[The Shrew]

I really, really appreciate the summary. One of the things that brought this up for me again was watching "We Were Soldiers Once...." and the General changes the unit's designation to 1/7 Cavalary before they load out for Vietnam. Meanwhile all of the soldiers are wearing 2nd ID - Indian Head - Division patchs on their sleeves.

Do you think this hurts unit morale or the esprit of the troops?

Semper Fi!

TS

[PsyOp]

Do you think this hurts unit morale or the esprit of the troops?

No. Members of units like the 1/7 have their individual unit history as well as that of the Division to draw on. I hails back to the Regimental era and adds its lustre to the 2d ID, a newer unit, giving the whole something to live up to. Kind of like spreading the wealth. It also results in competitive rivalries (the good kind) between units that might not have as hallowed a past.