I, of course, can not specifically address the case of your acquaintances, but I would venture to guess that in past generations, the typical servicemember was much more likely to have been raised within some type of structured religion. While there have always been those who could not handle the horrors of war, there have also been those who could not handle the far more mundane stresses of day-to-day living.
Those grounded in a strong faith tradition are generally speaking, better equipped emotionally, psychologically and spiritually to deal with extreme events.
The modern military is a reflection of the society and its members reflect the increasingly secularized population from which they are drawn.
Great point, Joe. All three of my uncles are regular church goers and speak openly of their commitment to Christ. My uncle Tom credits religion with getting him out of Nam alive.
My buddy Alan, on the other hand, was a twice-a-year Catholic and even mentioned that they weren’t allowed to have prayers in his platoon due to military regs. I found that disturbing.
The modern military is a reflection of the society and its members reflect the increasingly secularized population from which they are drawn.
Excellent points. And there are studies out there that confirm that soldiers from traditional families adjust better than those broken homes. And why should that surprise anyone? If children from broken homes are less likely to be educated and less likely to suceed in life; then if those same young people enter into the horrors of war coupled with an inept military?
It's a wonder the suicide rate is as low as it is.
Well for one thing they didn't have a JAG tagging along on every mission. We are putting fighting men in jail for acts that would have got them decorated in the past.