LANCER wrote on 01/04/25 at 05:05:25:Comparing WW2 and current wars, assuming one is worse than the other is not valid. War is war, time is not a factor. I’m a Vietnam era vet, blood, guts and body parts all affect, regardless of the timeframe. It depends on the personal experiences of an individual and the situations they have had during their life. Additionally, and of importance, is the individuals strength of their heart and mind. What are they capable of handling physically and emotionally without losing control of themselves. WW2 soldiers lived through a much more difficult time in the 20’s and 30’s, including the depression, which greatly tested their internal strength of character. They were more prepared for difficult situations. Our population today has grown up in a much softer lifestyle than those 85 years ago. That makes a huge difference.
It is that strength of heart and mind and what their faith is based on, that makes the difference how a person responds to extraordinarily difficult and life threatening situations, and for an extended periods of time.
It’s a test that must be experienced to be appreciated, either in war or warlike situations.
Not everyone is cut out for military service, that’s why new recruits are supposed to be submitted to extreme physical and mental stresses to weed out those who cannot deal with extreme stressors and still function to protect themselves and fellow soldiers.
Thank you, as I said I have no experience in that and I agree that it’s a unique experience that’s difficult to make comparisons with. I always hate it when athletes say it was a war out there. Everyone knows what they mean to say but maybe they could reword that a little bit.
And I think your analysis of the general mental condition of men in the early 40s versus today is probably accurate as well.
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