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

TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-01and the disposition of the Soldier determines the relative impact of these factors on individualmorale.The characteristics and perceived legitimacy of the mission affects morale. Future operationscharacterized by ambiguity and uncertainty argue that the Army must carefully and deliberatelyaddress these mission factors with Soldiers before, during, and even after operations as animportant determinant of Soldier and family morale. For example, many Soldiers, uninformed orunconvinced by their leaders, questioned the legitimacy of U.S. peacekeeping operations in theBalkans in the 1990s. They believed such operations were inconsistent with and undermined theArmy’s preferred competency to fight major combat operations. 69 Mission factors becomeespecially important in operations when purpose, objectives, definitions of success, and durationchange over time. Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti is an example where the originalobjective of regime change turned into peacekeeping. Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)transitioned from the intended brief conventional campaign followed by a short transition to localcontrol, into complex and violent protracted conflict. This change from conventional combatoperations to a counterinsurgency (COIN) mission is what Army concepts project to be an aspectof future persistent conflict. The Soldier’s readiness to destroy the enemies of the U.S. reflects aWarrior Ethos and mindset that tends to default to conventional operations. This may provefrustrating to Soldiers who must be prepared to adapt rapidly to shifting roles in COIN operationsand the other smaller scale contingencies the U.S. is very likely to encounter in the future. Futurepersistent conflict, repeated deployments, and potential lack of public support can placeadditional strains on Soldier and Family morale.The pace of military operations, OPTEMPO is yet another factor linked to the mission’spurpose, objectives, and progress that affect Soldier morale. 70 In the current OE, frequent andrepeated deployments to the same operational area, separated by short dwell times at homestation, are the predominant reason Soldiers leave the service. 71 For many units, high internalOPTEMPO with packed training schedules and a race to integrate and train new Soldiers whiledeveloping cohesive units, mar the relaxation expected during time spent at home station.Forecasts for the future OE, characterized by diffuse, persistent, smaller scale, and complexcontingencies, suggest this high OPTEMPO pattern will continue.Environmental factors affect Soldier morale. Living conditions and rations concern Soldiers.Yet the effort to provide creature comforts must balance with maintaining fighting fitness andaccomplishing the mission. American Soldiers have shown incredible endurance in the face ofsevere deprivation from Valley Forge to the searing heat of 130-degree deserts in Iraq.Individual factors largely independent of environmental and mission factors influence Soldiermorale. A Soldier’s hardiness together with confidence in their leaders, conditioning, trainingand equipment, and a commitment to their identity as Soldiers strengthens their disposition toapproach the difficult experiences of serving in combat. The Army must continue to provide thebest possible care and living conditions to the Soldier now and in the future, but never at theexpense of the mission.The key to building resiliency—holistic fitness—lies in achieving a balance betweenprotective power of high morale, unit cohesion, and good mental and physical health. Physicallyand mentally fit individuals are better able to pursue a proactive life with a more developed sense63