MISPLACED LOYALTIES - THE ROLE OF MILITARY CULTURE IN THE BREAKDOWN OF DISCIPLINE IN PEACE OPERATIONS

This paper examines the breakdown of discipline in two Canadian peace operations in Somalia and in the former Yugoslavia. The author shows h ow cohesion and loyalty, which are considered important components of combat effectiveness, are reinforced by Canadian military culture-part icularly the Regimental system of the Canadian Army. The author then g oes on to describe how strong affective ties, which are encouraged by combat norms, create highly cohesive units that can actually impede th e good functioning of the overall organization.