Group communication is vital in many aspects of our professions. It's human nature to coexist with others in various roles: whether it's the military, emergency medicine, football, or even school. The American Heritage Dictionary (n.d.) defines communication as the exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, through words, signals, writings, or behavior. While serving in the United States Armed Forces, service members must learn to take orders from those who are ranked higher than them. But it is also essential to know how to listen to subordinates too. The concept of team and bonding with other sailors, marines, soldiers or airmen can mean the difference between life and death. When at sea on a ship there are hundreds, if not thousands, of dangers that can be avoided by communicating with other shipmates. While on the battlefield with a squad or regiment, good teamwork can very well prevent people from being injured or maimed. There is no other fundamental as important as good communication with other team members in this capacity. As stated by US Army Specialist Jared Ward, “If people can't talk here, they can get hurt or hurt (Alberts, 2007, p. 1 p. 10).” These forms of communication can be as common as broadcasting and accepting orders, or as complex as hand signals given during a situation where silence and stealth are required to execute a given mission. Another team effort where communication is key is in the emergency field. medicinal. Some of the key roles in a local hospital's emergency department, such as IV, bloodletting, and triage, must be performed together with doctors, nurses, technicians, ancillary staff, and others to establish cohesion... medium paper...... varsity men's basketball team, says it best: “Effective teamwork begins and ends with communication. Communication must be taught and practiced to unite everyone as one (Krzyzewski, 2007, p. 1).” ReferencesAlberts, M. (2007, April 5, 2007). The team ensures communication on the battlefield. Retrieved February 19, 2008, from http://army.mil/-news/2007/04/05/2544-team-ensures-communication-on-battlefield/American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (n.d.). definition of communication. Retrieved February 12, 2008, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/communicationKrzyzewski, M. (2007, August 2007). Coaching teams. Personal Excellence, 12(8), p. 15. Online classroom (2005, January). Facilitating team learning means more than just assigning group projects. Online Classroom, January 5, 2005. Retrieved February 12, 2008 from the EBSCOHOST database.