It struck me recently while watching the movie Soldier (love it!) that simply having an intangible thing such as a reason to fight can make such a huge difference in a soldier.

I have read all of Keren Traviss's Republic Commando books and admire how in depth she has taken us into the mind of not only the clone commandos, but also the average clone trooper. Anyone who has read these books are very familiar with Kal Skirata and the other Mando'ade instructors of the commando corps. After he introduced his recruits and subsequently the rest of the GAR to the Mando culture, thus giving them a heritage and identity, their effectivness increased. Giving them a sense of self and national pride (as much as Mando pride could be called national pride) provided them with that intangible that was lacking while being regarded as "meat droids".

Which brings me back to Soldier. The SGT was bested at the begining of the film by a better soldier in a combat initiated because of ego. The SGT had no personal stake in this fight, other than survival, which is also a powerful motivator. It wasn't until he had a more personal stake, the protection of a village that had taken him in and helped him, that he became better and more effective.

Just some private musings. I welcome your comments.