TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-01 - TRADOC - U.S. Army

TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-011-5. The Future Environment and Unchanging Nature of ConflictThe Army has previously acknowledged the primacy of the human dimension as the decisiveelement of battles and campaigns; however, the pendulum has swung to the other extreme inrecent times as discussed in the following paragraph.Many well intentioned advocates insist more high-tech weapons systems willreduce the need for Soldiers on the battlefield. But history—including veryrecent operational experiences—does not substantiate that conclusion. Scienceand technology cannot account for the dynamic interactions of the physical andmoral elements that often impact conflict in unpredictable ways. While conflictpresents technical problems, it is not itself one. That is why the practice of warremains an art, “infused with will, creativity and judgment. 1Responding to the ongoing operational challenges of the U.S. Army engaged globally in fullspectrum operations, the Army must continue to focus on the Soldier. Interest in the humandimension and its interaction with the operational environment (OE) is increasing. To swing thependulum back toward the Soldier, the Army must examine and discuss the broad range ofhuman dimension considerations that influence recruiting, accessing, training, developing, andsustaining the force. This study considers holistically how to achieve the proper balance ofSoldier and technology.Soldiers are the heart of the Army and the foundation of its combat power. Soldiers servewith distinction in the most powerful and respected land force the world has ever seen. Strong inwill, unyielding in spirit, serving in harm’s way—Soldiers are the essence of the Army. Morethan a slogan or catch phrase, “Soldiers, the centerpiece of all Army organizations,” recognizesthat operations across the spectrum of conflict are essentially human endeavors. The Army’sexperience, since the end of the cold war, is that the military will continue to wage war primarilywithin the human dimension in future full spectrum operations for the future concept period(2015-2024).We will seek individuals ready and willing for warrior service. Bound to eachother by integrity and trust, the young Americans we welcome to our ranks willlearn that in the Army, every Soldier is a leader responsible for what happens inhis or her presence regardless of rank. They will value learning and adaptabilityat every level, particularly as it contributes to initiative: creating situations for anadversary, rather than reacting to them. They will learn that the Army’s culture isone of selfless service, a warrior culture rather than a corporate one. As such, it isnot important who gets the credit, either within the Army or within the joint team;what’s important is that the Nation is served.Secretary of the Army Les BrownleeFormer Chief of Staff of the Army General SchoomakerServing a Nation at War12