Final answer:
Trust between soldiers and between soldiers and leaders results in a well-disciplined army, with enhanced unit cohesion and morale, leading to increased effectiveness in missions and operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Trust between soldiers, as well as between soldiers and their leaders, is paramount in military operations. This trust is foundational to unit cohesion, a critical element for ensuring that soldiers work together effectively during the extreme conditions of war. When soldiers trust each other, they are able to rely on one another in life-threatening situations, which can lead to a well-disciplined army and improved morale. Furthermore, when there is mutual respect and trust between soldiers and their leaders, there is an increase in the willingness to follow commands and a greater likelihood of mutually assured success, as highlighted by historical military strategist Sun Tzu.
Effective leadership in the military is not just about discipline; it is also about providing incentives for loyalty and patriotism, which are key for solidarity among troops. In scenarios such as the prisoner's dilemma, it has been shown that trust greatly increases the likelihood of cooperation. In military terms, when soldiers trust their leaders and each other, they are more likely to work together and demonstrate fidelity to the mission.
Thus, trust between soldiers, and between soldiers and leaders, results in a stronger, more cooperative, and ultimately more successful fighting force.