4 ms·
The amount of control over the situation in hand-to-hand combat is extremely limited, especially for the poorly trained fighters making up much of pre-modern ar
by larsrc 4y ago
The amount of control over the situation in hand-to-hand combat is extremely limited, especially for the poorly trained fighters making up much of pre-modern armies.
- t_mann 4y agoYou can try to back out, which was in fact extremely common, especially among the poorly trained. Soldiers in trenches couldn't even let their head protrude above the edge (to not get shot by snipers), and had to live in horrendous conditions for months.
- larsrc 4y agoYes, desertion was always a problem, but in pre-modern battles there would usually be a lot more of your people behind you, making it hard to get away. Stuck between a spear and a hard shield. http;//www.acoup.blog had some excellent posts about this recently.
- Noughmad 4y agoStress is more about the feeling of control rather than actual control. And you absolutely feel more in control in close combat than when you're targeted by artillery. For a relatable example, compare driving a car to riding in a rollercoaster. Driving is more dangerous and you're not really in control of other drivers who can hit you, but you feel in control because you hold the wheel.
- larsrc 4y agoStress is a long-term thing. In close combat, you're not stressed, but terrified. The way you'd be in a car if you suddenly find yourself on the wrong side of the highway divide.
- t_mann 4y agoNot sure that's a great example - roller coasters aren't thrilling because you're not in control but because you're experience crazy g-forces,... sitting on a train is pretty relaxing usually.