Colonel Grossman on Terrorism and Resilience

Oct 2, 2024

Lecture by Colonel Dave Grossman

Background

  • Colonel Dave Grossman is a retired Army Ranger, former West Point Psychology Professor, and Professor of Military Science.
  • Founder of the field of "Killology."
  • Author of books like "On Killing" and "On Combat," which are required reading for Marine Corps and recommended for Army and Air Force.
  • Extensive experience in training military, law enforcement, and all branches of the Armed Forces.

Key Topics Discussed

The Threat of Terrorism

  • Post-9/11 threats and ongoing war against terrorism.
  • Terrorists aim to attack unpredictably; we must anticipate future behavior from past actions.
  • The threat of nuclear attacks, particularly from countries like Pakistan, Iran, and North Korea.
  • Importance of understanding enemy tactics based on historical conflicts (e.g., Vietnam War, Afghanistan).

School and Civilian Safety

  • Terrorists target schools as a tactic, seen in global incidents (e.g., Pakistan, Israel, Russia's Beslan massacre).
  • Emphasis on hardening schools against attacks, highlighting the necessity of armed security in vulnerable places.
  • Example of the Beslan school siege in 2004 as a case study on terrorist attacks on schools.

Psychological Effects of Combat

  • Importance of understanding the psychological impacts of combat and violence.
  • Stress inoculation and preparing for combat scenarios through realistic training.
  • Addressing PTSD and mental health challenges in soldiers and law enforcement.
  • The role of sleep deprivation in exacerbating psychological issues.

Resilience and Mental Toughness

  • Resilience in combat is likened to a "Bulletproof Mind."
  • Preparation through mental and physical readiness is crucial.
  • Breathing exercises as a tool to manage stress and maintain composure.
  • The importance of maintaining an "internal locus of control."

Leadership and Responsibility

  • Leaders must maintain calm and composure even in crisis situations.
  • The role of discipline and adherence to rules and standards in military conduct.
  • Importance of community and camaraderie among soldiers for mental resilience.

Lessons from History

  • Historical examples of combat and resilience, including WWII, Vietnam, and Korea.
  • The role of faith and moral conviction in sustaining soldiers' mental health.

Final Thoughts

  • The importance of living a life of sacrifice and service as a "sheepdog" protecting the community.
  • Closing with reflections on love, sacrifice, and duty towards fellow citizens.

Additional Resources

  • Recommended reading: "On Combat" for further understanding of the psychological impact of combat.
  • Grossman Academy for online courses and further learning.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the main points discussed by Colonel Dave Grossman, focusing on the psychological and tactical aspects of combating terrorism and the importance of resilience and mental toughness in military and law enforcement professionals.