My son is a Marine Corps infantry officer. He said after his first tour of duty that (on balance) the kids in his unit that had grown up in “conflicted” urban areas, were the best Marines he had to walk patrols, whereas the suburban and country kids were at a loss the first month or so. He said the inner-city kids were much more instinctively aware about their surroundings and perceiving threats that otherwise went unnoticed by their less urban colleagues.
I thought it was an interesting observation - completely unscientific, of course. But, it does dovetail into this piece. These kids are better in urban combat, because to varying degrees they were raised in pseudo-combat environments themselves.
Yes it does, and unfortunately so IMO.
I want to thank you for raising a brave son who is willing and able to serve our nation at risk of life and limb. I have a son who pilots wide body passenger jets on trans-oceanic flights, and I am familiar with justifiable concern regarding a loved one's safety. I pray to God every day that He will protect both my son and his passengers on his flights, and tonight I pray that He will return both your son and mine safe and sound to their respective homes and families.