[April 20, 2021] Philosophers and great sages of times past have asked the same question and have found their answers imperfect. “Why is it that men throughout history chose to die in battle with their friends rather than flee on their own and survive?” The answer? Not for glory but for brotherhood.
“The only thing that makes battle psychologically tolerable is the brotherhood among soldiers. You need each other to get by.” – Sebastian Junger, American author and filmmaker
The experience of combat with an experienced and determined enemy cannot be put into words. Regardless of what we believe the warrior sees, we can never put ourselves in his place or feel the pain, fear, or exhilaration of being there. However, we can acknowledge the value of the brother who stands with them.
Warriors do not fight on the battlefield for a medal on their chest; notwithstanding Napoléon Bonaparte’s famous quote that with more colored ribbon, he could win any war.1 Many of our military brethren would instead refuse military medals because they understand that their bravery is not from within themselves but developed from the comradery of brotherhood.
Military professionals, including those with extensive time in the service, have written about brotherhood found in combat. It is a common theme. Yet, somehow, what they have to say comes up wanting. Is it that we cannot describe the idea that men fight hardest when they stand with their brothers in arms?
We define brotherhood not in words but in actions. This is the call of duty. When I came home from my first tour of combat, people asked me, ‘Why did you do it? Do you miss it? Are you a warmonger?’ Like so many, I did not answer. I knew they would not understand. They wouldn’t understand why we do it. They don’t understand it’s about the men next to you, and that’s it.
A bond of brotherhood is forever. We know what it is like to accomplish something when not alone. The bond becomes defining. Throughout our lives, all humans search to find that brotherhood. It is innate to being a human. It has never been about glory but about a real brotherhood.
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- “A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon.”
Excellent article and worthy of discussion. Yes, you certainly pinpointed something important and trashed an old stereotype about military men.
Now this is indeed enticing thinking. Why do men fight in war? A question that continues to be asked!!! Why? Because we are not satisfied with the answers we have so far.
For brotherhood. Well said. 😊
Great article and to the point, Gen. Satterfield. Thanks!!
Thanks Gen. Satterfield for helping straighten this out in our minds. I for one never thought glory was the reason (or for medals or for hero worhship) but for what is right and that is for freedom. You don’t get a soldier to fight for glory when you can get him to fight for freedom.
Once again, Max you put your finger on the right idea. There is an old stereotype, completely wrong in this case, that soldiers fight for glory. That is so wrong, it is hard to figure out where to start. I’ll just leave it as saying that I disagree with the notion that glory is the reason. I know personally from long experience.
… and they don’t fight for ‘medals on their chest’ or for any type of glory. Only those who have never been in war make this claim.
Good points, thanks, this is why I keep coming back to Gen. Satterfield’s website… for answers like this.
It is a horrible situation when we believe that nations go to war for glory. That has never ever been the case. Yes, there may be some immature person who joins up to fight for glory but it doesn’t take long for him to figure out this is a bad thing.
You got that right, Randy. Thanks. It’s stupid to think that glory is the reason. 👍
Thanks Tom for the feedback.
When Gen. Satterfield reinforces his long running themes about the psychology of mankind, we can now see just a little better how to be a better leader.
Good on the psychology of man!
Yep, you got that right Stacey. I have found, often, that this leadership blog is about those things that you can put into your mental rucksack and pull out when needed to help yourself as a leader and to care for those that look up to you as that leader.
Dr. Jordan Peterson is one that Gen. S. has often quoted and used his ideas inside this leadership blog. I ask that you go out and read more on him and watch his videos. They are a good source to better understand the psychology of people.
As we should, good advice, LM. Thanks.