How they raised the soldiers' morale.

 The Significance of Psychological Training in Boosting the Morale of Soldiers

Combat soldiers are exposed to a tremendous amount of fear and terror before, during, and after the battle. In fact, according to the textbook "Psychological Assistance to Combat Soldiers" published during the IV International Student Scientific Conference, a staggering 30% of soldiers experience the maximum fear of death just before the battle. Shockingly, 35% of soldiers remain in this state during the battle, while another 16% continue to experience uncontrollable terror even after the battle is over. The numbers are staggering, and the outcomes can be disastrous.

As military psychologists have warned, group panic is one of the most dangerous phenomena that can occur in the army. In this situation, an overwhelming fear of death infects the majority of soldiers, leading to a state of complete chaos and resulting in the army turning to flight. The outcome of the battle is inevitable, and the army is defeated.

To avoid such a catastrophic situation, the military has devised psychological training techniques aimed at boosting the morale of soldiers. One of the most popular techniques is an inspirational speech delivered by the military leader before the battle. Famous commanders such as Svyatoslav, Alexander Nevsky, and Bogdan Khmelnitsky, to name a few, have used this technique to great effect.

Standing on a horse in full armor and with a loud voice, these commanders appealed to the best feelings of the soldiers, including courage, love for their homeland and families, hatred for the enemy, and pride in the heroism of their people. Many inspiring speeches and addresses have been delivered throughout history and are still remembered today. For instance, Svyatoslav shouted to his vigilantes before the battle of Arcadiopolis (970), "Let us not disgrace the land of Russia!", while Alexander Yaroslavovich proclaimed before the fight with Swedes, "God is not in might, but in Truth! Let's not be afraid of the multitude of soldiers (a huge army of enemies), as God is with us!". These words echoed in the hearts of soldiers, and with the cry "For the Motherland!", the Red Army went into battle in World War II.

Another technique used to boost soldiers' morale is to give them "narcotics 100 grams" before the battle. This practice was especially common in the Red Army during World War II. Fear of death is a primal instinct that is stronger than hunger or sexual desire, and sometimes even the most passionate appeals "not to shame" are not enough to overcome it. That's why soldiers were given "narcotics 100 grams" before the battle. Alcohol removes many psychological barriers and allows soldiers to feel courage, which is precisely what is needed for a desperate spurt with a rifle. Adrenaline surges in the blood, and the eyes burn with hatred for the enemy.

It is well known that wine and liquor have been used in the past to help soldiers overcome the fear of death. In the Russian army, soldiers were given 3 cups of vodka a week until 1908, while during Soviet times, Red Army men were supposed to receive 100 grams of vodka per day during wartime. Even sailors received their "wine portion." Drinking 100 grams after the battle made no sense, as fatigued soldiers simply wanted to get some sleep, but before the battle - it was just right. Soldiers would raise their cups and toast "For courage!" before charging into battle.

The conceptualization of concerts for soldiers was a prodigious creation of the New Age. In the interludes between clashes with the Tatars, Polovtsians, and sundry Teutonians, Russian fighters didn't indulge in recreational activities, such as attending concerts. However, as the world progressed, such leisure activities burgeoned in popularity.

Amid World War II, numerous Soviet artists traversed the active army and proffered concerts to soldiers in the midst of battles. The Red Army soldiers were enamored with the musicality of Klavdia Shulzhenko, the "soul of Russian song." Her legendary track, the "Blue Handkerchief," was a bona fide hit that resonated deeply with the front-line fighters, as the lyrics of the song invoked sentiments that stirred their souls, compelling them to fight "For the Blue Handkerchief!"

Lydia Ruslanova delivered more than 1,100 performances during the 1,500 days of war. The soldiers were captivated by her vocal prowess and endearingly dubbed her the "People's Artist of the Guards." The front-line soldiers gave her thunderous applause and raucous cheers as they viewed her as a cherished and esteemed figure. She sang Russian folk songs, which made her particularly relatable to the ordinary people.

Similar practices were embraced abroad, as well. The cinematic icon, Marlene Dietrich, renounced her career in film in 1943 and commenced traveling to the Allied armies in action, where she delivered full-blown performances. Dietrich was an exceptional singer and dancer, and for three years, she graced soldiers with her presence on the Italian and French fronts.

For her selfless contributions, Dietrich was awarded the Medal of Liberty in the United States and was bestowed the title of Commander of the Legion of Honor in France. This was a testament to how much military commanders value the help of civilians in preserving the morale of soldiers, which ultimately decides the fate of the entire nation.

In conclusion, boosting soldiers' morale is a crucial factor in winning battles. A combination of psychological training techniques, including inspiring speeches and alcohol, can help soldiers overcome their fear of death and perform their duties bravely.