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VMI77 wrote: So, for example, if an officer kills someone in a case like this, and he can no longer function as an officer because he can't be certain that in a future life or death encounter he will be able to employ his weapon, his act has taken a psychological toll.

There are degrees of everything. Even when it comes to the psychology of killing another human being. Just because the psychological toll isn't devastating and career ending doesn't mean it isn't present. That would be like saying going through a toll booth and paying the toll isn't a toll unless it automatically bankrupted the person.

Military training and police training with regard to killing and eliminating the enemy are two different things. Also, not all soldiers are cut out to be snipers from skill, physical and psychological perspectives. We shouldn't discount what all goes on in people's minds.

Here is a good book by Dave Grossman that discusses this issue in depth. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... arcatslair" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm not going to argue what may have gone on in Chris Kyle's mind other than to say I suspect he had to deal with some psychological challenges as he went through training and executing his duties whether he discussed it or not in his book. What he did was noble and heroic in my mind.

I can say I've had to draw my weapon a couple of times over the years and if I would have had to take a life, tt would weigh on my mind for ever to some degree even if it was clear cut justifiable.

There is definitely a psychological toll it takes when someone with a conscience takes another person's life, even when it is justified. Hopefully, that officer will be able to deal with this and move on with his career.

The child was such a sweet looking boy.