In 'On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society,' Lt. Col. Dave Grossman explores the psychology of the act of killing and its implications on soldiers and society. The book is based on S.L.A. Marshall's studies from World War II, which revealed that most soldiers do not fire their weapons due to an innate resistance to killing. Grossman details how military training has evolved to overcome this resistance, resulting in significantly higher firing rates in subsequent wars. He also discusses the psychological costs of killing, including post-traumatic stress, and raises questions about the impact of escalating violence in society. The book has been widely acclaimed and is on the U.S. Marine Corps' Commandant’s Required Reading List and required reading at the FBI Academy.
In 'Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging', Sebastian Junger delves into the human desire for community and belonging. Drawing from history, psychology, and anthropology, Junger examines why many individuals, including combat veterans, often feel a stronger sense of belonging in tribal or wartime environments than in modern society. He argues that the lack of community in affluent societies can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, while disasters and wars can paradoxically bring people together and foster a sense of unity. The book challenges the notion that modern society is superior to tribal societies, highlighting the benefits of egalitarianism and community found in the latter. Junger also discusses how the absence of these communal bonds can affect veterans returning from war and suggests that societal changes could help reintegrate them and improve overall societal well-being.
On Combat delves into the psychological and physiological impacts of deadly battle on the human body, affecting the nervous system, heart, breathing, visual and auditory perception, and memory. The book, written by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and Loren W. Christensen, provides combat coping strategies, discusses the prevention and management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and emphasizes the importance of post-combat debriefing for healing. It also explores historical perspectives on combat, the evolution of combat tactics, and the psychological leverage that enables humans to engage in deadly conflict. The authors draw on extensive research and anecdotes from combat veterans to offer practical advice on surviving and recovering from combat experiences.
In this episode, I sat down with three close friends—Zack Brown, Kasey Brown, and PJ Kratohvil—all veterans who served overseas in the Army and Marines. We unpack what life in the military gave them, what it took, and how faith became the thread that started to stitch them back together. From life growing up to the trauma of combat, and from isolation to post-traumatic growth, this conversation is raw, redemptive, and real. If you’ve ever wondered how to care well for the veterans in your life—or if you're a veteran yourself looking for hope—this one’s for you.
In This Episode
- [00:00] Meet Zach, Casey, and PJ: Army and Marine Corps Vets
- [03:00] Church Kids with No Relationship: How Faith Rekindled in Combat
- [07:00] Not Called to Be Good Men: Deconstructing Religious Misconceptions
- [10:00] Gold and Shadow: What Military Life Taught Them
- [16:00] Isolation After Return: Why Veterans Struggle in Civilian Life
- [22:00] Surface-Level Friendships and the Mission That’s Missing
- [26:00] War, Guilt, and God’s Grace: Wrestling with Moral Injury
- [31:00] Misconceptions About Vets and What They Really Need
- [36:00] “You're Not Special”: The Lie of Isolation and the Need for Brotherhood
- [41:00] Welcome Home, Not Just Thank You: Honoring Veterans Well
- [44:00] Jobs, Purpose, and the Path to Healing
- [47:00] Faith and Freedom: How Jesus Heals the Warrior’s Heart
- [54:00] Organizations on the Frontlines of Veteran Healing
Resources
Books
Veteran Support Organizations
- TRG (Therapeutic Recreation Group)
- Website
- Instagram
- Denton County MVPN (Military Veteran Peer Network)
- Website
- Victory Therapy Center
- Website
- GallantFew (provides free counseling for veterans)
- Website
- Casualties of War (Founded by Zack Brown)
- Website
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The Overcomers with Matt Chandler 
