David Grossman, the author of ON KILLING, continues his writings into "fightology" with ON COMBAT. The book deals with four aspects of a human's reaction to being in a fight--the body, the mind, prior condition and training to body and mind, and the impact of combat on the body and mind after the fight is over.
Grossman peppers his chapters with statements of those known in the gun culture to historical figures tying them to psychological studies. As well, a broad range of people are listed as "advisors" on the book, including noted firearms trainers to peace activists.
The book reinforces several things that are stressed in the gun culture, e.g. the value of training and preparation, re-introduces ancient techniques as "new and improved, e.g. "tactical breathing"--circular breathing from yoga/qigong/lawhungong--to control the body's automated responses, and continues some of Grossman's more controversial positions, e.g. the contention that television/video games can desensitize some children to violence.
I found it very interesting. If you liked ON KILLING, you will enjoy this book.