Dave Grossman ( author ) Dave Grossman ( born 23 August 1956 in Frankfurt , West Germany ) is an American author who has specialized in the study of the psychology of killing , which has been termed " killology " . He is a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Army . Biography . Grossman ' s career includes service in the U . S . Army as a sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division , a platoon leader in the 9th Infantry Division , a general staff officer , a company commander in the 7th ( Light ) Infantry Division as well as a parachute infantry man , a U . S . Army Ranger and a teacher of psychology at West Point . In February 1998 , Grossman retired from the military as a professor of military science at Arkansas State University . Work . Grossman ' s first book , " " is an analysis of the physiological processes involved with killing another human being . In it , he reveals evidence that most people have a phobia - level response to violence , and that soldiers need to be specifically trained to kill . In addition , he details the physical effects that violent stresses produce on humans , ranging from tunnel vision , changes in sonic perception , and post - traumatic stress disorder . Robert Engen , in a paper for the " Canadian Military Journal " critiquing " On Killing " , both praised and criticized Grossman ' s works , saying : " " On Killing " and " On Combat " form an excellent starting point , there are too many problems with their interpretation for them to be considered the final word on the subject . " Grossman ' s response to Engen , printed in the same journal , addresses the criticisms by showing that SLA Marshall ' s findings , even after having doubt cast on their methodology , have borne out in further scientific studies and real world experience , and furthermore , have been the cornerstone of military and police training for over a half century . In " Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill : A Call to Action Against TV , Movie and Video Game Violence " , Grossman argues that the techniques used by armies to train soldiers to kill are mirrored in certain types of video games . The conclusion he draws is that playing violent video games , particularly light gun shooter s of the first - person shooter - variety ( where the player holds a weapon - like game controller ) , train children in the use of weapons and , more importantly , harden them emotionally to the task of murder by simulating the killing of hundreds or thousands of opponents in a single typical video game . Grossman uses blunt language that draws the ire of gamers — during the heights of video game controversy , he was interviewed on the content of his books , and repeatedly used the term " murder simulator " to describe first - person shooter games . His third non - fiction book , " " , is an extension of the first , intended to provide coping strategies for dealing with the physiological and psychological effects of violence for people forced to kill in their line of work ( soldiers and police officers ) . Since his retirement from the Army , Grossman has founded the Killology Research Group and educates law enforcement officers and soldiers how to improve outcomes in lethal encounters . He also speaks at civilian events on ways to reduce violence in society and deal with the aftermath of violent events such as school shooting s .