Remove the words "The only" above and change "were" to "have" and I agree with CenCal.

As for DJ's comment, there's no need to react emotionally. I did not relish the kill, but when the dogs of war are unleashed, it's best not to get in their way. Some really bad people needed to die.

I always had a slight nag on my conscience when hitting fielded forces, because those people may or may not have been true Taliban...many were just conscripted villagers. I usually never knew except when working with SOF teams (once they got there). It was necessary. However, true Taliban and Al Queda targets...different story.

I've never felt more alive than when I was shot at. I've also never been more proud of a job well done. I excuse not myself...but I also wouldn't ask one of the protected to understand.