[Carry_Okie]

In wars prior to Viet Nam, in all recorded history, only 15% of front line soldiers used lethal force, 85% shot over the enemy's head, just postured and blustered to scare the enemy into retreating.

Somehow, I don't think this represents WWII or Korea very accurately.

[DarkSavant]

Yeah, I’m pretty sure that was debunked. I still hear it often though.

[Mogger]

In wars prior to Viet Nam, in all recorded history, only 15% of front line soldiers used lethal force, 85% shot over the enemy's head, just postured and blustered to scare the enemy into retreating.

I doubt this is true for the Civil War.

Just look at the numbers killed.

Overall his numbers may be right though, but not for the reasons he assumes.

Considering that 85% of any military force is recruited from cities, and few of them could shoot strait, that leaves 15% from the countryside to do all the accurate shooting, and thereby, killing.