[willio58]

Externally, it seems this bond could be explained by:

1. Everyone is together, away from distractions, and unable to leave easily for months on end

2. You are working toward shared goals

3. You are friendly toward each other

It's a recipe for a strong bond. Another example of this is famous bands. They're constantly traveling for work, together, trying to write more music and become more famous as they go.

[SoftTalker]

I think it's more than that, it's the extreme psychological and physical challenge of going through boot camp together. I have not gone through it but understand it to be beyond anything a "normal" person ever experiences. This bonds people in a way that's closer than ordinary friendship or in many cases closer than even biological brotherhood.

[bumby]

>You are friendly toward each other

Many civilians are aghast when they see how Marines act toward one another. The constant shit-talking and physical fighting probably wouldn't be described as "friendly" but definitely "brotherly"

[KineticLensman]

The way I've heard it described in the British Army is "We will laugh if you fall down but we will help you up"

[maerF0x0]

I'd extend the shared goals bit to include difficulty. Physically challenging, life risking, risk of failure etc... I've seen far too many "team bonding" setups fit all 3 of your criteria, but fail dismally to result in bonding.

[bumby]

Out of curiosity, what's the context of those team bonding exercises?

I'm curious if the failure is due to short duration and knowing you can revert back to your normal mode in a few days. Humans are creatures of habit, after all, and I don't think what I see in most corporate team-bonding exercises is enough to overcome that in most people.

[maerF0x0]

> unable to leave easily for months on end

Ah yeah, i think i missed this on first pass. Yes they were typically < 1 week.