Pivotal Perspective: In Defense of the Formation

How Engaging with Your Unit Increases Lethality

By Captain Sarah Tate Chambers

Article published on: May 1, 2026 in the 2026 Issue 1 of Army Lawyer

Read Time: < 4 mins

U.S. Army Soldiers begin their day with an early morning formation at Fort Eustis, VA. (Credit: SSG Jeremy Hines)

We stumbled towards the field, eyes often matted, some of us sweaty from the commute in or the workout we just finished. Then, we lined up in ranks on a field—often audibly grumbling about what a pain it was. We are all familiar with this unifying experience of military service: the formation. While some may believe it has little place or purpose in today’s Army, would abandoning it be truly Soldier-care-centered?

Over the course of weeks and months, the small, casual interactions I had during formation fostered deep bonds. To this day, some of these friendships carry me through change, challenge, and everything in between.¹ Beyond the personal level, these informal bonds also reinforce collective resilience and readiness, which are especially relevant in high-stress or combat situations. While formations may seem archaic, they still play a crucial role in building resilience, unit cohesion, and, ultimately, lethality.

Beyond the Office: Why Formation Matters for 27-Series Soldiers

Formations are one of the only organized, daily opportunities for 27-series Soldiers to get away from our computer and out of the office. Sometimes, we need a forcing function to pull ourselves away from our ever-growing to-do lists. Being siloed is not only a detriment to ourselves and the Corps; it is also a detriment to the unit. It will not be optional during the next near-peer conflict.² We must be prepared to be the only 27-series in the room and work seamlessly as a member of the collective team. We also need to be prepared to not have the technical support chain network that we rely on in garrison.³ Formations are an exercise for us to develop those muscles and build those bridges. Showing up to formation and engaging with teammates outside the legal office builds our capacity to lead and serve, and in doing so, we are truly caring for the Soldiers with whom we will go into battle.

The Mundane Is Not Minor

How, then, do we show up at formation? The seemingly trivial interactions that formation affords serve as preparatory exercises for communication, camaraderie, and, ultimately, combat readiness. In other words, chatting and yapping⁴ are important aspects of building unit cohesion.

At the risk of sergeants major rolling their eyes, chatting and yapping offer significant social and community benefits by fostering a sense of belonging and promoting emotional support. Informal conversations help individuals maintain and strengthen social bonds, which are crucial for a healthy sense of community.⁵ Regular social interactions, even in casual settings, have been shown to enhance trust and reciprocity among individuals.⁶ Casual conversations build “bridging” and “bonding” ties that connect individuals across diverse social groups and reinforce shared norms and trust within communities.⁷

Moreover, casual chatting provides an avenue for emotional support, which is essential in promoting mental well-being within communities.⁸ Studies have shown that individuals who engage in regular informal conversations experience lower levels of stress and higher levels of social satisfaction, which, in turn, strengthen communal ties and mutual support networks.⁹ This sense of support through community interchange is especially important in times of crisis or social instability because it helps to foster resilience and collective problem-solving.¹⁰ The first time we are practicing chatting and yapping among the ranks does not need to be while we are confronting our near-peer enemy. If we casually engage other sections—despite our initial discomfort—we prepare ourselves for the next fight as much as the following physical training (PT) does.

Formation provides something increasingly rare in a busy operational environment: a predictable, shared space where Soliders from across sections simply stand together and interact. That small moment of proximity matters.

Changing Unit Dynamics and Performance

The impact of casual conversations reaches past the individual level and shapes the very culture of a unit. Stupid jokes and gentle questions can shift the atmosphere by building a sense of belonging and care that resonates throughout the team. When Soldiers feel genuinely supported by their peers and leadership, it cultivates a culture where resilience, trust, and motivation thrive.¹¹ Research underscores that Soldiers who experience strong social support are not only more resilient and less stressed but also more committed to their roles, elevating the unit’s overall performance.¹² Positive interactions encourage flexible, creative, and adaptive mindsets, which lead to increased resilience.¹³

In a unit culture rooted in trust and belonging, people are more likely to engage fully, commit to group goals, and support each other.¹⁴ This foundation of cohesion and shared purpose transforms a unit from a collection of individuals into a unified, high-performing team.

Formation is not—and should not be—the only time these casual conversations occur. Strong units build connection in may places: on the obstacle course, over coffee before the duty day begins, and in the brief moments between tasks. But, formation provides something increasingly rare in a busy operational environment: a predictable, shared space where Soliders from across sections simply stand together and interact. That small moment of proximity matters. It creates a routine opportunity for the causual conversations that build familiarity, trust, and, ultimately, the cohesion upon which combat effectiveness depends.

Beyond Theory: Formations as a Frontline in Showing Up for Others

Beyond everyday exchanges and unit-level performance, formation provides the opportunity to observe and understand your peers on a deeper level. For instance, imagine a Soldier who normally jokes and smiles during formation. One morning, he shows up looking distracted and withdrawn. Over time, being in formation with this group has allowed you to notice this shift in his usual demeanor. This small observation could prompt you to check in with him: offering support or encouraging him to seek help if needed. It is true that he is not likely to be your Soldier in this situation. But, the only Army I want to be in is one where we all belong to one another and actively care for each other. Do not underestimate the power of a kind word or simple smile. Without closing our eyes, most of us can recall the difference another Soldier made for us when we were at a low point. In these moments, the purpose of formation goes beyond accountability to fostering an environment where we look out for each other’s well-being and ensure no one struggles in isolation.

Formations, despite criticisms, embody the Army value of loyalty and play an important role in generating a supportive, adaptive force ready for challenge. So much is made of the Army’s community, and even something as simple as gathering for formation reinforces that bond.¹⁵ But formation goes beyond community-building; each one is a chance for us to shape the culture of our unit and set the tone for resilience and camaraderie. Every time we show up, we have the opportunity to be the leader and Soldier we want to be, and to influence and strengthen this institution to which we all belong. I cannot wait to stand next to you and hear all your bad jokes. I need them. I bet the Soldier on the other side of you does as well. TAL

Notes