[envenonearo]

Hello all:
I was a soldier. I served in the US Army for 4 years. I actaully volunteered for several reasons- service, as a crucible, opportunity to travel, etc. I like to say 'my bad,' but I won't. I learned a lot of lessons in the Army. Good & bad ones.
I made the best of it- I was a combat medic and x-ray. I told the sergeants that I wouldn't kill anyone, but I'd sure patch them up.
When my tour was up, I was very ready to leave. The sergeant-major who was conducting my exit interview asked me why I was leaving the military. I told him as gently as I could that I couldn't be a part of a "death mentality" anymore.
Re. the question on killing to defend your family...I would fail as a Buddhist.
If someone was trying to hurt my son, and lethal force was my only option to save him, then yes, I would kill his attacker.
This situation is like the questions one has in philosophy classes. One where the many variables that are usually present in life have been taken removed. And one is left with A or B.
Actually, I was tested on this in real life.
I won't go into the details, but one night, I had a loaded firearm pointed at someone who meant to come into our house. He meant to do my family harm.
So what does one do? Well, without lowering the weapon, I talked him into leaving. Truthfully, I prob. would have shot and killed him if I had come further in our home. I wouldn'y have missed and at that range , the wounds would've been lethal.
I remember my finger on the trigger, praying I wouldn't have to pull it.
I'm glad I didn't have to.
Meta to all,
Bill