[cyberferret]

I have pretty much the same outlook as you. I used to be a pilot, and I have family in the defence forces even today. I am enthralled and fascinated with various aircraft and weaponry, though I abhor the use of that weaponry except as a deterrent to any hostilities arising at all.

I also used to shoot competitively, but nowadays other interests mean I do not own a gun at all. I don't consider myself a violent person. I could never envisage taking another person's life at all. But still, I admire the devices that could do (and were designed to do) that purely from an engineering and science perspective. Not just modern stuff too - I love WWII aircraft, and even ancient things like sword and armour design through the ages.

Some things DO cross the line, and I don't go down that path (napalm, chemical warfare, IEDs etc.), but a beautifully designed jet or ship etc., I can totally admire and appreciate.