David Hoffman | How The Army Teaches Soldiers Confidence @DavidHoffmanFilmmaker | Uploaded August 2024 | Updated October 2024, 1 hour ago.
In 1989, I made a one hour documentary on U.S. Army 82nd airborne division specialized training for the Rapid Deployment Force. This clip presents training for the "confidence class".
Here is the entire film: youtu.be/6hZwum3KYZ4
The U.S. Army's Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) concept was intended to provide the United States with a military capability that could respond quickly to emerging crises around the world. The RDF was designed to deploy forces rapidly to any region, particularly in the context of the Cold War and the need to protect U.S. interests in areas of strategic importance, such as the Middle East.
The RDF was intended to give the U.S. the ability to project power and respond to crises, conflicts, or threats without the need for a prolonged buildup of forces. This was particularly relevant in regions where the U.S. did not maintain a permanent military presence but had vital interests.
The RDF concept included not just ground troops but also air and naval forces, providing a comprehensive, joint capability that could be tailored to specific missions. The force was expected to be highly mobile, self-sustaining, and able to operate independently in austere environments.
The RDF concept saw real-world application in several significant military operations:
Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada, 1983): Although this operation predated the formal RDF concept, it was an early example of the U.S. rapidly deploying forces to address a crisis—in this case, the invasion of Grenada to prevent a Marxist government from taking power.
Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989): The RDF was effectively utilized in this operation, where U.S. forces rapidly deployed to Panama to depose General Manuel Noriega. The 82nd Airborne Division, a key element of the RDF, played a significant role in the operation.
Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991): The RDF concept was critical in the rapid deployment of U.S. forces to the Persian Gulf following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The rapid deployment of the 82nd Airborne and other units helped deter further Iraqi aggression and set the stage for the successful liberation of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm.
While the RDF concept was successful in these operations, the lessons learned led to further refinements in U.S. military strategy. The success of the RDF during Desert Shield and Desert Storm demonstrated the importance of having a ready, flexible, and rapidly deployable force, leading to the continued emphasis on rapid response capabilities in the post-Cold War era.
The RDF eventually evolved into more refined concepts like the Global Response Force (GRF), which continues to ensure that the U.S. can respond quickly to crises anywhere in the world.
I made this documentary for PBS primetime. At that time I made 13 films on the American military that were broadcast at a time when many American viewers seemed to disrespect the military. I tried to show the really good people I worked with in making these documentaries. I admired them and thank them for their efforts.
The confidence course remains a staple of Basic Training, though it has been updated to align with current training philosophies. The focus remains on building physical and mental resilience, fostering teamwork, and overcoming personal fears. The course continues to challenge recruits, but with a broader understanding of how mental toughness is as crucial as physical prowess in today's Army.
In 1989, I made a one hour documentary on U.S. Army 82nd airborne division specialized training for the Rapid Deployment Force. This clip presents training for the "confidence class".
Here is the entire film: youtu.be/6hZwum3KYZ4
The U.S. Army's Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) concept was intended to provide the United States with a military capability that could respond quickly to emerging crises around the world. The RDF was designed to deploy forces rapidly to any region, particularly in the context of the Cold War and the need to protect U.S. interests in areas of strategic importance, such as the Middle East.
The RDF was intended to give the U.S. the ability to project power and respond to crises, conflicts, or threats without the need for a prolonged buildup of forces. This was particularly relevant in regions where the U.S. did not maintain a permanent military presence but had vital interests.
The RDF concept included not just ground troops but also air and naval forces, providing a comprehensive, joint capability that could be tailored to specific missions. The force was expected to be highly mobile, self-sustaining, and able to operate independently in austere environments.
The RDF concept saw real-world application in several significant military operations:
Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada, 1983): Although this operation predated the formal RDF concept, it was an early example of the U.S. rapidly deploying forces to address a crisis—in this case, the invasion of Grenada to prevent a Marxist government from taking power.
Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989): The RDF was effectively utilized in this operation, where U.S. forces rapidly deployed to Panama to depose General Manuel Noriega. The 82nd Airborne Division, a key element of the RDF, played a significant role in the operation.
Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991): The RDF concept was critical in the rapid deployment of U.S. forces to the Persian Gulf following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The rapid deployment of the 82nd Airborne and other units helped deter further Iraqi aggression and set the stage for the successful liberation of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm.
While the RDF concept was successful in these operations, the lessons learned led to further refinements in U.S. military strategy. The success of the RDF during Desert Shield and Desert Storm demonstrated the importance of having a ready, flexible, and rapidly deployable force, leading to the continued emphasis on rapid response capabilities in the post-Cold War era.
The RDF eventually evolved into more refined concepts like the Global Response Force (GRF), which continues to ensure that the U.S. can respond quickly to crises anywhere in the world.
I made this documentary for PBS primetime. At that time I made 13 films on the American military that were broadcast at a time when many American viewers seemed to disrespect the military. I tried to show the really good people I worked with in making these documentaries. I admired them and thank them for their efforts.
The confidence course remains a staple of Basic Training, though it has been updated to align with current training philosophies. The focus remains on building physical and mental resilience, fostering teamwork, and overcoming personal fears. The course continues to challenge recruits, but with a broader understanding of how mental toughness is as crucial as physical prowess in today's Army.
