Boosting Morale and Unity: Army Payday Activities
By Master Sgt. Michael Green
Student, Sergeants Major Academy
July 12, 2024
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Routines and protocols often dictate daily life in the structured and disciplined military world. Payday activities typically happen on or around payday and serve a dual purpose in the Army ranks.
On one hand, they provide a well-deserved break from the rigors of military life, a chance for Soldiers to unwind, relax, and enjoy themselves. On the other hand, they reinforce the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, boosting unit morale and fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
This article explores the importance of Army payday activities, shedding light on their various forms and revealing the positive impact they have on military personnel.
A Break from Routine
Life in the military can be stressful, with extended hours, rigorous training, and deployments that often take Soldiers far from home and family. Payday activities offer a much-needed respite from this demanding lifestyle. These activities allow them to step back, relax, and focus on tasks ranging from uniform inspections to counseling.
The break offers a chance to temporarily escape the constant pressure of military service. Continuous operations without breaks can lead to fatigue, which may result in costly mistakes or lapses in judgment.
According to “Physiological Factors Which Influence Cognitive Performance in Military Personnel,” a 2020 research article published in Human Factors, sustained military operations can lead to fatigue in cognitive functions (Martin et al., 2020).
Back to the Basics
Returning to the basics is a fundamental principle in the military that ensures the Army’s strength and readiness. This concept involves revisiting core training exercises, reinforcing essential skills, and emphasizing foundational principles.
A return to basics serves to maintain a strong and well-prepared force. In times of rapid technological advancement and changing tactics, the armed forces need to revisit their core principles and foundational training periodically.
Such review allows Soldiers to reaffirm their proficiency in essential skills such as physical fitness and discipline. This approach builds a strong foundation for new Soldiers and reminds seasoned Soldiers that fundamental skills are the bedrock of military effectiveness. This timeless strategy keeps the Army sharp, resilient, and ready for future challenges.
Building Camaraderie and Morale
Beyond their role as stress-relievers, payday activities are crucial in building camaraderie and boosting morale. Camaraderie in the workplace increases enhanced collaboration, employee engagement, and work culture and morale (Vance, 2023).
Soldiers often spend extended periods away from their loved ones, forming deep bonds with fellow servicemembers. Payday activities reinforce these bonds, creating a sense of community and belonging vital for unit cohesion. These events are about fun and relaxation and act as a platform for Soldiers to interact personally.
In a 2023 article, Treyton Vance wrote, “While camaraderie may seem intangible, its impact on the workplace is profound.” Sharing stories, laughter, and experiences helps Soldiers get to know each other beyond the uniforms and ranks, fostering a stronger sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. This sense of connection can be a source of support and motivation during the most challenging times of military service.
Variety of Payday Activities
Payday activities come in various forms, allowing units to tailor them to their unique preferences and circumstances. Field Manual 6-22 states, “Leaders create the conditions for a developmental culture and build a learning environment to allow subordinates to learn from their own experiences and the experiences of those around them” (Department of the Army, 2022).
Some activities may involve physical challenges, such as obstacle courses or friendly competitions like tug-of-war. In some cases, units use payday activities to engage in team-building exercises, reinforcing the importance of cooperation and communication in their missions. These activities often have a practical aspect, instilling valuable skills Soldiers can apply in their military duties.
The Leadership’s Role
Leadership plays a pivotal role in organizing and facilitating payday activities. With the current operation tempo, the need has never been higher for leaders to put them on the calendar and protect them.
Commanders and NCOs often take the lead in planning and executing these events. Unit commanders empower and guide the NCO support channel, while NCOs plan and conduct day-to-day business (Department of the Army, 2020).
This involvement demonstrates leadership’s commitment to their troops’ well-being and morale while strengthening the bond between leaders and subordinates.
Conclusion
In the Army’s controlled world, payday activities serve as a vital counterbalance to the daily work grind. They offer Soldiers a chance to relax, unwind, and connect with their comrades.
These events go beyond simple entertainment; they foster a sense of belonging, boost individual morale, and enhance unit cohesion. In the military, where the team’s strength is paramount, payday activities are not just a luxury but a necessity that contributes to the force’s overall effectiveness and well-being.
As Soldiers participate in friendly competitions, share stories, or help one another through inspections, they celebrate their shared commitment to duty and unbreakable bonds as brothers and sisters in arms.
References
Department of the Army. (2020). Army command policy (AR 600-20). https://www.armyresilience.army.mil/ard/images/pdf/Policy/600-20%20Army%20Command%20Policy.pdf
Department of the Army. (2022). Developing leaders. (FM 6-22). https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN36735-FM_6-22-000-WEB-1.pdf
Martin, K., Périard, J., Rattray, B., & Pyne, D. B. (2020). Physiological Factors Which Influence Cognitive Performance in Military Personnel. Human Factors, 62(1), 93-123. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018720819841757
Vance, T. (2023, May 06). The power of camaraderie: Why it’s crucial in the workplace. Coaching Focus Group. https://www.coaching-focus.com/blog/the-power-of-camaraderie-why-its-crucial-in-the-workplace
Master Sgt. Michael Green is a student at the Sergeants Major Academy. He has served in a variety of leadership positions over the last 19 years, ranging from team leader to operations sergeant major. He holds an associate degree in general education from Central Texas College.
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