Despite all of the advances in modern battlefield technology, no one unit remains as important as the individual soldier. From the days of Ancient Assyria and Rome to the streets of Baghdad and Kabul, the individual soldier is the key element to the success of any military operation. His individual exploits throughout history have meant the difference between battles won and lost, lives committed or spared. Armed with the latest in personal weapons and body armor, the soldier remains an integral part of the battlefield - charged with the duty to conquer or be conquered - and laying down the groundwork for other battlefield components to come into play.

From spear and bronze shield to automatic weapon and Kevlar, the individual soldier still remains a specialist as good as the men around him.