C hapter 1
1-1. Introduction
I Am a Warrior and a Member of a Team
As defined in this study, the human dimension encompasses the moral, physical, and cognitive components of Soldier, leader, and organizational development and performance essential to raise, prepare, and employ the Army in full spectrum operations. This definition is more traditional than revolutionary—a recognition that human nature will not change, and that war, notwithstanding the inevitable changes in the purposes, ways and means, will remain the savage clash of wills that it always has been. This study intentionally raises more questions than it answers about the complex human problems facing the Army in the next decade providing opportunities for further study.
Previous work in Army concept development for the period 2015 to 2024 comprehensively describes how the Army’s future Modular Force will conduct future full spectrum operations (FSO). These documents, collectively known as the Army Concept Strategy, examine how the future operating environment will drive the Army to make significant changes in the domains of doctrine, organizations, training, materiel, leader development, personnel and facilities (DOTMLPF) in order to meet future challenges. All of these concepts emphasize the importance of the Soldier as the centerpiece of transformation, but neither individually nor collectively adequately identifies the implications they project on the Soldier. This study addresses those implications on the Army—particularly on Soldiers and their Families. It offers a multi-disciplined approach to considerations insufficiently treated in other concepts but critical to preparing the Army to fight and win our Nation’s conflicts.
Concepts are precursors to future doctrine, and, as such, only as good as the assumptions they make about the future. Concepts differ from doctrine in their scope and in their effort to promote changes today that will enable operations in the future. Eventually, the ideas proposed in concepts undergo rigorous evaluation in exercises and experimentation before acceptance and integration into current doctrine. The Human Dimension concept, when published, will not likely have a single doctrinal equivalent document. The seminal importance of the human dimension transcends the scope of a single domain. As such, this Human Dimension study must be a dynamic and ongoing effort that sprouts further research and dialogue aimed as improving the Army’s contribution to the Nation’s future.
The Army’s ability to perform its mission depends ultimately on its human element. Soldiers, leaders and other professional specialists must perform effectively as individuals and as members of teams and units if the Army, the joint force and the National defense efforts are to succeed. Recruiting new Soldiers, developing them into professionals, and sustaining their excellence requires full exploitation of the Nation’s technical and human advantages as well as thoughtful, imaginative leadership. This will apply regardless of the length of service from single enlistments to a full multi-decade career.
The Army’s Human Dimension concept, as amplified in this study, aims to recommend new ways to recruit and sustain a professional force capable of prosecuting today’s missions and adapting to meet future needs that are likely to change substantially. The study prescribes deliberate and continuing review of the Army’s mission and its human development implications (observation); ongoing assessment of the force and its human component (orientation); conscious and timely decisionmaking to guide development of the human resources of the Army (decide); and, timely and comprehensive actions to maintain human excellence and mission-readiness in the force from initial entry to senior levels both individually and collectively.
1-2. The Operational Problem
Current trends in the global and domestic operational environments will challenge the United States' ability to maintain a future responsive, professional, All-Volunteer Force. Soldiers will operate in an era of persistent conflict amongst populations with diverse religious, ethnic, and societal values. Faced with continuous employment across the full range of military operations, the Army will require extraordinary strength in the moral, physical, and cognitive components of the human dimension. Existing accessions, personnel, and force training and education development efforts will not meet these future challenges, placing at grave risk the Army's ability to provide combatant commanders the forces and capabilities necessary to execute the National Security, National Defense, and National Military Strategies.
1-3. Solution Synopsis
The Army will need to increase its human dimension focus in both the operational Army and Generating Force in order to meet future challenges and operate in an era of persistent conflict. Improved capabilities must address the broad range of human dimension actions necessary to prepare, support, and sustain this force. The Army must maintain a proper balance of moral, physical, and cognitive development with contributions from science and technology (S&T) that can enhance Soldier physical and mental performance. The Army must widen the community of practice in the human dimension to continue to explore how we can best recruit, train, and retain an all volunteer force that can operate across the entire range of military operations.
The Human Dimension study is unique to Army concepts not only in the subject matter but also in its organization. As a study intended to inform and provide the foundation for the Human Dimension concept, it provides an expanded, well-researched body of information.
Each chapter consists of three sections. The first section contains the key ideas and main text of the chapter. The second section contains a vignette that illustrates the challenges found in the future operational environment and establishes a context to help the reader visualize the impact of the human dimension in that environment. The third section then suggests an array of required capabilities needed to execute that chapter’s key ideas, followed by recommended questions for further study.
This chapter introduces the operational problem that this study and the concept itself seek to address. It introduces the idea of a future of persistent conflict and goes on to describe the unchanging nature of conflict. It continues with a discussion of the Army as a profession and of the future challenges, Soldiers and all members of the Army family will face.
Chapter 2 further sets the stage for the rest of the study. It identifies future trends that will affect the human dimension. From it, the remaining chapters draw their relevance and validate the need for change.
Chapter 3 begins the discussion of the triad of the moral, physical, and cognitive components of Soldier and organizational development and performance with a discussion the moral component. This chapter establishes the primacy of a values-based Army imbued with the warrior spirit.
Chapter 4 moves to the physical component proposing that that future Soldiers will need more than mere physical training and fitness. It advances instead, a holistic fitness approach that takes into account all aspects of mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Chapter 5 completes the triad with the cognitive component of Soldier development. It deals with training and education throughout the life cycle of Soldiers as individuals, and collectively in units, offering that learning must continue to be a lifelong process.
Chapter 6 presents a distinct treatment of the phenomena of combat and operational stress, as they will affect the Army of the future. It postulates that persistent conflict characterized by repeated deployments and intensive training and combat operations will continue to challenge the Army.
Chapter 7 extends the discussions in the preceding chapters to how the Army must access and retain its human capital including the Army Family. It takes into account forgoing discussions on the operational environment, the triad of human development, and the impact of a high operational tempo (OPTEMPO) on recruiting, developing, and retaining committed individuals.
Chapter 8 addresses both the impact and the potential contributions of S&T on the Army of the future. It introduces advances in both materiel and social sciences that can enhance human performance both physically and cognitively.
Chapter 9 serves as an integration chapter within this study by bringing the role of leadership and the development of future leaders into focus. In the context of all the preceding material, the leadership chapter highlights the preeminent role of commanders and leaders at all levels in comprehending and applying all aspects of the human dimension to accomplish the Army’s mission.
Chapter 10 provides a summary of the concept and lays down a challenge to today’s Soldiers and leaders to take action proactively to insure that the Nation continues to invest its energy and resources in the right way to maintain and evolve the preeminent land forces of the future.
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