The US Army must be prepared to respond to worldwide strategic challenges as part of a joint and combined team. The individual soldier is at the center of the Army's warfighting ability and is the focus of religious support. The soldier is at the center of the Army's warfighting ability and the focus of religious support. The soldier's training, initiative, resilience, understanding, and response to the demands of the environment are central and vital to mission success. Although technology is rapidly advancing, the fundamental needs of soldiers have remained constant through the years.
Soldiers are now, as always, susceptible to the rigors of combat.
Regardless of the Army's increasing technological sophistication, soldiers continue to worry about themselves and their families. Fears about combat and survivability also remain. Soldiers suffer from fatigue and stress. Harsh weather, difficult terrain, and primitive living conditions reduce the ability to perform even simple tasks. The fears and stressors of combat cause a deterioration in the mental and spiritual condition of soldiers.