Question

When the exercise was designed, Neill created a buddy system based on similarity of soldiers’ backgrounds (rank, unit, age, fitness, skill level). The first group out of the jungle were assigned buddies and one other: two lance corporals and one corporal from the same unit (regular army); ages 24–26 with good fitness levels; all top roping and abseiling (TR&A) instructors. The second group out were assigned buddies: a sergeant and a lance corporal from the same unit (elite regular army); ages 25 and 37; good fitness levels; both with Commando Brigade skills. The group left in the cave split into a lieutenant colonel and a major (buddies); one from the regular army and one from the part-time territorial army; ages 46 and 54; fair fitness level; one TR&A and one ski instructor. The second faction was the three from the Hong Kong unit—a lance corporal and two privates, all from the Hong Kong unit; ages 24–32; fair to good fitness levels; one with jungle training and two novices. Would you have set up the buddy system as Neill did? Why or why not? If not, what would you have changed?

Answer 1

Neill's buddy system might be more effective by considering both compatibility and diversity of experience. Historic military practices suggest that diverse skills and adaptability in a unit could complement each other, enhancing effectiveness.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on Neill's buddy system, it seems he matched soldiers together by similarity of their backgrounds, including rank, unit, age, fitness, and skill level. However, looking at the historic examples of military formations and units, a more effective buddy system might consider both compatibility and diversity of experience. For instance, during World War I, 'pals' units resulted in high casualties within tight-knit communities due to similarity in backgrounds. This approach led to the discontinuation of the system after the heavy losses of the Somme campaign. In contrast, U.S. military history shows that small unit cohesion can be essential, as seen in the Ranger Training program focusing on cohesion, infiltration, and maneuverability. But we also know from the segregation of African American troops and their diverse assignments in the Korean War that a homogeneous group can have limitations when the situation requires diverse skills and adaptability. If I were to change Neill's buddy system, I would have mixed backgrounds more to bring a diversity of skills and experiences that could complement each other and improve overall unit effectiveness.