Combat is a terrible crucible to form human behavior
But, for some it is exactly what is needed to give that final nudge into growing up.
I would have to agree.
There is a funny saying that came to mind:
“Marriage is a lump of coal that through heat and pressure can turn a man into a diamond, but just as often, they end up as a handful of soot.”
Combat can turn people into remarkable diamonds, in that terrible crucible the heat and pressure produces some of the most amazing people the world has ever know.
But it is hard not to feel pity for those who end up as a handful of soot.
This response is right on target. As a 17yr old I was headed the wrong direction in the 60’s. After run ins with the law too many times I was given a choice of enlist or jail.
My 3 year enlistment grew me up after my initial negative response to service, and a 7 month tour in the Army during the 68 Tet offensive was an eye opener and woke me up.
I came out of it, straightened the hell up and the past 57 years gave me plenty of reason to never doubt my 1966 decision not to fight it and sign up.