Army Launches New Tools to Train Soldiers in Spiritual Readiness

The U.S. Army has unveiled a comprehensive 112-page Spiritual Readiness Guide, designed to enhance resilience and foster inner strength within its ranks. The guide serves as a practical resource, akin to a physical training manual, detailing principles, development stages, and training strategies that bolster the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness program. This program represents a thorough understanding of wellness, encompassing physical, mental, nutritional, sleep, and spiritual aspects.

The guide is complemented by a Battle Book, which serves as an interactive workbook, alongside the inaugural volume of a graphic novel series named “Will to Fight.”

“This is a message for all soldiers and leaders, no matter their faith,” stated Sgt. Maj. Meaghan Simmons. “Our focus is on spiritual fitness, distinct from religion.”

Sgt. Maj. Dustin Hall, the chief religious affairs officer at III Corps, emphasizes the importance of discovering meaning and purpose, even amid conflict. “The focus shifts from the content of your beliefs to the strength they provide in facing challenges.”

The guide introduces four stages of spiritual readiness:

• External (To Me): Soldiers feel circumstances control them.
  
  
• Agency (By Me): They begin to take personal control.
  
  
• Purpose (Through Me): They align with a greater mission or set of values.
  
  
• Empowered (As Me): Soldiers live with purpose and mentor others.
  
  

Leaders are urged to shift their approach, transitioning from a teaching role to that of a mentor, depending on the stage of a soldier's journey.

At Fort Cavazos, the Army launched a pilot program that spanned eight months, engaging approximately 400 soldiers each week in the Phantom Forge initiative. A curriculum guided by a chaplain outlined the various stages, while feedback played a crucial role in enhancing the material.

The guide is enriched with quotes from notable historical and military figures, including Viktor Frankl, Abraham Lincoln, and Gen. George Patton, which serve to strengthen its core message. Military personnel are encouraged to develop personalized spiritual fitness strategies based on eight fundamental principles: simplicity, consistency, integration, flexibility, unity of effort, sustainability, economy, and responsiveness.

Hall highlighted the importance of openly discussing spiritual fitness, just as one would discuss push-ups or sleep. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing one’s spiritual domain.