Final answer:
The challenges faced by the Continental Army included poorly trained volunteers, short enlistment terms, and the lack of a large, cohesive national army due to the limited powers of the government under the Articles of Confederation.
Step-by-step explanation:
As commander of the Continental Army, one faced numerous challenges. These included poorly trained volunteers who often made up the bulk of the forces, and short enlistment terms that made retaining a consistent and experienced fighting force difficult. Additionally, there was not a large national army but rather a composite of various state militias and volunteer regiments. The national government at the time lacked the power to raise a standing army, relying heavily on state contributions for manpower which further complicated the efforts to maintain a stable and reliable force.