Modern Army Training: The Evolution and Ethics
In the annals of military history, the transition of training soldiers to effectively and efficiently killing during combat has been a subject of both fascination and ethical debate. This article delves into the modern methodologies employed by armies to transform recruits into effective combatants, challenges the understanding of 'killing mentality,' and explores the psychological and medical aspects involved in such training.
The Evolution of Soldier Training
During World War II, the ratio of soldiers actively seeking to kill the enemy was around 20%. This statistic stands in stark contrast to the considerably higher figure seen by the late 1960s, where the US Army noted that 90% of soldiers were actively engaged in killing activities by the Vietnam War. What precipitated this significant increase? Techniques were refined and tactics were improved, moving from abstract training methods to more realistic ones that mirrored combat scenarios.
The shift was from aiming at a circle target to focusing on silhouette targets. This change was aimed at making the training experience more relatable and real for the soldiers. As one trainee described, 'It's like shooting at a person, not a target.' This psychological adaptation made the transition from peacetime to wartime conditions smoother for many soldiers.
Training and Conditioning
Modern army training goes beyond mere physical conditioning; it involves a deep psychological and medical approach to prepare soldiers for the mental and physical demands of combat. Training often includes exposure to imagery depicting actual combat scenarios, casualties, and injuries. Furthermore, the risk of death during training is not negligible; casualties have occurred, as evidenced by incidents involving heat stroke and accidents during drills.
For example, during a routine training exercise, a soldier at Fort Bennett passed away from heat stroke during a two-mile run. Another incident involved soldiers in a boiler room who died from exposure to toxic smoke. These events serve as stark reminders of the potential risks involved in rigorous training.
Psychological Conditioning and Brainwashing
One of the most controversial aspects of modern army training is the concept of brainwashing to instill a killing mentality in soldiers. Some argue that the primary goal is not to kill but to protect one's comrades. During my service, I was taught that aimed shots into the center of mass could incapacitate an enemy and keep them from taking down four others. This focused on wounding rather than killing, emphasizing the importance of protecting one's team.
During an Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) course, a fellow student became upset when I instructed him to shoot during a live-fire drill. He feared the consequences of not cleaning his weapon. Modern training now encourages soldiers to engage in simulative combat more often, ensuring that they are ready for real-world scenarios.
A key part of the training ethos is the protection of one's teammates. This is evident in the practice of initiating combat with rapid fire to create immediate cover, followed by covering positions to ensure everyone's safety. New training methodologies emphasize teamwork and mutual support, rather than individual heroism or killing.
One training instructor once interrupted a drill to emphasize the importance of covering one's teammates. He said, 'You have to clear this before the Goo…' and then noticed another service member who came from a different cultural background. He corrected himself and said, 'Before the enemy gets you.' This illustrates the evolving nature of training to address the diverse backgrounds and cultural sensitivities of soldiers.
Conclusion
The evolution of modern army training reflects a deep understanding of the psychological and physical demands of combat. While the process involves conditioning and exposure to real-world scenarios to prepare soldiers, the primary objective remains the protection of one's teammates and the overall mission success. Understanding and addressing these aspects can help transform approaches to training, ensuring that soldiers are both prepared and ethical in their combat readiness.
As we continue to explore and refine these training methods, the ethical considerations remain at the forefront. The goal is not simply to create soldiers capable of killing but to foster individuals who can protect their comrades in a complex and challenging environment. The future of army training lies in finding the right balance between preparedness and ethical conduct.