The O's

Question 1

What is Old Sergeant Syndrome?

Answer 1

In essence, it refers to war-weary troops rather than those constitutionally unsuited to battle.

Question 2

When and where the term Old Sergeant Syndrome was employed?

Answer 2

1. term employed in the US army during World War Two to describe experienced soldiers exposed to prolonged and severe combat.
2. It was also reported in the Korean War (1950–53) and led the US army to implement a rotation system after the first year of that conflict.
3. This phenomenon had been observed in units of the British Eighth Army deployed to the Normandy offensive after active service in the Western Desert and Italy. Although formerly excellent units some were out performed by inexperienced new divisions deployed from the UK. Brigadier James had described such cases as ‘campaign neurosis’.