Originally Posted by SeattleUte (Post 174095)

One thing that hits me at that little military cemetary by our house is how warriors tend to live relatively short and bruthish lives even if the war doen't kill them. The ones who died in that cemetary over 60 are sparse, yet most didn't die during wars (you can tell by the dates). Most seem to have died before age 50 and many much younger. Many died within five years of major wars, which makes me wonder if they weren't serously wounded then died.

Originally Posted by Archaea (Post 174145)

I wonder if it doesn't just destroy them emotionally. In re-reading All Quiet on the Western Front, the author takes to pains to point out how soldiers must cut off their connection to emotionality. If that link is severed, they may not function well as people. Perhaps not. Just speculating.