Trained to Kill: Soldiers at War

By Theodore Nadelson

In two decades of clinical work with Vietnam veterans, psychiatrist Theodore Nadelson sought to understand a seeming paradox about his patients: even veterans being treated for post traumatic stress disorder often still felt attracted to the danger and violence of combat and killing. How this could be possible became a central focus of Nadelson's work and thought, as he looked to veterans' stories and within himself for pieces of the human puzzle. Nadelson confronts a dark side of human psychology with sensitivity and depth, revealing startling truths about the allure of violence. Among the topics he addresses are the ways in which the concept of war shapes boys' lives from an early age, what happens when killing becomes a job, and how memories of the thrill of combat affect a soldier after the war is over. A veteran himself, the author weaves together insights from his own clinical and military experience and from the moving narratives of former soldiers with his thoughtful analysis of readings from world literature to answer tough questions: What does our attraction to killing mean for the future of war and civilization? in our society?

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801881668
• ISBN13: 9780801881664
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 6.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Hands down, best book on PTSD, ever.

Hands down, best book on PTSD, ever. Scholarly, but not ponderous. Nadelson (who passed away a few years ago) was a prior-enlisted Soldier who later went on to become a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who spent the majority of his career treating Vietnam Vets in the Boston VAMC. His insight into PTSD is further expanded by the addition of a humanistic perspective: he draws on the humanities to add yet another dimension to his approach to understanding this topic (the book is laden with literary references). Great read.

A Book That Every Conscious Citizen should Read

This is without a doubt an important work which ought to influence the decisions of policymakers and voters alike. Nadelson's descriptions are at once crushing and empathetic. This is the culmination of years spent trying to ease the pain of our brave soldiers. Hopefully, his accounts will lead us to lessen that pain wherever possible.

Another MUST READ for therapists working with combat veterans

This is an amazing description of what people experience when they are taught to kill and have to go into combat. Very rich with details that come from decades of work with Vietnam veterans. If you have read On Killing, you have to read this book.