Dirty business Quote by Anonymous
““The Japanese fought to win - it was a savage, brutal, inhumane, exhausting and dirty business. Our commanders knew that if we were to win and survive, we must be trained realistically for it whether we liked it or not. In the post-war years, the U.S. Marine Corps came in for a great deal of undeserved criticism in my opinion, from well-meaning persons who did not comprehend the magnitude of stress and horror that combat can be. The technology that developed the rifle barrel, the machine gun and high explosive shells has turned war into prolonged, subhuman slaughter. Men must be trained realistically if they are to survive it without breaking, mentally and physically.””
About This Quote
Source Book: War and the Mind, 2020
Combat's extreme brutality demands realistic training to prepare soldiers mentally and physically for survival.
In simple terms: Realistic training helps survive brutal combat.
Key Takeaway
Train realistically to endure war.
Themes
combat
training
psychology
survival
war
stress
Mood
grim
serious
reflective
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- military boot camp
- combat readiness
- psychological resilience
- post‑war veteran support
Key Concepts
realism
human limits
military doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- How can training balance realism with mental health?
- What support follows realistic combat preparation?
A Different Perspective
Training alone cannot erase trauma; support systems are also needed.
