ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the psychology of War and of the Military Morale. Modern wars involve the complete mobilization of manpower and of economic and industrial resources and a distinctive use of psychological as well as military weapons. The idea of a nation in arms became highly significant during the French Revolution, when a large army was developed not only to defeat counterrevolutionary attempts but to carry the message of liberty, equality, and fraternity throughout Europe. The chief characteristics sought in military personnel are physical fitness and good health, intellectual ability, special occupational skills, and the proper social and temperamental qualities. Military authorities have come to accept the intelligence test and the devices for measuring skills, but they are still reluctant to install a full-fledged program of psychiatric examination, which seems expensive in time and money. Mental breakdowns under military conditions show practically the same range of symptoms that is found in the peacetime population.
