For men in active service, warfare means being - or becoming - efficient killers. Joanne Bourke asks: what are the social and psychological dynamics of becoming the best citizen soldiers? what kind of men become the best killers? and how do they readjustto civilian life?.

The pleasures of war -- The warrior myth -- Training men to kill -- Anatomy of a hero -- Love and hate -- War crimes -- The burden of guilt -- Medics and the military -- Priests and padres -- Women go to war -- Return to civilian life.