The Young Lieutenant

While reading Guests of the Nation, there was an interesting debate that came up. Should the Young Lieutenant feel guilty? Should soldiers feel remorse? Should anyone feel guilty if they were committing their active 'duty?' Of course they should they are human, and if you not the least bit of sadness for taking another's life then I would be worried you had no soul. I feel that in a time of war it makes the situation tough, and I am not saying you should not fulfill your duties for the betterment of the nation; however, I do believe you should feel something for you actions. The murder you perform causes a lot more damage, and emotional conflict with the victim's family, friends, and country as well. Therefore, I think they should take in consideration that they are not just killing an enemy, but they are killing perhaps a father, son, friend, or husband and that impacts people. A duty is a duty, in a militia standpoint you do need to perform it if told to do, but you have options. You could rebel and say no, alter the actions in someway, or you can perform them. The choice is yours, but when faced with the action of taking another person's life in my hands, I would feel a lot of remorse and feel guilty. You are playing a key factor in that person's fate, and they will no longer have a chance to live a full life. That is a lot to take in when it comes to a decision, and that would be a life altering one at that.