On Combat

My brother recommended it to me, I'm almost done with it and I think its close to the most important book I've ever read. I thought of it while I was reading this thread: What it takes to survive (London Times Article) which covers stress and the importance of prior planning. But I think this book needs its own thread. It was written by LTC Dave Grossman, a West Point psychology professor, Professor of Military Science and Army Ranger. The book is about psychology and physiology of human conflict. The information is aimed at police and soldiers primarily, but also the people who know them or who they serve. It covers mental preparation for combat and training, the effects of battle while you're in it, immediately afterward and over the weeks months and years afterward.

Some of the important lessons are that you need to know what your body will do when you're under the most extreme stress (like urinating or defecating yourself, sensory distortion, or the loss of fine motor control), the importance of stress inoculation in training and practicing fine motor skills until they're automatic, and how to prepare for and deal with the emotions that come after violence.

Like I said, its aimed at violent conflict, but the information is useful for any stressful, life threatening situation.