This is discussion archived from a time before the current discussion method was installed.
Working Title: A Real Man is a Killer: From YKTTW
Betaalpha: In the case of military or assination training I know of two other reasons to invoke the trope: to ensure the commanders are in full control of their new recruit, and (if the killing is particularly nasty and/or carried out on a family member) to make the recruit an outcast and force him to accept the military group as his new family. Sad Real Life example: the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda.
Bluetooth The Pirate: Point of order. The purpose of special forces is not to kill people; that's what regular troops are for. Special forces train other people to kill people. Or spot targets so fighter pilots or artillery can kill people. Or, kidnap people and hold them for the CIA (who then might kill them). Killing people is kind of a sideline to their main missions. Still, the idea that they need to be ready to do so is a valid point. I'm just saying.
