Philosopher, ethicist, and psychoanalyst Nancy Sherman explores the psychological and moral burdens borne by soldiers. At the heart of the book are interviews with soldiers, from the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but also from Vietnam and World Wars I and II.

I. Becoming a Warrior -- Ch. 1. From Civilian to Soldier -- Ch. 2. For Cause Or Comrade? -- Ch. 3. Payback -- II. The Battlefield of Emotions -- Ch. 4. The Guilt They Carry -- Ch. 5. Interrogation: In the Moral Shadowland -- Ch. 6. In the Face of Torture -- III. The War After the War -- Ch. 7. Loosening the Stoic Armor -- Ch. 8. Body and Body Parts -- Ch. 9. From Soldier to Civilian -- Epilogue. In Memoriam: Ted Westhusing.