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One Team, One Fight

Balancing Individualism and Collective Purpose

By Command Sgt. Maj. Errol H. Brooks

7th Army Training Command NCO Academy

June 27, 2025

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Five helmeted Soldiers wearing vests and kneepads advance with rifles drawn as plumes of white smoke billow near the road the squad crosses.

The rise of individualism presents a potential challenge to Army cohesion. Through effective leadership and a focus on shared purpose, the Army can adapt and ensure that the strength of the “we” continues to be the foundation of their success. (U.S. Army photo by Patrick A. Albright)

The Power of Conformity

As a young Soldier, I realized I had to conform to the Army. It started with basic training. The drill sergeants made it clear that they would turn us into a fighting force capable of winning the nation’s wars. They enforced discipline, standards, team building, and the competitive spirit among the trainees.

Looking back at the past 26 years, I realize how pivotal basic training was to the Soldier I would become. I’ve seen firsthand how individualism can erode our core tenets. I’ve witnessed Soldiers of all ranks prioritize personal comfort over mission objectives and seen its negative impact on unit effectiveness.

As technology evolves and innovative ideas emerge to advance society, we must maintain our fundamentals as the profession of arms. We must retain core principles of standards, discipline, team building, and the competitive spirit.

While not new to the Army, individualism is eroding our core tenets. How do we get Soldiers to understand that the Army is larger than the individual?

The Army’s cornerstone is cohesion, a state where Soldiers unite, setting aside personal freedoms for the collective mission and well-being (Department of the Army [DA], 2015). However, the growing wave of individualism poses a threat, potentially eroding this crucial element and leading to dire consequences.

These consequences include a significant decrease in unit effectiveness, a surge in conflicts within units, and a dangerous loss of focus on the Army’s mission and objectives (DA, 2019b).

“We” (the collective) vs. “Me” (the individual)

Merriam-Webster defines individualism as “a doctrine that the interests of the individual are or ought to be ethically paramount” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). In other words, individual needs and wants should precede the collective or team.

The power of teamwork is the vehicle that drives the Army to succeed. The ability to follow orders, set aside personal ambitions for the greater good, and trust fellow Soldiers in life-or-death situations is paramount.

Brig. Gen. Steven P. Carpenter, commanding general of 7th Army Training command, once made an analogy between a water buffalo and a zebra during a speech. He said water buffalo work as a collective when attacked, whereas zebras take an individualistic approach (Carpenter, n.d.). Usually, a buffalo herd will protect its smaller or weaker members. By contrast, zebras take a solitary approach and flee rather than protect the herd.

Working as a collective has many benefits (Bond Collective, n.d.). However, focusing on individual goals and achievements deteriorates the team and can negatively impact the organization.

Prioritizing personal comfort or recognition over mission objectives weakens unit effectiveness. Skipping training or seeking personal recognition over the team’s success will also jeopardize effectiveness.

Individualism weakens the Army. When everyone prioritizes their goals, there is less emphasis on working toward a common purpose (DA, 2025). These choices can make it harder for units to achieve and win.

Civilians join the Army for myriad reasons. However, the Army exists for specific reasons. The most vital reasons are to deter war and win in combat if deterrence fails (DA, 2019a). Unfortunately, we do not communicate the message effectively. Soldiers focus more on their social media status and hair color than on the training and proficiency required to win in combat.

Some half a dozen Soldiers work together to pass rescue gear over a wall.

The power of teamwork is the vehicle that drives the Army to succeed. The ability to follow orders, set aside personal ambitions for the greater good, and trust fellow Soldiers in life-or-death situations is paramount. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Nelson)

Enamored by Social Media

Social media can be a double-edged sword. It allows Soldiers to stay connected with friends and family, which can contribute to their well-being and morale (U.S. Army, n.d.). However, some platforms’ constant focus on self-presentation and instant gratification can clash with the discipline and selflessness required in the Army (DA, 2025).

While many Soldiers use social media to drive change and promote the Army’s values, some use these platforms to promote their individualism and disparage the profession for personal reasons (DA, 2019b).

If not tempered, social media can undermine Army cohesion. Soldiers must understand that social media is a tool, and its impact on the profession depends on how it’s used (U.S. Army, n.d.). Every one of us needs to use social media responsibly and in a way that aligns with the Army’s values and mission (DA, 2025).

Finding the Right Balance

Modern militaries understand the importance of recognizing individual contributions and catering to the needs of a diverse force (DA, 2024a). However, this should not overshadow the importance of encouraging a sense of shared purpose and collaborative sacrifice (DA, 2015).

Shared purpose refers to a mutual understanding and commitment to the Army’s mission and objectives (DA, 2019b). It is crucial because it aligns individual actions and decisions with collective goals, enhancing unity and cohesion.

Maintaining Army cohesion is not just about following orders. It is about ensuring each Soldier’s safety and success (DA, 2025). We are stronger and more effective when we work together.

A close-up photograph of a smartphone shows a screen labeled “Social Media,” containing nine icons for apps including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more.

While many Soldiers use social media to drive change and promote the Army’s values, some use these platforms to promote their individualism and disparage the profession for personal reasons. (U.S. Army photo by Linda Lambiotte)

The Road Ahead

Leadership is the foundation for maintaining a healthy balance between individualism and collective purpose. As leaders, we can foster a harmonious environment by encouraging initiative and celebrating individual excellence, all while promoting teamwork and selflessness.

Mentorship programs that nurture a sense of belonging and shared history can significantly strengthen unit bonds. These mentorship programs must begin early and continue throughout Soldiers’ careers (DA, 2024b).

Our collective responsibility is to ensure the strength of the “we,” the collective, remains the foundation of the Army profession.

Is Individualism the Real Threat?

We must consider other factors impacting Army cohesion, such as societal norms and attitudes toward authority or the challenges of integrating modern technologies (DA, 2019b).

Individualism might be a symptom, not a disease. In fact, individualism can also bring certain benefits to the Army, such as fostering innovation and adaptability. For instance, leaders should encourage Soldiers to think independently, take initiative, and produce creative solutions to complex problems (DA, 2019b).

However, it can threaten Army cohesion when it becomes excessive and erodes the sense of shared purpose and unity when used solely for personal gain.

Three helmeted Soldiers in facepaint stand before a wall outdoors, rifles held before them, speaking together as if strategizing their next movements.

Leaders should encourage Soldiers to think independently, take initiative, and produce creative solutions to complex problems. However, it can threaten Army cohesion when it becomes excessive and erodes the sense of shared purpose and unity when used solely for personal gains. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Yadira Rosales)

Conclusion

The Army does not strip individuals of values or beliefs. It does, however, introduce team dynamics to trainees.

Once we graduated, I understood the true importance of collective purpose. I realized we’re part of an organization that relies on every single person. We know every person plays a pivotal role in this profession (DA, 2019a). We understand trust is the foundation on which the Army thrives.

The rise of individualism presents a potential challenge to Army cohesion. However, through effective leadership and a focus on shared purpose, the Army can adapt and ensure the strength of the “we” continues to be the foundation of success.

Every Soldier is personally accountable for upholding Army values and contributing to the Army’s mission (DA, 2025). Leaders must be the example that embodies these values.

References

Bond Collective. (n.d.). 27 productivity-boosting benefits of a collaborative workspace. Bond Collective. https://www.bondcollective.com/blog/collaborative-workspace

Carpenter, S. P. (n.d.). The water buffalo and zebra analogy. Unpublished manuscript.

Department of the Army. (2015). ATP 6-22.6: Army team building. https://rdl.train.army.mil/catalog-ws/view/100.ATSC/A5D5F75B-C472-4759-83D6-91BB9D1B9EEA-1446205982463/atp_6-22x6.pdf

Department of the Army. (2019a). ADP 1: The Army. https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN18008-ADP_1-000-WEB-2.pdf

Department of the Army. (2019b). ADP 6-0: Mission command. https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN34403-ADP_6-0-000-WEB-3.pdf

Department of the Army. (2024a). ADP 7-0: Training. https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN40738-ADP_7-0-000-WEB-2.pdf

Department of the Army. (2024b). ATP 6-22.1: Providing feedback: Counseling-coaching-mentoring. https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN40232-ATP_6-22.1-000-WEB-1.pdf

Department of the Army. (2025). AR 600-100: Army profession and leadership policy. https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN41851-AR_600-100-000-WEB-1.pdf

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Individualism. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individualism

U.S. Army. (n.d.). U.S. Army social media guide. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from https://www.army.mil/socialmedia

 

Command Sgt. Maj. Errol H. Brooks took responsibility as the 36th commandant of the 7th Army Training Command NCO Academy, Grafenwoehr, Germany, in January 2024.

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