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On Combat  By  cover art

On Combat

By: Dave Grossman,Loren W. Christensen
Narrated by: Dave Grossman
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Publisher's summary

On Combat looks at what happens to the human body under the stresses of deadly battle and the impact on the nervous system, heart, breathing, visual and auditory perception, memory - then discusses new research findings as to what measure warriors can take to prevent such debilitations, so they can stay in the fight, survive, and win. A brief but insightful look at history shows the evolution of combat, the development of the physical and psychological leverage that enables humans to kill other humans, followed by an objective examination of domestic violence in America. The authors reveal the nature of the warrior, brave men and women who train their minds and bodies to go to that place from which others flee.

After examining the incredible impact of a few true warriors in battle, On Combat presents new and exciting research as to how to train the mind to become inoculated to stress, fear, and even pain. Expanding on Lt. Col. Grossman's popular "bulletproof mind" presentation, the audiobook explores what really happens to the warrior after the battle, and shows how emotions, such as relief and self-blame, are natural and healthy ways to feel about having survived combat. A fresh and highly informative look at post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) details how to prevent it, how to survive it should it happen, how to come out of it stronger, and how to help others who are experiencing it.

On Combat is easy to understand and powerful in scope. It is a true classic that will be listened to by new and veteran warriors for years to come.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2013 Dave Grossman and Loren W. Christensen (P)2013 Hachette Audio

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    5 out of 5 stars

Just what I needed.

I'm a police officer in the United States, and this book was recommended to me by my SGT after I had just gotten out of a shooting while on duty.

I listened to this while I waited on administrative leave as my department determined my fate. I've never before had someone point a gun in my face with the intent to kill me, nor have I had to discharge my duty weapon at another living person. I was and am still dealing with the complex emotions of that experience.

I just want to say thank you so much for this book, as the knowledge contained in it helped me to process my experience. I know I am better off because of your words.

Sincerely, a grateful patrol officer.

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One Readers Opinion

I’m a veteran. I thought this book had a lot of extremely valuable and timely information in it. I’m also a health care provider and take care of marginalized, underserved, and often victimized people and much of this book was applicable, fresh, and presented in a very useful and memorable way. Very practical information. I loved all of that.

What caused me to not fully embrace the entire book and even shook my ability, at times, to allow for any credibility in the book is the authors black and white absolutism that is pervasive in the book. The world I’ve seen both deployed in the Army and while serving those who are doing the suffering and causing the suffering in marginalized people groups is anything but black and white. The worshipping of the warrior also pervasive in this book was too much for my liking. Weaving in the authors views of Judeo-Christian perspectives was also almost more than I could bear. Quoting scripture to defend killing was a bit much.

When the author stuck to the science of trauma and combat and reflexes and research and physiology I felt like it was a good and worthy read. When he deviated into his opinions I felt his book lost value for me and those perspectives would do better to be in a separate, supporting book.

I will recommend this book with lots of caveats and reservations.

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Warning: Far-Right hit piece on Hollywood!!

First off, this book is GREAT when it actually sticks to the content associated with its title (and synopsis on Audible). When it talks about the physiology and psychological affects of combat on our soldiers, it is top notch.

However, this book is a wolf in sheep's clothing for the far right wing. About 2/3 of the way through the book, it decides to become a hit piece against pretty much EVERYTHING that pisses off the far right wing in this country. It squarely sets its sights mostly on Hollywood.

Now, don't get me wrong, I agree there is a debate that needs to take place here, and in fact I actually agree with some of Grossman's opinions on media violence. HOWEVER, I did not get this book to be lectured on (what I consider to be) a far right wing agenda. Had I wanted a book like that, I would have PURCHASED a book like that. The author (Grossman) isn't even remotely objective about it, seemingly failing to recognize that the far right could actually be wrong about anything. He even goes so far as to give religious advice, which I found to be ridiculous, and uncalled for, especially considering the fact that his tone was preachy enough without it.

I'm not going to list point-by-poiint where Grossman is wrong, because I'm not being paid to write this review or debate him. Bottom line is, the book's title and synopsis (on Audible) is VERY misleading. This is a far-right wing propaganda piece, for a large section of it, and had I been warned of this in either the synopsis or title, I would have NEVER purchased it.

If you are a far right winger, and you're interested in this subject, this book is for you. I mean that sincerely. You will actually enjoy it quite a bit. However, if you are a free-thinking, rational minded moderate, that doesn't feel like being lectured on things like; why we should take Draconian measures in censoring our country's art, why ALL drugs should be illegal (even harmless ones like marijuana), and why YOU should believe in and worship the Christian God, then my advice is to stay as far away from this book as possible.

I feel it necessary to add this postscript - the anecdotes in his book, referring to the BRAVE men and women that serve this country's military are outstanding. This review IN NO WAY is meant to take away from or disparage the sacrifices they have made in serving our great country. I give thanks for them every day I am alive. This includes the author, who has served this country for many years. This review should only reflect the fact that I am incredibly disappointed with how misleading the title and synopsis of the book are.

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Self-aggrandizing, weak on evidence

After listening to 'On Kiling', this followup was an enormous disappointment. With the caveat that I only made it about three quarters of the way through, my complaints:

Constant self-aggrandizement: Grossman repeatedly refers to soldiers/police as 'sheepdogs' and the general nonviolent public as 'sheep'. He at one point makes a ridiculous, half-hearted apology and says he means no insult by the term 'sheep,' an apology completely at odds with the way he actually speaks. Further, his gushing praise of police and solders is superfluous, probably even to readers who belong to those groups.

Bad science: Several of Grossman's major theses are either irrelevant, uncertain, or outright wrong. For example, he claims that violent crime has been increasing since the 1950s, and he implies that our streets today are as dangerous as they have ever been. (In reality, violent crime today, while still above 1950s levels, has been on a steady decline since the late '80s/early '90s). He makes causal claims that are insufficiently supported by the available evidence, the largest of which is that violent video games are the major player in our "increasing" violent crime rate.

Repetition/slow pace: It takes Grossman so very, very long to get to his points. There are literally hours of unnecessary anecdotes. He repeats himself constantly. This audiobook could have been about one quarter its length without a major impact on its meaningful content.

Glaringly missing topics: As I said, I didn't listen to the final quarter, so perhaps one or more of these is finally addressed at the end. If so, it's still his fault for losing my attention before then. He hasn't talked enough about abuse of power. He has a few inadequate one-liners about when a single 'sheepdog' misuses his power, fires without permission or such. But he does not address institutional abuse of power, or those times when the boss turns a blind eye to the sheepdog's abuse of the sheep. Also, in a book mostly about police, I have yet to hear a word about the deliberate use of nonlethal force. It almost seems as if Grossman isn't familiar with the concept.

Last, I think the poems he quotes are cheesy.


The good: A nice discussion on how to train properly for high-stress situations. Some interesting anecdotes about when people trained improperly. That's really about it.

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DAT ENDING

If you could sum up On Combat in three words, what would they be?

Insightful, helpful, applicable.

What does Dave Grossman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Dave Grossman brings THAT ENDING.
I won't spoil it, but in the last few seconds of the book the tone of the book goes from 55 mph to Mach freakin' 12 as the patriotism literally EXPLODES into your ears, music even starts playing! I didn't know whether to laugh or gag it was so comical.

Honestly, GREAT BOOK, but there's something to be said about that ending.
If you recommend this book to a friend you will DEFINITELY know when he or she has finished it when they jump up and yell "AMERICAAAAAAA!!!"

The seriousness and somber tone of the rest the book is almost overshadowed by the ending of this book, it just doesn't fit to me.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Every part of this book is important and I found myself rewinding a lot.

Any additional comments?

Be prepared for that ending.

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25 people found this helpful

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Best book on combat of all time!

As a veteran this book helped me understand my experience and know how to help myself heal and heal others. My calling to be a warrior was also affirmed and strengthened.

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Slow and fluffy

There's a lot of useful information here, but it is slow in coming. At times it seems every paragraph is prefaced by a quote; most of these add little and they get very distracting.

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  • GP
  • 11-06-16

An insightful and compelling look at a difficult topic

This is an exceptional book. Col. Grossman's insights on the bulletproof mind and the effects of combat are exceptional - this is not just a look at combat from a soldier's perspective but looks at soldiers, law enforcement, and society in general. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

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A Warrior Family read...

A must read for any Warrior, Warrior Family, or Warrior Spouse.

Just read this with my teenage son who is about to enlist to the United States Marine Corps.

What insight regarding every component to battle. The prior, during and following affects to the warrior, and everyone that loves him! The emotional, physiological, and even the spiritual components of combat. The reiteration of the 'Sheepdog' ideology alone makes the book worth every penny!

About to read again, but this time along with my wife... a Marine Wife, and soon to be (God willing), a Marine Mom.

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if you carry a gun - you must listen to this

A bit of a scholarly work but well worth it.

This is a must listen if you have a carry permit or have firearms in the home for defense.

BZ Col Grossman

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