Extreme Challenge: How Armies Test the Limits of Human Capability
Author: Sergey Komalin
May 29, 2025, 16:25
Endurance Testing: How Armies Prepare Soldiers for Combat
War is not just about weapons and strategy; it also involves soldiers' psychology. Under combat conditions, the human body endures extreme stress, so armies worldwide are seeking ways to study and push these limits.
For instance, sleep has always been a key way for soldiers to recover their strength, but in military life, sleep is often insufficient. As early as during World War II, research showed that even short-term insomnia severely reduced soldiers' efficiency and focus.
The "Sleep-Deprived Soldier" project implemented by the United States in 2003 is an interesting case in this field. American scientists conducted a series of experiments limiting rest time on soldiers to understand the impact of lack of sleep on their ability to complete combat tasks.
The results were shocking: long-term sleep deprivation led to delayed reactions, operational errors, and deteriorating psychological-emotional states. However, the experiments also showed that even brief rest could partially compensate for the effects of sleep deprivation, although only normal sleep could achieve full recovery.
In the same year, during the Iraq War, the U.S. military began adopting a two-hour sleep cycle strategy to make up for the lack of normal nighttime rest. This allowed soldiers to cope with chronic fatigue but did not fully solve the problem of sleep deprivation.
Another important factor affecting soldiers' combat effectiveness is stress. Stress accompanies war, is inevitable, and unfortunately, it is often a cause of severe psychological disorders. One of the most serious is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); soldiers who experience traumatic events on the battlefield may develop this condition.
After the Vietnam War, post-traumatic stress disorder became a major area of focus. American psychologists began collecting data from veterans suffering from nightmares, hyperactivity, social isolation, and physical exhaustion. It turned out that this disorder was not only a psychological issue but also a significant obstacle to normal service.
This indicates how deeply war impacts human psychology, leaving long-term consequences even after the fighting ends. One of the primary measures for treating post-traumatic stress disorder is developing specialized veteran assistance programs. In the 1980s, the United States established a support program including psychotherapy courses and rehabilitation treatments.
Besides stress, physical endurance is also an essential part of training. Traditional strength, endurance training, running, and loaded marches have been the foundation of military training, but with the development of military science, people realized that more training is needed to reach the highest levels of endurance.
The "SEAL Training" program used by the U.S. military to train elite forces, the Navy SEALs, is one of the most famous examples of developing endurance training methods. One of the most challenging tests is the "Hell Week" - a week-long high-intensity mental and physical load training that includes running, water training, and fighting fatigue. Only the strongest soldiers can pass this course.
For example, Russia has a similar program called "Battle Endurance," aimed at preparing soldiers for long-term operations with limited resources. Soldiers undergo fully equipped night marches, overcome natural obstacles, and execute tasks under conditions of lack of sleep and food, which helps build endurance and stress resistance.
Researching these factors is not only scientifically meaningful but also crucial for maintaining the combat capability of the army. Understanding and optimizing sleep, stress, and endurance allow armies to adapt to complex conditions in combat.
Original Article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7510138837620802059/
Disclaimer: The article represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the 【Like/Dislike】buttons below.