On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace | 
 enlarge | Authors: Dave Christensen Grossman, Loren W. Christensen
Publisher: PPCT Research Publications
Category: Book
List Price: $24.95
Buy New: $15.46
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Rating:  85 reviews
Sales Rank: 1155
Media: Paperback
Edition: Second
Pages: 403
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.5 x 1
ISBN: 0964920522
Dewey Decimal Number: 616
EAN: 9780964920521
ASIN: 0964920522
Publication Date: August 16, 2007
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Product Description
On Combat looks at what happens to the human body under the stresses of deadly battle the impact on the nervous system, heart, breathing, visual and auditory perception, memory - then discusses new research findings as to what measures warriors can take to prevent such debilitations so they can stay in the fight, survive, and win. A brief, but insightful look at history shows the evolution of combat, the development of the physical and psychological leverage that enables humans to kill other humans, followed by an objective examination of domestic violence in America. The authors reveal the nature of the warrior, brave men and women who train their minds and bodies to go to that place from which others flee. After examining the incredible impact of a few true warriors in battle, On Combat presents new and exciting research as to how to train the mind to become inoculated to stress, fear and even pain. Expanding on Lt. Col. Grossman s popular "Bulletproof mind" presentation, the book explores what really happens to the warrior after the battle, and shows how emotions, such as relief and self-blame, are natural and healthy ways to feel about having survived combat. A fresh and highly informative look at post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) details how to prevent it, how to survive it should it happen, how to come out of it stronger, and how to help others who are experiencing it. On Combat looks at the critical importance of the debriefing, when warriors gather after the battle to share what happened, critique, learn from each other and, for some, begin to heal from the horror. The reader will learn a highly effective breathing technique that not only steadies the warrior s mind and body before and during the battle, but can also be used afterwards as a powerful healing device to help separate the emotion from the memory. Concluding chapters discuss the Christian/Judeo view of killing in combat and offers powerful insight that Lt. Col. Grossman has imparted over the years to help thousands of warriors understand and come to terms with their actions in battle. A final chapter encourages warriors to always fight for justice, not vengeance, so that their remaining days will be healthy ones filled with pride for having performed their duty morally and ethically. This information-packed book ploughs new ground in its vision, in its extensive new research and startling findings, and in its powerful, revealing quotes and anecdotes from top people in the warrior community, people who have faced the toxic environment of deadly combat and now share their wisdom to help others. On Combat is easy to read and powerful in scope. It is a true classic that will be read by new and veteran warriors for years to come.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 80 more reviews...
Goldmine July 8, 2008
I. Bana (Paris,FR)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book is a goldmine on combat and killing psychology . A must read for everybody interested in physical and mental mechanism involved in the process.
 A Warrior's Almanac July 7, 2008
Jason Rees (Michigan)
All the information police, soldiers and other warriors have been missing for over fifty years is right here in this solid volume.
Lt Col Grossman and Loren Christensen put it all together. They've created terms we did not know we needed, for things we didn't even know occurred. Grossman has a cute but very apt description of the function of the midbrain, fulfilled by 'the puppy,' as he calls it. He calls fear of human violence the 'universal phobia,' and tells you why it's universal. He gives a brief overview of what happens to your body when 'fight-or-flight' kicks in, then delves deeply into sensory distortions experienced in life-or-death situations. This is only the beginning.
The authors divulge the training a person needs to enter the 'toxic, corrosive realm of combat,' and why we need those who are willing to do so. Stress and fear innoculation, dealing with killing, being wounded, and cultural issues are dealt with in section three.
Sometimes the aftermath is far more traumatic to a person than the 5 minute episode of all hell breaking loose. The authors use almost 100 pages to discuss what happens after the smoke clears: PTSD, debriefings, a full explanation of tactical breathing, guilt, and communicating with those who've been 'there.' Along with the guilt issue, the author also addresses the conflicts that can develop from within because of a person's religious beliefs after killing.
I believe this book to be of immense value to all emergency responders, police, and military personnel. After borrowing it and reading it, I've ordered it and recommended it to just about everyone I know in those communities.
I would have a hard time recommending this book to anyone on the outside, which is part of why I rated it a four. There is a large amount of insider jargon, and a cultural bias, in the warrior community. This will not translate well for those Lt Col Grossman refers to as 'the herd.'
The second reason I gave it a four is the physical quality of the book. The binding seperated from the spine almost immediately, and I can see the cover coming off within a few readings.
 On Combat provides insights, but marred by sloppy writing. July 6, 2008
J. J. Barrera (Colorado Springs, CO United States)
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
David Grossman continues his analysis of the warrior mind and consciousness, and provides valuable insights and advice to those
on the front lines of war abroad and police work at home.
However, the strength of the book is serious diluted by largely unedited inclusions of Grossman's training presentations. The excessively colloquial and informal language of oral presentations to "insider audiences" of police officers and soldiers does not make for an effective
book. Much is lost in the transition, which Grossman does not handle in a professional manner. On Combat needed a good, honest editor whose strong hand on the keyboard would have vastly improved the tone and style.
Fills the physiological gap left in On Killing. July 2, 2008
Christopher Raissi (Marietta, Georgia)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
On Killing read more like a study of a subject in need research, but On Combat is much more developed and geared towards preparing the reader for how his mind and body will react to a combat environment both during and after the crucible of battle. This book should be required reading for law enforcement and the armed services.
Great Read! July 1, 2008
NCSHPF2
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Another great book from Lt Col Grossman (Ret). This book is a little different from his first one (On Killing), which was an over view of stress in combat soldiers over our history. This book is perfect for law enforcement officers and those alike who deal with more violent people then the public on a daily basis. I have been a State Trooper for 6yrs now and this helps me under stand the different feelings I have had during my different encounters while on the Patrol. Just A Really Great Book!
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