Courage of the Will
O'Brien focuses on fear and courage at length as a result of his time in combat. He had expected to be afraid, but he also expected that he could command himself to do the right thing and engage in warfare. In reality, he learned that his body and mind want to live more than they care about any ideal of heroism, patriotism, or duty. Through rigorous tests, he learns to exercise courage as a discipline and an extension of his mental reasoning. Although O'Brien is terrified, he forces himself to participate in combat wisely. The goal is survival, not honor. To O'Brien courage becomes a difficult lesson but one which his life depends upon. He's disappointed not to be a hero at heart, but this disillusionment is also comforting because he understands the value of heroism much better now.
Manipulation
After returning home to the States, O'Brien feels utterly used. He had been fed lies about the military's purpose oversees. After participating in Major Callicles' investigation, however, he learns that the government made many concessions. O'Brien never had a choice to no participate, but he feels like he was owed something for his service. His innocence was taken from him. His peace of mind and restful nights were taken from him. Now he holds the government responsible for using thousands of men to fight a war which never needed to exist.
Pacifism
Although O'Brien is raised in a patriotic household, he doesn't buy the lie of the war. He believes that patriotism doesn't entitle a person to kill. He's more of a pacifist. He does recognize, however, that he has a duty alongside his fellow citizens to participate and not to dodge the draft. Even during his service, he is punished for his pacifism and made to endure harder work. This cannot change his mind, especially after he witnesses the real horror of war and death firsthand.
