Insights from AUSA Hot Topic: The will to fight
This is second in a series of insights from the AUSA Hot Topic event focused on Holistic Health and the Resilient Soldier in Arlington, Virginia, March 5. Read the rest of the series here. One of the most thought-provoking questions we discussed during the panel came from a 2018 RAND report: What fuels a Soldier’s will to fight? RAND defines the “will to fight” as the inner drive to keep going—to fight, endure, and win—even in the toughest moments. They found it’s not just about having the best gear or tech. It comes down to human motivation, capability, and connection—factors that exist at the national, unit, and individual levels. Why physical readiness supports mental resolve The will to fight isn’t just about mindset. It’s also about how the body holds up under stress. When a Soldier’s heart rate spikes, breathing quickens, and core temperature rises, it can overwhelm the brain, cloud decision-making, and drain focus. That’s why physical training is about more than building muscles—it’s about preparing the body and mind to stay sharp when it matters most. How H2F helps build durable Soldiers The Army’s H2F framework is designed to do just that. It combines smart physical conditioning, stress exposure, cognitive training, nutrition, sleep, and spiritual readiness. These pieces work together to help Soldiers better manage their physiological responses and stay mentally strong in high-pressure situations. Col. Brian Koyn, 82nd Airborne Division chaplain, made a strong point during the panel: structured training environments—when done right—can help Soldiers develop greater awareness and control over their mental and physical states. The appearance of DoD imagery does not imply or constitute federal endorsement. Where mind and body meet: The readiness connection We call this overlap the psycho-neuro-physiological nexus—a fancy way of saying the mind and body are deeply connected. High stress affects everything from strength to focus. But when Soldiers learn how to recognize and regulate their own stress responses, they gain a sense of control and improve their performance. Fatigue management: A smarter way to train Brig. Gen. Deidre Teyhen, Defense Health Network National Capital Region director, introduced another important idea: fatigue management as a key performance indicator. Just like strength coaches use periodization to plan workouts, H2F teams can use fatigue management to guide training and recovery over time. This approach helps avoid burnout, improves recovery, and keeps Soldiers mission-ready. I shared an example called AMRAP-120, a training model that teaches Soldiers how to pace themselves, recognize fatigue, and adjust effort—all in real time. Knowledge sharing: Getting everyone on the same page Another key takeaway from the panel was the importance of knowledge management—making sure everyone from Soldiers to leadership shares a common understanding of terms, protocols, and training strategies. Clear communication across all levels improves how H2F is taught and applied. In fact, a good knowledge management system can sometimes be more important than an athlete management system, because it helps everyone make smart, aligned decisions that add value and impact. Watch the full discussion here: Up next In the AUSA Hot Topic blog series, I’ll share more insights from the panel, including using data and AI to support human performance, and training today’s Soldiers for tomorrow’s realities. Read more Chris Frankel holds a PhD in Health Exercise Sports Science with more than 30 years of experience in the field: from research and teaching at the university-level, to working in fitness training and education with the U.S. military, pro- and college-sports programs. He is the Head of Human Performance Innovation at BeaverFit USA. Share this… FacebookFacebook Save Twitter