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FACTSHEET | Oct. 8, 2020

Sustaining Unit Cohesion During COVID-19: A Quick-Guide for Leaders

Cohesion is “the bond of relationships and motivational factors that help a team stay together” (ADP 6-22). Cohesion evolves from relationships that are forged over time and is built on a foundation of shared experiences, mutual reliance, and a common perspective. It is the component of unit readiness that enables unit members to sustain their commitment to one another and to the mission during times of stress. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, units are taking preventive health measures like physical distancing, face covering, and avoiding crowded spaces to protect unit and Soldier health. While these measures are vital to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, they may challenge how units develop and sustain cohesion over time. The following are suggestions for how units can sustain cohesion during COVID-19.