Does fighting in combat help build character?

Yes it does. Fighting in combat exposes you to situations a person can't face in everyday life. You face fear, you face courage and self doubt. It builds character because you don't face emotions on that level everyday. It tests your ability to keep calm in a tight spot. If you cant think straight in a life or death situation, then your done for. You don't get to feel things like that working in an office cubicle. Or at a fast food restaurant. You feel this stuff in the police department, or in the military. These people face that kind of stuff everyday.