Hero or Coward: Pressures Facing the Soldier in Battle

by Dinter,Elmar

• ISBN13: 9780714632308
• ISBN10: 0714632309
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1985-05-31
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This book addresses the difficult question of why some men fight well in war and others do not. The influences on a man in battle come from within and from without. With this in mind Dinter examines military history, anecdotal evidence, the psychology and sociology that affects men and women confronted with the daily prospect of death. He draws some fascinating conclusions, involving recommendations for new methods of personnel selection and new tactics, training and military education. This book, an insight into timeless human strengths and weaknesses, is of great value to all military leaders and staff officers. However it is also of importance to all who are interested in the behaviour of small groups and individuals under extreme pressures.

Table of Contents

Setting the scene

stress

pressures on the individual

injury and death

stamina and exhaustion

firepower

experiences of military units

experiences of commanders

summary of pressures

psychiatric casualties

summary of antidotes

effects on the commander

consequences for personnel selection, organization, equipment, training, education, leadership and tactics

future prospects

open questions

Appendices: introduction to the historical examples

the Battle for Calais

the Battle for Stalingrad

the Battle for Monte Cassino

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.