The Breaking of the SU(3) Gauge Group

We discuss why the SU(3) supersymmetric model with the most general superpotential can naturally break to the standard model if gauge singlets and a discrete symmetry are included. This mechanism does away with the need for fine-tuning in the form of the assumed absence of certain terms in the superpotential. It also automatically guarantees that any abelian discrete phase symmetry of the GUT will survive the symmetry breaking. Such a discrete symmetry, also known as the matter parity, is needed to suppress both proton decay [1] and the flavor changing neutral current (FCNC), and may help solve the hierarchy problem.