What critical information must soldiers understand about the consequences of substance abuse?

The correct choice emphasizes that substance abuse has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond individual issues, affecting a soldier's career, health, and military readiness. Understanding that substance abuse can lead to disciplinary actions, diminished performance, potential legal repercussions, and health problems is vital for soldiers.

Substance abuse can compromise physical and mental health, which is crucial for maintaining the high standards required in military operations. Additionally, a soldier's career trajectory can be severely impacted by substance abuse, as it may lead to loss of security clearances, failure to achieve promotions, or even discharge from service. Furthermore, military readiness hinges on the dependability and operational capacity of each individual soldier; substance abuse severely undermines the ability to perform duties effectively, endangering mission success and the safety of fellow service members.

Recognizing these multifaceted consequences illustrates the importance of maintaining personal discipline and utilizing available resources and support for prevention and recovery.