- U.S. Army has released a 112-page "Spiritual Fitness Guide."
- Army chaplains champion the 250-year-old organization's commitment to supporting "spiritually healthy" soldiers.
- The guide offers practical tips on how American soldiers can build spiritual fitness — while helping build others.
A nation’s army readiness is typically defined by its troop strength and training, weapons and equipment, strategic planning and, of course, military budget.
But a new resource recently released by the U.S. Army is anchored to the belief that the spiritual domain also is fundamental to fortifying a soldier’s “will to fight — and the spirit to endure.”
The 112-page U.S. Army Spiritual Fitness Guide champions spiritual fitness “as a vital component of overall well-being and operational sustainment.”
Besides introducing concepts that “nurture the spirit and foster a sense of purpose” within the ranks, the guide emphasizes the “critical role” of leaders in prioritizing spiritual training within their units.
“Our Army leaders, especially in teams and squads, must be equipped to lead soldiers to success in war and life,” wrote Maj. Gen. William Green Jr., who directs the Army’s Chaplain Corps.
“This guide serves as an operational application of doctrine, giving field-tested definition to the spiritual domain while clarifying the roles and responsibilities of each soldier.”
The Army’s spiritual fitness motto — “Purpose Leads, Strength Follows” — embodies the 250-year-old organization’s commitment to building a foundation of “spiritually healthy, purpose-driven” soldiers and families, added Regimental Sgt. Maj. Meaghan B. Simmons of the Chaplain Corps.
“This guide offers perspective into strengthening the spirit through field-validated lessons learned that prepare formations for war and life,” wrote Simmons.
And it’s designed for every American soldier, regardless of religious background.
“Whether religious or not, every soldier will find tools here to strengthen their will to fight and the spirit to endure,” notes the guide.
‘The soldier’s spirit’
A soldier’s spirit, according to the Army’s spiritual fitness guide, is like a guiding compass needle. It informs values and beliefs while providing purpose and motivation.
It’s comprised of three primary components: consciousness, creativity and connection.
• “Consciousness,” according to the guide, is the awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings and surroundings — shaped by purpose, beliefs, identity, intuition and science — which influence decision-making and actions.
• “Creativity” is the ability to generate “novel ideas and solutions, encompassing innovation, imagination, ethics, playfulness and art to help soldiers adapt to challenges.”
• And, finally, “connection” emphasizes relationships and fosters bonds through values, mindfulness, community, accountability and growth, which are crucial for resilience and unit cohesion.
According to the guide, the U.S. Army utilizes eight principles to effectively sustain global combat power: Simplicity. Consistency. Flexibility. Sustainability. Unity of Effort. Responsiveness. Integration. Economy.
Those same eight principles are needed to ensure spiritual fitness for individual soldiers and units.
“Simplicity” in spiritual fitness, for example, ensures that a soldier’s spiritual activities are manageable and straightforward.
The guide recommends that soldiers spend a few minutes in daily meditation or contemplation, while also focusing on gratitude or mindfulness or attending a spiritual service.
Meanwhile, “unity of effort” highlights the importance of community and accountability in achieving a soldier’s spiritual goals. Soldiers benefit from having people around them who understand their spiritual aspirations. They can help one another keep on track.
“Examples of unity of effort include forming small accountability groups where soldiers discuss their spiritual goals, share experiences, and provide mutual support to the team,” the guide noted.
“These partnerships ensure that each member remains committed and motivated to pursue their growth.”
Other chapters in the guide focus on stages of spiritual development, the spiritual fitness duties of soldiers and leaders — and the role of Army chaplains and religious affairs specialists in supporting soldiers and unit spiritual fitness.
Fort Hood’s III Armored Corps in Killeen, Texas, piloted an eight-month study to develop the spiritual fitness guide, according to Army Times.
Every unit on post goes through the Phantom Forge Center, with about 400 soldiers each week. A dedicated chaplain teaches spiritual fitness stages and principles to soldiers. They also conduct surveys to revise and validate the concepts.
“I encourage each of you to get after the spiritual work beneath the surface of your lives, using the guide as a standard for personal growth and spiritual fitness within your units,” concluded chaplain Green in his message to soldiers and Army leaders.