Without having experienced it, true understanding is impossible. Being in theater changes a man (or woman). Combat brings to the fore, things in the human mind that are best left buried and controlled. You are gong to have to trust me on this one. If you have never experienced it, your brain is incapable of imagining what it is like. Stories and movies do not even come close.
My war was Vietnam. I fully understand the difficulty of coming home again. However, I also understand that the combat mindset is unacceptable here in "The World."
When you encounter a combat veteran, give him some space (and tolerance). If his actions are out of line, whenever possible, let the authorities deal with it. No one wins in a confrontation between a combat veteran and a civilian.
I do not agree that it is an "excuse" for any behavior. However, it could be a good reason for that behavior. He does not need to be chastised, coerced, forced, or made to understand. He needs help and (mostly) time to adjust.
The number of my brothers who are in jail, living on the street, and/or addicted to drugs and alcohol are clear testament to what the results of not being able to "come home" truly means.
With all my heart . . .
Peace,
dave