//I know what the term means, thank you - my point is that it sounds cold, and clinical, and utterly divorced from its meaning in this context.//
A-H
I didn't realise it was in the remit of ABers to ask you first what expressions or phrases would meet with your approval before they posted. Are we required to search for a host of synonyms that you may vet first.
For "Theatre" you could read battle front, front line.area of operations,war zone,etc etc
For "Collateral damage" Please consider Non -combatants, civilian casualties.,non beligerents etc etc.
Please state your preferred expression so we can assist your sleep pattern.
Alternatively it could be suggested that you grow a pair,man up and if everyday common media,military vernacular is not to your liking you don a pair of cans and listen to your favourite music and steer clear of the reality of the real world and A.B.
As usual it is only you who feels the need to comment on something so trite.