Naval Education and Training Command: Warrior Toughness

Every U.S. Navy Sailor, enlisted or officer, could face life-threatening situations from combat or casualty. Each and every one needs to have the ability to persevere and perform under both immediate danger and long-term stress, both on the job and at home.

Warrior Toughness (WT) is a holistic human performance skillset that enhances the toughness of our Sailors with a focus on the pursuit of peak performance. The system emphasizes coequal development of toughness in the mind, body, and soul. WT combines performance psychology skills with character development, and teaches the Warrior Mindset, whose concepts were initially developed by members of the Naval Special Warfare community.

Designed to increase the Navy’s warfighting capabilities, WT is an enabler of the Culture of Excellence as part of the first line of effort – Developing a Lethal Warfighting Force. In place at Recruit Training Command since October 2018, the curriculum is now incorporated across all Navy accessions at Officer Training Command Newport, the United States Naval Academy and the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. WT will improve the performance of Sailors under stress and throughout their everyday lives, building lethal warfighters ready for the next mission.

Video by Master Sgt. Amber Monio

Illinois Guard Javelin teams sharpen anti-armor skills with Polish partners

National Guard Bureau

June 13, 2025 | 0:59

The Illinois Army National Guard trained alongside their partner nation of Poland June 1–15. A team from Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment, worked shoulder to shoulder with Poland’s Territorial Defence Forces to train on the FGM-148 Javelin—a shoulder-fired, anti-tank guided missile system—refining anti-armor tactics and fire coordination. The training focused on lethality, precision engagement, and joint maneuver planning through simulated engagements and integrated field exercises. This exchange reflected years of partnership and operational growth through the State Partnership Program. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Amber Monio)