Thanks for the recommendation. It's interesting to look at this effect from different perspectives.

I wouldn't say it would be the root cause for PTSD, but it contributes seeing yourself become an automat that shoots without thinking. Seeing yourself become the darkest version of yourself is traumatizing, but yes, you had to do it to survive.

Conditioning is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can prepare soldiers to handle combat stress better; on the other hand, it can desensitize them to violence in ways that might have long-term psychological repercussions.

Here's a paper talking about mental issues on military training per se: https://www.scientificarchives.com/article/military-training-does-it-predispose-service-personnel-to-negative-mental-health-issues

It's a complex issue.

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment Daniel!