A question for people who serve/have served in the military

[Sierra]

Have you ever been involved in live combat? I dont care if you killed someone. I could care less. I was just curious what goes through your head as bullets are coming at you along with mortar explosions, etc... Also, it is scary?

[Sixgun Symphony]

If you really want the answer to that question, go down to the nearest USMC recruiting station and tell the recruiter that you wish to fight.

[Tane Angle]

I didn't really want to send this post, but I want the younger folks here to at least think twice before signing up, so here's at least a bit of what combat was for me personally.

It sucks. I've yet to find anything enjoyable about it. I thought about the people around me. I thought about my family, about life and death. A lot of the time I didn't think. Training helps with that. It's tough to think under fire, so training builds instincts, like "duck," "run," and "shoot." That's why training is so important.

And there were times when I was scared out of my mind. There's an often-heard saying, "If someone says they weren't scared, they were either lying or are an idiot." I'm an idiot, but I won't lie, it is a scary thing. It's ok to be scared; when threatened, 4 billion some odd years of evolution scream "survive!" Some people can take that feeling and get past it. Some can't. If one can't, that's nothing bad, nothing to be ashamed of; however, one might want to find an alternative line of work then. No sense staying around, freezing in combat, and then getting some good folks killed.

It's something that the species might want to avoid a good amount. Let's just hope and pray that it's less necessary and less participated in during the coming years. Have a good one, and just some thoughts...

[USMarine3521]

If you really want the answer to that question, go down to the nearest USMC recruiting station and tell the recruiter that you wish to fight.

when are the Marines due in Iraq??? I thought it was March.....and its already March :|

[Sixgun Symphony]

If you really want the answer to that question, go down to the nearest USMC recruiting station and tell the recruiter that you wish to fight.

when are the Marines due in Iraq??? I thought it was March.....and its already March :|

I recall that the Marines were there for the invasion of Iraq. I think they left after the major combat was over.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

It's a little bit different for every body(or a lot). It depends on the individual. The only way to find out for sure is to do what SS suggested. But its not a descision to be taken lightly.

Hey Tane, how are you doing?. I've missed your calming influence around here.

[ibstolidude]

If you really want the answer to that question, go down to the nearest USMC recruiting station and tell the recruiter that you wish to fight.

when are the Marines due in Iraq??? I thought it was March.....and its already March :|

I recall that the Marines were there for the invasion of Iraq. I think they left after the major combat was over.

USMarineDep - The US Marines replaced/are replacing the 82nd Abn.

[16 OBr SpN]

First reaction is always fear, then your instincts prevail. Instincs truly have a different meaning out there.
Brain starts working in a totally different mode, time runs differently, all accompanied by adrenaline pumping inside, and you think like a machine. I got used to it, to the point where I became somewhat addicted to it.

The only thing I thought about was just surviving, and making my best, so my comrades survived as well. There is nothing worse than seeing your friends die, or talking to a wounded guy who, you know will die soon.

Regards,
16 OBr SpN