Combat is a brutal experience that can have lasting psychological effects on soldiers. Lt. Col. Dave Grossman’s book, On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society, delves into the complexities of killing in combat and its impact on soldiers. Grossman highlights the natural resistance to killing and how training techniques desensitize soldiers to the act. However, this desensitization can lead to negative consequences for soldiers in civilian life. To prevent psychological effects, Grossman calls for a more comprehensive approach to combat training that considers the psychological toll of killing. Understanding these effects can help better support soldiers who have sacrificed so much for their country.
On Killing: Understanding the Psychological Effects of Combat
Combat is a brutal and intense experience that can have long-lasting psychological effects on those who participate in it. In his book On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society, author Lt. Col. Dave Grossman explores the complexities of killing in combat and the impact it has on soldiers.
The Psychological Cost of Killing
Grossman argues that humans have an inherent resistance to killing, which he calls the “kill reflex.” This natural aversion to taking another person’s life can be seen in studies of soldiers in combat, where only about 15-20% of soldiers will actually fire their weapons at the enemy. This is in stark contrast to the popular belief that soldiers are trained to kill without hesitation.
When soldiers do kill in combat, they often experience a range of psychological reactions, including guilt, shame, and remorse. These feelings can be so overwhelming that some soldiers develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their experiences in combat.
The Role of Training
Grossman argues that the military has developed training techniques that desensitize soldiers to the act of killing. By conditioning soldiers to see the enemy as less than human, and by using simulated combat scenarios, the military can increase the likelihood that soldiers will fire their weapons in combat.
However, Grossman also points out that this desensitization can have negative consequences for soldiers once they return to civilian life. The psychological toll of killing can lead to a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Preventing the Psychological Effects of Combat
Grossman advocates for a more comprehensive approach to training soldiers for combat that takes into account the psychological impact of killing. By recognizing the natural resistance to taking a life and by providing soldiers with the tools they need to cope with the aftermath of killing, the military can help prevent the long-term psychological effects of combat.
This can include providing mental health resources for soldiers who have experienced combat, as well as implementing strategies to help soldiers process their experiences in a healthy way. By taking a more holistic approach to combat training, the military can help reduce the psychological toll of killing on soldiers.
Conclusion
Combat is a traumatic experience that can have profound psychological effects on those who participate in it. By understanding the psychological impact of killing in combat, we can better support and care for the soldiers who have sacrificed so much for their country. Lt. Col. Dave Grossman’s On Killing sheds light on the complexities of combat and the toll it takes on the human psyche, and offers valuable insights into how we can better support our soldiers in the future.