First thanks to MtM for starting a very interesting debate.
As an ex infantryman, I have to say I tend towards the Beag's view of the world that by comparison a war sat in your chair with the main risk being a blistered finger from your controller or a burnt lip from hot coffee is infinitely preferable to having to deal with blood and snot at, often very, close range. Especially as there is no sound - believe me you will never forget someone screaming for their mummy.
That being said, I don't underestimate that playing god can really sh!t can your mental health. The issue is how to deal with it.
What the regimental structure of the army did was create very tight knit teams with close bonds formed over many years of shared service. Many the late night war story session in the bar was in fact a very good way of relieving the stress of active service. I firmly believe that to understand and help with what people suffer you need to share a similar experience.
EG