Winter's Hardships Tougher On Taliban Allied Troops Equipped But enemy won't have the gadgets or training of the special forces.(WORLD WAR ON TERRORISM)

Byline: PETER BENESH

Even with the world's best technology and clothing, the winter war in the mountains of Afghanistan will be hard on coalition troops and equipment. But it will be harder on the enemy, experts say.

Allied troops will face three foes, says retired U.S. Navy Capt. Daniel Steward, a former Seal Team leader now with Titan Corp.'s Strategic Security Systems in San Diego, Calif.

"The elements will be the big enemy. The Taliban and al-Qaida come next. Distances are third," Steward said. The war will pit discipline against zealotry, he says.

"It's 90% mental and 10% physical," he said. But it's still a test of strength. "Each man …