Introduction
Commanders must bear in mind the stressful effects of combat as they plan and conduct operations. The pressures that battlefield chaos and destruction placed on soldiers have always been very great. Unit discipline, realistic field training, deliberately fostered unit cohesion, and solid bonding between leader and led can reduce the effects of this stress in part, but nothing can get rid of it. The commander who understands this and protects his soldiers through strong, positive, and caring leadership, proper mental, physical and training preparation, and simple decisive plans will win (FM 100-5).
During Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, the Army realized that it could do more to improve the quality of life for the deployed soldier. Many soldiers were using makeshift and field expedient latrines and showers. The Army wanted to do a better job of providing for its soldiers; however, the equipment, plans, and doctrine to do so were not in place before the conflict. The Army recognized the importance of combating stress and sleep deprivation, while offsetting battle fatigue and conserving fighting strength. It then set up the FP program. The concept of FP was initially tested in Bosnia. Doctrine, training, and system requirements were then developed as a result of lessons learned to improve the quality of life for the deployed soldier.
An Informational Overview of FP Operations is available on CD-ROM (CD 101-12). It can be ordered through normal distribution at Joint Visual Information Activity, Tobyhanna Army Depot, PA, or from the CASCOM CD web site at http://www.cascom.army.mil/cgi-win/polyform.exe/cd-rom_catalog. Besides this FM, ARTEP 42-424-30-MTP has been developed and is available through normal distribution. T&EOs for unit training (Chapter 5, ARTEP 42-424-30-MTP) are also available ASAT program. The FP PM office at SSCOM, maintains a homepage at www.sscom.army.mil/pm-fp/index.html.
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