Simon Klingert Kriegsfotografie

A wounded US marine shot by a Taliban sniper walks towards a Medevac helicopter in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Photograph by Simon Klingert Kriegsfotografie.

Beauty in the midst of destruction. Deadly surprises where it seemed safe a moment ago. Suicide bombings and carnage, while life just goes on in the neighborhood across the street. Hollering, as grenades are thrown at the enemy. Laughter as bullets fly. War means death and yet it is full of life.

A modern soldier has little in common with the legionaries of the past. However, the essence of war has not be changed. A soldier has to put himself in the line of fore and face the enemy. Dust, dirt and an un-nerving fear is all there is.

Little has changed since man first started turning his weapons on himself. The body switches into survival mode. It’s like a primal fire that awakens; a torrential flood of adrenaline and emotion sharpens the senses. The battle for life and death is the pinnacle of all experiences.

"For gods are not blind to men who kill. In time, black agents of revenge, the Furies, wear down and bring to naught the fortunes of a man who prospers unjustly."
- Aeschylus, Oresteia

A century ago, legends such as Richthofen or Boelcke scores their first air victories. Nowadays it is possible to kill a man on the other side of the globe by pressing a button. There is little left of the courage the old aces had, and none is required for this type of remote control war.

The wars of our time often elude a distinct form. The enemy is like a phantom which disappears among the crowds. Front lines and ditches manned with worthy adversaries are rare. Instead we erect outposts: small islands in in Indian country.

No one has returned from the battle and remained unchanged. For veterans the world splits into those who were there and the others who remained home. Returning from war is a long way home for many.