As an aspiring aviation recruit (ROTP) i have no military experience and cannot comment on any "behind the scenes" tasks of any pilot. I however, need to point out something about the fighter community which I have failed to see anyone mention. These ladies and gentlemen may just fly routine patrols and "practice" most if not all of their careers in the military. We all know that, however, if crap hits the fan, we call up those guys and girls to do the unthinkable.
For example, lets take the tragic events of 9/11 for example, I am sure a wide range of fighters were scrambled all around North America to intercept any suspicious airliners. Imagine being the pilot trailing a commercial airliners with 200 innocent people with the order to shoot down the plane before it causes any more damage.
I could only imagine the thoughts running through any persons head pulling the red trigger button.
Someone has to do it.
Just my .02 cents