by Robert M. Traxler
Military standards in the United States Army for weight, fitness and grooming have been increased; this is an outstanding program. Strict standards produce a lean, mean fighting machine.
Having served in both the draft-era Army and in the all-volunteer Army, I found that the difference was enormous. In the draft force, soldiers were forced to serve and not allowed to be easily eliminated for poor performance or an anti-everything attitude.
Open your mind and think about people who you work with who just did not want to be there, who hated the job; were they the best folks you ever worked with? It is unlikely but possible in a very few isolated cases, but not the norm by a long shot, in the neighborhood of one in a thousand. Most soldiers forced to serve were not found in the elite units like Special Forces, Airborne and Ranger units.
Facial hair and long hair just do not work with protective masks; masks will not properly seal, allowing unfiltered air in. Overweight soldiers are not as efficient as lean soldiers, which equates to not as mission capable. A pound of fat a soldier is carrying could be a pound of rations or munitions.
The introduction of stricter military standards is aimed at creating a more efficient and effective fighting force. By emphasizing physical fitness, proper grooming, and performance standards, the military will ensure that only committed and capable individuals serve. The transition from a draft Army to an all-volunteer force allowed for the elimination of those who did not meet the rigorous requirements or who lacked the necessary dedication, thus fostering a more motivated and high-performing Army.
Soldiers who are compelled to serve, as opposed to those who volunteer, often lack the motivation and commitment that are vital for effective military performance. This disparity is particularly evident in the elite units such as Special Forces, Airborne and Ranger units, where voluntary enlistment typically indicates a higher level of dedication and readiness.
Volunteers are generally more driven and capable, as they have chosen military service out of a genuine desire to serve, rather than out of forced service under penalty of law and imprisonment or execution for refusing. This choice fosters a stronger sense of responsibility and a greater willingness to meet the stringent standards required for mission accomplishment.
Soldiers who are properly motivated strive to be challenged both physically and mentally. They understand the importance of rigorous training and the development of skills that are essential for survival and success on the modern battlefield. This motivation drives them to improve their physical fitness, master complex tactics, and maintain a high level of mental resilience.
The commitment to overcoming obstacles and pushing beyond their limits helps to forge a military force that is not only capable but also adaptive and ready to face any threat on the modern battlefield.
In the current world where the stakes are incredibly high, the diligence and unwavering dedication of properly motivated soldiers make a significant difference in the effectiveness and readiness of the unit. Their desire and pursuit of excellence ensures that they are prepared to handle the most demanding situations and to protect their nation against any adversary. Indeed, history teaches us that a smaller, properly motivated, equipped and trained force can defeat a much larger force of conscripts.
The world is a dangerous place, as the war between Pakistan and India attests. Two nuclear powered nations are engaged in their fifth war since 1947 (along with four significant border clashes). Tthe Islamic Republic of Pakistan arguably has started all five wars and lost every one to date. Pakistan, with 20 to 45 nuclear weapons and a nation that feels their crusade is ordained by God against the godless Hindus, should scare us all.
Our soldiers want to be challenged and held to high standards. We only need to look at the increase in enlistments after the new standards were publicized. The Army has already surpassed their 2025 goals in just five months. My opinion.
