> Talk to a combat veteran. One who has really been in combat and under fire. > You won't find many who are eager to advance under fire. I have actually, my g

> Talk to a combat veteran. One who has really been in combat and under fire. > You won't find many who are eager to advance under fire. I have actually, my grandfather fought in WW2. His stories were usually short, grim, brutal. He, however, emphasized the importance of fighting for the country, of reclaiming occupied land, of putting the greater interest ahead of your own personal fears. Incidentally, while I fully admire his behavior, I don't think 'fighting for the country' is a particularly natural thing for humans to do. > They weren't reluctant to kill the enemy - I asked him about it. As far as I know lots of evidence points to the contrary. People often go so far as to deliberately miss shots in order not to kill somebody. > My father dealt with it by looking at the numbers and resigning himself to death. He figured that while he lasted he'd do his duty and his best. This sounds quite selfless to me. It may have been done through social pressure, but what this shows is that the fear of opprobrium is greater than the fear of dying - moving against the group is more unpleasant for humans than death.