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The Power of Stability

By Command Sgt. Maj. John T. Adkerson

U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Riley, Kansas

September 29, 2025

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A horizontal photograph shows two Soldiers shaking hands next to a machine gun. This image is the first in a series of two accompanying the article.

A long-term familial bond translates into a level of trust and understanding hard to replicate in units with high turnover rates. As outlined in Army Doctrine Publication (ADP) 6-22, Army Leadership and the Profession, effective leadership is built on trust and cohesion — both of which are enhanced through long-term stability (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brianna Badder)

In the ever-evolving landscape of military service, one constant remains crucial for mission success: unit cohesion. Early in my career in the 82nd Airborne Division (ABN), I experienced the transformative power of long-term unit assignments.

My journey began in the same unit where I spent seven years and nine months, deploying four times to combat zones and once to Haiti for earthquake relief efforts. This experience left an everlasting mark on my understanding of what it means to be part of a cohesive, high-performing team.

The Value of Long-Term Stability

In an era where frequent reassignment is the norm, my extended tenure in the 82nd ABN provided a unique perspective on the benefits of stability. The longer we stayed together, the more we became a family.

This familial bond translated into a level of trust and understanding that is hard to replicate in units with high turnover rates. As outlined in Army Doctrine Publication (ADP) 6-22, Army Leadership and the Profession, effective leadership is built on trust and cohesion — both of which are enhanced through long-term stability (Department of the Army [DA], 2019a).

Building a Culture of Excellence

Our unit was not just a collection of individuals. It was a tightly knit community. We were competitive, always pushing each other to excel. At one point, our company boasted more than 30 special skill tabs, a testament to our collective commitment to excellence.

This competitive spirit fostered a culture where mediocrity was not an option. We operated within a band of excellence, consistently delivering top-tier performance in every mission.

This approach aligns with the principles outlined in Field Manual (FM) 7-0, Training, which emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and a culture of excellence (DA, 2021).

The Importance of Shared Experiences

Deploying together multiple times created a shared history that bonded us deeply. Whether it was navigating the complexities of combat zones or providing humanitarian aid in Haiti, these experiences forged an unbreakable bond.

The camaraderie built through shared hardships and triumphs is a powerful force that enhances unit cohesion and effectiveness. ADP 3-0, Operations, emphasizes the importance of shared experiences in building cohesive and resilient teams capable of adapting to diverse mission sets (DA, 2025).

The Long-Term Impact

A horizontal photograph shows five Soldiers climbing over a wall. This image is the second in a series of two accompanying the article.

Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division use teamwork to scale a wall in Baghdad's Sha'ab neighborhood, Jan. 16, 2008. Camaraderie built through shared hardships and triumphs is a powerful force that enhances unit cohesion and effectiveness. ADP 3-0, Operations, emphasizes the importance of shared experiences in building cohesive and resilient teams capable of adapting to diverse mission sets. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Pryor)

The impact of our long-term assignments extends far beyond our active-duty years. Even today, we stay in touch, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.

This enduring connection is a testament to the strength of the bonds we formed during our time in the 82nd ABN. As noted in ADP 1, The Army, the long-term impact of cohesive teams extends beyond the battlefield, fostering lifelong connections and a sense of belonging (DA, 2019b).

Disruptions for Families

Frequent relocations present challenges for the families of service members, impacting both children and spouses. For military children, regular school changes disrupt academic continuity, often leading to issues with credit transfer and meeting graduation requirements. These transitions not only affect their education but also their social stability, as they must constantly adapt to new environments and friendships.

Meanwhile, spouses face career obstacles, frequently pausing or altering their professional goals to accompany their service member on new assignments. This sacrifice can take a toll on their mental health and sense of identity, as they put their ambitions on hold to support their family and the mission.

The cumulative impact on these families shows the importance of community support and policies that help ease these transitions, ensuring stability and resilience within military households. Fewer family stressors results in families capable of enduring military life longer.

Lessons for the Future

As the military continues to evolve, it’s crucial to recognize the value of long-term unit assignments. While frequent reassignments may offer new experiences and opportunities, they can also disrupt the cohesion and trust vital for mission success.

By fostering stability, the military can build stronger, more resilient teams better equipped to face the challenges of modern warfare. This is echoed in ADP 6-22, which emphasizes the importance of stability in developing effective leadership and team dynamics (DA, 2019a).

Conclusion

My experience in the 82nd ABN underscores the importance of long-term unit assignments. The stability, shared experiences, and competitive culture we cultivated were instrumental in building a cohesive, high-performing team.

As we look to the future, it is essential to consider how we can integrate these lessons to enhance the effectiveness and resilience of our military units.

References

Department of the Army. (2019a). Army Leadership and the Profession (ADP) 6-22. https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1007609

Department of the Army. (2019b). The Army (ADP 1). https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1007346

Department of the Army. (2021). Training (FM 7-0). https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1022335

Department of the Army. (2025). Operations (ADP 3-0). https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1030747

Command Sgt. Maj. John “AK” Adkerson is the Fort Riley, Kansas, garrison command sergeant major. He has served in a variety of leadership assignments and positions over the last 20 years, ranging from team leader to command sergeant major. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from American Military University.

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