The term battle space recognises that war is essentially a battle of wills, and that moral superiority and dominance, the decisive imposition of will, is central to success. In military operations, though decisive action will occur in any environment, lasting and decisive presence , morally and physically, occurs principally within the land environment. By the same token the soldier may be in battle for very extended periods and remain in the combat zone at the end of each task or mission. This burden on the individual leader adds to the human stress born of danger, fear, confusion, chaos, exhaustion, loneliness and privation which are features common to all combat. Social, economic and legal structures compound the land environment's natural complexity and friction.
Urbanisation is a particular challenge of the land environment.
Demographic trends suggest that by 2010 nearly two-thirds of the world's population will be urban. The omnipresence of non-combatants and especially the media has a particular impact on land operations. It exposes the responsibility of every soldier as a weapon bearer, and means that the actions of any soldier may often have political, strategic or operational level implications. Because every leader may be required to make the decision to engage the enemy personally, every soldier must understand and apply the relevant Law of Armed Conflict and Rules of Engagement. This requires an attitude of mind which grasps the initiative and seeks originality and surprise.