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The importance of stamina; both of physical and psychological dimensions was best tested in the
two World Wars. Prolonged isolation and stress has resulted into many neurotic abnormalities and
psychological defence mechanisms. Those who were weak or less strong could not bear stress for long
and broke down with negative syndromes whereas those who were strong survived well; be it deserts of
Africa, thick forests and marshes of Burma or winters of Russia. It may not be out of place to mention
that many countries sent their troops only to honour their commitment of treaties with friendly nations
otherwise their troops did not have any apparent cause to feel victors or vanquished. The absence of any
convincing purpose or reason for the War made many fighters savagely insane and they perpetrated
such crimes against humanity that were beyond any stretch of imagination!
Not all have the ability to consistently work hard. Stamina is reflected in mental concentration
(ability to remain focused) during the performance of any job. Some people need rest and respite at
short intervals while a few others can maintain their concentration for long hours.

We Take A Short Break …
According to the opinion voiced by some senior psychologists, the present day TV culture brought by
private channels are spoiling the owner of concentration of the viewers specially of the younger generation and
more so of the children. When a two minutes of coverage is intercepted by equal time length of commercials;
the ability to grasp/receive input for a long time only weakens. Earlier, it had been proved by researches that a
thing presented in ‘whole’ are retained better compared to the presentation in parts.
Such an important medium of knowledge is conditioning people for receiving lesser quantum of input at a
learning session.

Lesson 7

Group Qualities

Qualities in Relation To Group
Social Adjustment “We must sail and sink together”; this proverb contains the essence of the
group living in the Armed Forces. Members of Armed Forces live in group, perform in group and
achieve in group. Group living provides emotional security and succour during crisis. Group also
provides identity and sense of pride. A soldier lays down his life for the sake of ‘izzat’ of his
paltan. No member of the Armed Forces worth his salt wants to be a cause of shame for his unit
and; it is for this purpose the cohesiveness and group morale are to be maintained at optimum
level. Qualities in relation to group are those that belong to living happily and performing one’s
role for achievement of group goals. This factor includes three qualities:—

Social Adaptability or Accommodating Spirit.
Co-operation, and
Sense of Responsibility

Social Adaptability is the ability of an individual to adapt himself to the social environment and
adjust well with persons and social groups with special reference to superiors, peers and subordinates.
Social adaptability includes social intelligence, attitudes towards others, tact and adaptability.