With sickened heart I read the details and was left to ponder why. Merely repeating the truism that war is hell was not enough. Somehow the tragic events and circumstances of war had successfully removed or deeply buried the simple, powerful, essential element of compassion. We are warriors and many bluntly characterize our mission as killing people and breaking things. Both history and experience testify that not only can compassion be a part of the makeup of a soldier, but it is essential.
Compassion is the defining characteristic that separates a true soldier from the ruthless barbarian.
Even a barbarian can have courage, commitment, competence and candor. But add compassion and the barbarian nature must give way to a new creature, a better creature, a compassionate soldier. During the Persian Gulf War, I witnessed the epitome of a compassionate soldier, and the inestimable worth of such a soldier was brought forcefully home. There in full view was a young American soldier capturing a group of Iraqi soldiers. His M-16 in one hand, the other hand extended in directive action.