This book provides a survey of what the process of training is to get people to kill and what the killing does to those who do it. The book begins with a surprising and pleasing description of how difficult it is to get humans to kill their fellow man. The book is divided into several sections, each dealing with one major aspect of the role of killing or training people to kill in a war. The author feels that as well as being of literary benefit, this book can also help many people who deal with this subject. Another main objective is to help war veterans who have combat experience, future participants, interested civilians and loved ones and therapists trying to aid them.

The author had some very discernible biases, and the good news is that he clearly expresses these to the readers. He does so without apology. Some will agree with the author and find his views comforting and familiar. Others will be offended to various degrees. Nevertheless, at least the author's biases are clear. Likewise, the author recognizes that all officers, including those such as himself who have not ever personally killed anyone, do, in fact, bear a share in the responsibility and burdens of guilt but also share in what he labels "group absolution" for combat veterans. The book is very handy for those seeking a realistic and informative look at the subject.