The '''2000 stripling warriors''' (also known as '''The Army of HelmanHelaman''') were an army of young men reported in the [[Book of Mormon]]. They were part of the first generation of [[Ammonites (Book of Mormon)|Ammonites]] brought up in [[Jershon]]. The generation before had made an oath after their conversion to [[Pacifism|never again engage in warfare]]; this group was organized by their sons to ensure the integrity of that covenant. [[Helaman (Book of Mormon)|Helaman]], the son of [[Alma the Younger]] and the leader of the Church of Christ, was recruited to be their commander. The army was used extensively and was one of the Nephite's most effective military units. Though every soldier was wounded at one time or another, there were no fatalities. [[Mormon (prophet)|Mormon]], the compiler of the book, and Helaman, their commander, attributed this to the upbringing provided by their mothers and the great [[faith]] they exhibited.
In modern Mormon culture, young men are encouraged to be like the stripling warriors by emulating their faith in overcoming insurmountable odds and to trust in the faith that their mothers raised them with. A popular [[T-shirt]] depicts three large [[Lamanite]] soldiers with the words "Momma's Boys" on the top as a reference to the young warriors. The symbolism of the 2000 stripling warriors is commonly used for other purposes, such as missionary work, college study, military service or excellence in sports.
