Imagine a soldier-turned-scholar who peeled back the layers of the human psyche in combat—meet Dave Grossman! Born in 1956, this retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel transformed our understanding of violence through his pioneering books like On Killing and On Combat. His work, blending psychology and real-world experience, has become a cornerstone for military, law enforcement, and even civilians navigating high-stress situations.
With a knack for making complex ideas accessible, Grossman’s writings dive into the mental and physical toll of deadly conflict. His journey from the battlefield to the lecture hall is as gripping as the stories he tells. Ready to explore the man behind the ‘killology’ movement?
The Making of Dave Grossman
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, on August 23, 1956, Dave Grossman grew up with a front-row seat to military life. After earning a B.S. from Columbus College and an M.Ed. in counseling psychology from the University of Texas, he served over 23 years in the U.S. Army as a sergeant, paratrooper, and Ranger. His time at West Point as a psychology professor and Professor of Military Science shaped his curiosity about the human mind under pressure. This unique blend of boots-on-the-ground experience and academic rigor set the stage for his groundbreaking work.
After retiring in 1998, Grossman didn’t slow down. He founded the Killology Research Group, later rebranded as Grossman On Truth, to teach soldiers, police, and first responders about the realities of lethal force. His mission? To equip ‘sheepdogs’—those who protect society—with mental tools to face danger and recover from its aftermath.
Dave Grossman’s Unforgettable Works
Grossman’s books are not just reads; they’re deep dives into the psychology of violence. His first, On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society (1995), rocked the boat by arguing that most people have a natural aversion to killing. Drawing on S.L.A. Marshall’s World War II studies, Grossman revealed how militaries use conditioning to overcome this resistance, with profound psychological costs. The book, a Pulitzer Prize nominee, is required reading at the FBI Academy and on the U.S. Marine Corps Commandant’s list.
On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace (2004), co-authored with Loren W. Christensen, builds on this, offering coping strategies for warriors facing life-or-death moments. It explores physical effects like tunnel vision and auditory exclusion, making it a lifeline for soldiers and police. Grossman’s Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill (1999) takes a bold stance, claiming violent video games desensitize youth to murder, sparking debates that still echo today. His later work, Assassination Generation (2016), doubles down on this, linking media violence to real-world aggression.
Grossman’s style is direct, almost conversational, yet backed by rigorous research. He weaves anecdotes from combat veterans with scientific insights, making his books both gripping and practical. His focus on ‘sheepdog’ mentality—protectors who stand guard—resonates deeply with those in high-stakes roles.
Why Dave Grossman Matters
Grossman’s impact is seismic. His books have sold over half a million copies, been translated into multiple languages, and shaped training for elite military and law enforcement worldwide. By introducing ‘killology,’ he created a new lens for understanding violence, influencing everyone from policymakers to mental health professionals. His seminars, delivered nearly 300 days a year, have reached countless ‘sheepdogs,’ helping them navigate the trauma of deadly encounters.
Yet, his work isn’t without controversy. Critics argue his video game claims oversimplify violence, and some, like Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, banned his seminars as ‘fear-based’ in 2019. Still, Grossman’s ability to spark dialogue on tough topics cements his legacy as a thought leader in combat psychology.
- Born: August 23, 1956, Frankfurt, Germany
- Key Works: On Killing, On Combat, Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill, Assassination Generation
- Notable Roles: West Point psychology professor, Army Ranger, founder of Grossman On Truth
Ready to dive into the mind of a warrior? Grab On Killing or On Combat and explore Dave Grossman’s gripping take on the psychology of conflict!