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

TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-01future environment of continuous engagement. Coping with the stress of prolonged deploymentsinto combat, Soldiers and family members indicate that religion remains an important source ofmorale, unit well-being, and marriage stability. 58The basic instinct for survival conflicts with the spirit that characterizes the Warrior Ethos.Such conflict is the challenge the Army faces in developing Soldiers motivated toward selflessservice and the willingness to sacrifice. The Army has long recognized the human desire to be amember of a highly respected organization sustained by a higher purpose, seeking connectionwith others of similar interest as an important motivation for potential recruits to join the Army.There is little evidence that would suggest this normal human desire will change in the future.While initial training in basic military skills provides the medium to cultivate the warrior spiritand the essential bonds of camaraderie, it is total immersion in the distinct culture of the Armythat establishes the initial foundations for personal and professional identity with what it means tobe a Soldier. The Army places great emphasis on its proud heritage, discipline, the wear andappearance of uniforms, customs of the service, values, and teamwork to build esprit de corpsand cohesive teams and units.It is also through social connections with otherSoldiers, the acquisition of professional expertise andcombat survival techniques that Soldiers establish thenecessary support network, the personal identity, andgrowing self-confidence that militaries have referred to asmorale. Morale is another intangible like spirit. It ismore a state of mind. High morale helps Soldiers andtheir units cope with the fear and stress of combat.Similarly, Soldiers’ growing feelings of esteem alsocontribute to developing the warrior spirit. Regardless ofMore than any other single factorof combat readiness it is the waySoldiers feel about themselves,their fellow Soldiers and theiroutfit that is most likely to carrythe battle.General Creighton W. AbramsArmy Chief of Staff, 1972-1974the source of spiritual strength and inspiration, Soldiers with strong indomitable fighting spiritendure the hardships of war and persevere to accomplish their combat missions.Character defines a person. What the person stands for determines behavior and provides thecourage and will to act in accordance with beliefs and values. From the military perspective, theSoldier’s character sustains the warrior spirit and provides the physical courage to fight in theoften ambiguous and chaotic conditions of major combat or asymmetric operations, and themoral courage to act in accordance with, and to enforce, the profession’s values and ethics. Astrong sense of character provides both an anchor and a moral compass providing stability anddirection when faced with moral decisions.Normally, the struggle to discover their one’s identity and character and to establish oneselfas an independent and unique individual begins with adolescence. It is a time of confusion andanxiety as well as optimism and hope, as young individuals attempt to be unique while alsotrying to fit in. Therefore, the years immediately after high school or during college—preciselythe time young Soldiers enter the Army—are critical periods in which to establish coherent andevolving world-views. The foundation established at home may be incomplete or insufficientlystrong to withstand the demands of military life or the shock of battle. Given such disparities, the57