodies. So, . . . instead of endeavoring tc find an Espnt de corps has an mtlmate reexact English equivalent aiLd lose its lation t_o effici_ency and disciplin~. true meaning, the better to adopt the Any umt that 1s. possessed of _esprit term in its original flavor and trim- de corps necessanly operates ,':"'lth ormings. der and organization. Group objectives are attained through well diMore fully defined esprit de corps rected efforts underscored by evident is the mental state that represents a cooperation. In a situation such as common pride in and a support of an this we cannot fail to notice that each organization. It is the jealous re- individual member understands his gard for the name and honor of the part and that his effort is coordigroup. It means comradeship of the nated with the efforts of other memhighest order, and attachment that hers of the group. The result is unit of action. And unity action is ob- outfit among the units in the Army. tained by every member learning to An outfit with esprit de corjls is the receive, understand, and respond in- envy of other units. They talk about stantly to orders. This is where dis- its splendid organization, its men cipline comes in. and its officers. They strive to apEfficiency depends upon the rela- proximate its standards and in one tions among the men. In a truly ef- way or another endeavor to emulate ficient unit the primary considera- its accomplishments. When this hatJtion is not that each individual mem- pens, there will be no mistaking the hers should be efficient unto him- fact that the organization has estab.ielf, but that the diverse energies of lished a reputation for itself. each man in the group should be The third indicator of esprit de marshalled and brought to bear most corps is the presence of the competidirectly upon the single objective. tive spirit in the unit. An outfit Too often it happens that there is possessing esprit de corps cannot in a unit a member upon whom the stand still under a condition where others cannot rely. In that case ef- other units pile up laurels b}· the ficiency is impaired. But a unit is score. It becomes restive. It consia team. If it does not work as a ders the achievements of other units .,_ team it never is efficient. And esprit more as a pressing challenge to de corps is the product of teamwork. equal or outdo. Victory or defeat nf . . the unit is something that no memIndJcators of Espnt de Corps ber will ever dismis11 merely with a In the Army the leader should be rhiefly concerned with the amount of esprit de corps prevailing in his own unit. He should be able to appraise its quantity and quality. While esprit de corps cannot be weighed on a scale like a pound of sugar nor measured with a tape like a yard of 4--. cloth, nevertheless there are certain things that indicate its presence and strength. The first indication of esprit de corps is pride in the organization. When we find the men thinking he is "the best soldier in the best outfit in the Army," rest assured the men has caught the spirit that makes for teamwork. On this regard the men think \'ery mu('h aloud. Dis· ' l>- tinl'tl} they could be heard. The~' hoast of their outfit, what it has done, what it is going to do. The second is the reputation of the Comp•litin und•dokingf ruch 01 bo1htboJI h•!p d•~•!op ••pril d• corp1. H•••"• wh••• lh• m•n toh oidu lor lh•ir l•om ~ictory. PHILIPPINES ARMED FORCES JOURNAL shrug of the shoulder. They feel it understanding would be complete undeeply. The rejoice is victory, they less the leader gains knowledge of smart under defeat. the motives that govern actions. l\Ien The fourth is the unit's persever- are aU born individuals. Naturally ance in stress situations. How do the group begins with the individuals. the men react when the going gets Groups are made by contacts and tough? The answer to this question inte1·actions. Contacts are made bewill indicate whether esprit de corps cause of certain motives. Every man is present or not. When during long has social needs. One of these is the ' marches nobody in the group lags desire for security. It is axiomatil' behind because his pride would not that there is greater strength in allow him to, when in combat nobody mass. Consequent!)' the individual ever attempts for a flimsy excuse to seeks security by aligning himself leave his comrades behind, then we with the group. Another need is the can be sure that esprit de corps has desire for companionship. Man is a secured a firm hold on the group. social being. Under normal eondiThe fifth indicator of esprit de tions he does not want to be alone corps is the attitude of the men to- for long. He wants to be appreward each other and toward the dated and be one of the group. leader. How do the men regard each other and their leader. Do they encourage each other and rei~ on each other? Do they carry out orders promptly and willingly? Do their relations with the leader show devotion, respect and admiration? If th;;'hedoia:t s~~~~~:~0:o:~iti~~pr~~is~s~ 111'-~!"":'jl( corps is the men's readiness to help one another. How far a member will go in the sacrifices he will make and the risks he will take for another member of the unit will determine the existence or non-existence of esprit de corps. It is the leader's duty to live dose to the men and watch whether real sacrifices are made or real risks are taken. If they are, and such are unmistakable throughout the unit, then it can safely be said that the outfit has passed the al'id requirement. "';iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiili Reason for Development of § the Group In discussing esprit de corps, no A ,,;r, per~enronce in olreu conditions;, an indicator of whether esprit de corp• e .. irtl. In the case of the soldier, he feels broadened outlook that produces to· lonely upon entering the service. He lerance. World War II was won by needs companionship. He needs sec- cooperation of allies from 50 differurity. Not being able to satisfy these ent countries. The amalgamation of needs himself, he is frustrated. The allies required mutual respect for difresulting frustration compels him to ferences in customs and beliefs. attach himself to some one else. He As companionship is born a more , 4 ~~:nt~:~p h~;s;~~::!~ a group. Thus, ~~ti~3~t: ~~~ni~! :~l:~~~nsh~al~e~~~: Stages in the Development of r:;t~:~~;i:~ ot~~~::~~i~ues!~::!v~~ Group Spirit policy and taking many risks. This The soldier or the individual in stage is reached by acquiring comhis desire for companionship made promise. From this stage develops contacts with other individuals. From trusteeship, which is. the cure of the these contacts acquaintanceship is unit of group itself. The individual made. Acquaintanceship may be de- becomes the trustee of the group. fined as a set of social relationships with a tenuous structure. Generally Prerequisites to Group Participation ._, very few obligations are recognized In the development of group spirit to an acquaintance. From this ac- it is essential that all the members quaintanceship the soldier makes the of an outfit recognize two requirerevealing discovery that his compa· ments to fulfill which would prove nions have different political and re· highly wholesome and reassuring to ligious beliefs, different interests, the entire group. and different backgrounds. First, there must be a realization The next stage in the development that common interests provide the of the group spirit is companionship. groundwork for active participation Companionship means a relationship in the activity of the group. When where there is more frequent meet- man realizes that the interests of the ing, greater regularity, and a height- other members of the group are the ened sense of obligation. same as his own, his assimilation inThe development of companionship to the outfit will be nearly complete. is a gradual process. In order that This requires, however, introducing it be lasting it must be forged from beliefs that will be positive factors a set of diverse elements which un- in awakening the emotions of the derstanding alone could whip into the men toward sharing responsibilities desired combination. Impediments and revitalizing the sentiments and to desirable association among the attitudes of the other men. Upon its soldiers must be disposed of as attainment lies the touch stone that quickly as they appear. By means of impels the group to work together ,.....: orientation lectures, briefings and for a common purpose. panel discussions, the leader could Second, there must be the con· make his men understand what these sciousness among the members of the differences mean. From understand- group that no job is too small, no ing of these differences comes a effort too little in the accomplish· PHILIPI'INF.S ARMED PORCES JOORN.\L ment of th(' ('Ommon goa\. Ne1·er ing satisfaction in J·eflected esteem. ~hould it occur to the men Hen for For example. a new soldier enjoys '\ moment that the goal seem,; too the general reputation of the unit. fat· awar an~! too hard rea('h. The development of team spirit After plaC'Jn~ the goal _before t~e within the unit is aided br the ap::;·e::t~o~ea:::;.a~:~st i::o~~·t:\:~:~ltr ~r:~~~r:a"~ m_e7ber gets1 ~rom other Ho11 can h(' accomplish this? H~ moti\·e i~ hu0 ; 1 :n :~~:~~~~ 1~1.:c~~;·:~; mu~t . set th(' pace. He must knoll' everyone is susceptible to the aliithat It 1~ often advantageou~ to set turles of others towarrl him. W(' all J~tet·medJate goals. These . tnterme- strin: for the praise of our fello11 ~;:t~r~~~-~:~:elp K~;:w~:~~L;r o~n ~~:~~~t~ ;:;~d ~~- ~hem~~hef;e~e!~e:.: :~p~~: ;~a c~~~~a~~~~ro:;;:s·inio~::;~nll:u;~ ~;~\~~ i=n~o~:~ ~~e;;ork hnrdet fm :~~~~~ ~:ct:;~iti:~·e~~::e ~~~:: t~b;·~~ . In ~ ~imilar way, team spirit. is him. The leader must commend and aJde<l 1fl Jts devel_opment by the <itspraise and recognize abilitv. He appro,·al or pumshment of non-('o:~~·1ac~~cn:;i~-~~u:~en!1t ~:e~:i~~::ath~~~ :~e;:~~:~pt 1 :f s;or:ra~::pli: ~h~r::~~ rna~ cooperation is a form of int~r- ~:un~:~~e~~a:ft;~e ~of:1:: ;,~on~a~!:·: ~~~10t:,~!r~"~00;: ;:~~ :~:·;~n~:~n~ hers of the unit themseh·es when men shar('d, either in1tat~r;al _good~T~n :~.:h;~ s::~e.sta~~=~~~ p;:ss~~-: ~~-~:-~~; f::~;:.g~~~r 5~~ t~€ ~:~~~:;t;on~l. H: :~igt~t~\r~~jur:s t:ew~!fe~ standard~ muM gmde the common mterest of .. p tht' men to cooperation. The prestige Comp€tltLon ag_ains~ the standard~ i~ the reputation of the outfit to ~f other ~~·oups IS shll another way which the\' belong. The self-sati~lfl wh1~h espdt de corps can be dt""faction is -for a job well done. l'eloped Practically e1·eryone is susceptible to a challenge to ex~el or to How to De>elop Esprit de Con1s a1·oid being outdone by rivals. AcTeam spirit and pride in an outfit is tually one of the things that comdependent upon the satisfactions that petition does is to keep ~sprit de one deril'es from group membership. co1·ps at a high level, beca~se there What are some of these satisfac- is no let up of pressure from other lions? One is the feeling of solidar- units. For a unit to let up will cause ity of "belonging." Another is that the other units to go high abo\·e it. membership features certain pril·i- In group competitions the majority legeg that are accorded the members of the men act for the common good of the group specially. Still another of the outfit rather than for their is that membe1·ship inspires a feel- personal benefit. This of course stiin~t of se~urit~'. Another satisfaction mu\ates esprit de corps and tht' indiis identification. This means !l'ain- l'idual learns ~oope1·ation. . ~~ S£PTEM8ER 1956 Esprit dt' eorps is aided br the and maintains esprit de corps Gen.;;utcess of a group and the recogni- el'al :'llateo Capinpin when he was tion given to it. Once a man has the commanding officer of Camp identified himself with an outfit a;; Mur·phr instituted the practice of all a whole, he acquires a pride of the training group~ in the past marching outfit that is verr personaL Its sue- in cadence with music and e•·ery so cesses are his successes, and its de- often going through a practice pa.. t ~:a~: ;:!~ :;s p;i~;-wh~t11 r;il~o~-~~it ~~:: ~~0~~ an;hi:e';~~sea;te:SP~~: :;i\~0~:; ceh·es recognition for work well dont>. into all the units composing his comFor this reason a leader should re- mand. For· this, Camp l\Iurphy bemember the '"alue of e\"en the small- came the pride of the Philippine e~t mention of recognition. Com- Army before the war. mendations awarded the unit br ~upel'iors should innu·iably be dissemi- Custodian of Esprit de Corps :at;:z~~e~~e ~=:-~;a~~~::an~:·m::l:~:: an~l(~~!~it li~ske!e w~:m:h:fhii:~or:o;~ and communiques bearing a good mander. For he pro\·ides one of the ·~ ~::~da:~u~ow~h~he ol~~~i.t T~:~.u~:n~~ ~i~:~a~~~;.s olft e~~!li~~t"gbeu~:v~~;;~ rate the power that de\'elops and su~- from you1 · mind~ that a leader is a tain~ esp1 ·it de corps in thl' entire symbol He symbolizes his o1·ganioutf1t. zation. HE> represents the unit's That srmbol of membership and esprit dE> corps. Thus it is that when ceremonies aid esprit de cor ps is a we mention General Eulogio Balao, fundamental!y sound assumption. The who has become Secretary of NaArmed Forces has taken cognizance tiona\ Defense, we automatically reof this fact by authorizing of dis- call the 12lst Infantry of the tinrtin combat patches and ribbons. USAFJP, NL and the gallant fight. Patches bearing such screaming it carried against the Japanese forces word~ as "Always First," "Steady at Bessang Pass. When we speak On," "We Strike," and a host of of Colonel Napoleon Valeriano, we other~ symbolize distinct organiza- cannot help but remember the Nenitions to which any soldier worth hi~ ta Unit and the 7th BCT, the two salt would take great pl'ide in be- units that attained high renown unlonging. The \'aiue of ceremonies to der his inspired leadership. Similarde'"elop esprit de corps should care- Jy, when we mention General Jesus fullr be weighed. The practice of Vargas, we unwittingly place before ha\·ing a review or pa1·adE- when an our mind's eye the picture of the inindiddual is presented a decoration trepid and gallant militan· force that ~ ~;!~e;~ :r~~P o~;;~~ a~~:~ !~: ;t~:e!:~~s a~0d ~~c~1~:~~Yo;~~:n~~:=~ pruud that the soldier ot· soldiers Sierras. Mention of General Vicente decorated belong to their unit. It is Lim evokes memories of the 41st Dia J'ecognized fact that music promotes 1 ·ision, P A. Generals Maieo CapinPHILIPPIN£9 ARMED FORCES JOURNAL pin and Fidel Segundo are remem- perto Kangleon, the Leyte Area bered in connection with the 21st Di- Command; and Colonel Terry Adevision and the 1st Regular Division, voso, the Hunters' Guerrilla. Their respectively. The name of Brigad:er illustrious names could not be deGeneral Alfredo Santos is associated tached from the wonderful organizawith the Panay Task Force which tions they ably led. eliminated the Red leader Guillermo Undeniably the leader can be said Capadocia. to be the custodian of esprit de corps. When we think of Colonels Dioni- For upon him devolves the constant sio Ojeda, Salvador Abcede, Ramon concern over the welfare of his orAguirre, and Nicanor Jimenez, were- ganization. Its fulfillment forms the member the lOth, 20th, 19th and 14th foundation stone of esprit de corps. battalion combat teams, which they Every member of the outfit has an headed, respectively, and which gained appropriate place in his heart and C•r•mollier oid ;,. th• dev•lopm•11l of esprit de corps. A tribut• poid lo lhe 1111· ~nown 1oldi•r inslil/1 pride lo living veleronr who too mod• socrifice~ in lh• some boll/e. fame in the Korean War. Colonel mind. The condition of his health, Juan Relosa is identified with the the amount of his pay, the organiLightning Sector; Lieutenant Colonel zation of his leisure time, his diet, Laureano Maraiia, with the Task his sleeping habits, his sex. problems, Foree Texas; Colonel Cirilo Garcia, even the manner in which he sha\'es with the Jolo Task Force; Colonel and wears his hair, are matters for Ernesto Mata, with the Batzam See- his immediate concern. tor; and Colonel Crispin de Castro Under this role the leader should with the 12th BCT. The same is true be keen about the problems that with famous guerrilla leaders in tends to work against esprit de corps. World War II. Mention of Brigadier At no time shouid his men come to General Macario Peralta brings to be unconvinced of his capacity and mind the Panay Guerrilla; Colonel to doubt his power to maintain comAiejo Santos, the BMA; Colonel Ru- mand in periods of extreme trial. To SEPTEMBER 1951 Stnrl of btlonging inditol•• prt~tnc• of eopril de corps. Note how provdly the /log btottn obo•e morel! 01 tllty di1ploy thir ttlptdivt tmblems in porodt ond rt>'itw nctomplish thi$ he should not fail to ways of the rebel and the recalcitregard sufficiently the LAW OF rant. True esprit de corps is founded PERSONALITY - LOOKS, AC- on loyalty and devotion to country TlONS, WORDS. Equal\~· urgent, and its people. The controlling idea the leader must strive constantly to is "The service first ard my unit presen·e the physical integrity of the best in the service." In all huhis unit. Units must be kept intact man enterprise the whole is greater to maintain unit spirit. Added to than the sum of the parts. It folthese measures is the necessity for lows, therefore that no outfit or the leader to accord recognition for combination of outfits could exercise unit achievement. It is a factor of more authority or assume more power tremendous importance that the sol- than the whole aggregate from whom diers are assured that good perfor- authority and power in government mance on their part is appreciated truly emanate - the people whom by the leader. the armed forces are dedicated to Above all the leader should guard serve and to pay the supreme sacrihis unit from precipitating into a fice for if need be. Those who feel most dangerous pitfall. There can the greatest affection for the service be no justification for a esprit de will be content in working to make corps that builds itself upon the fer- their unit know that it is entitled to ment of the misdirected attitudes, its rightful share of honor and pride ";\ly organization first, and the rest which in its own worth the country nowhere." It could lead only to the will not deny. IChtptu It nf "L,.MuhlJ) For Fillplno1." Copyritht 1955, by Mendoza and Guneltt)