I have someone very close to me who is getting ready to head overseas in the next week or so. I'm definitely staying as positive as I can, despite the whole situation, and he's very positive as well. Deep down, I'm absolutely nervous and scared about him going over there. I just wanted to know for the people who have been over there, what were your experiences like? All the news ever shows is the negative side to things, and I do hear positive aspects of things that are going on over there. Was it difficult for you or your family member to cope with being back home? Did you experience any PTSD or anything of that nature. Share your thoughts, or if you have family members who have been in Iraq.
2006-08-30 07:43:07 · 12 answers · asked by Kerra L 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Is there a base near you? I recommend going and talking with the troops if you are that worried. Remember this is the Internet and people can say what ever and tell you a good story that might or might not be true. My husband served in Iraq twice (I never had to go). He was infantry so the things he did and the things he saw are different from what my friends saw (they are in the air wing). A MOS (job) is going to make for a different experience. And of course it is difficult to deal with being away from family and friends. My husband did what he had to do to come home and that is all that mattered. I don't ask him questions and he doesn't tell me. His unit saw a lot of action and had several Marines killed. My best advice would be don't worry (try not to worry) and remember your special someone knows their job and the people around them know their job and they do what it takes to get the job done and get home. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
2006-09-03 02:41:30 · answer #1 · answered by fin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
that really depends on where he's going and what he will be doing. While I narrowly dodged going to Iraq, the biggest danger people had while on base where mortar rounds hitting the base which they were at. If your friend is going on patrol, stuff like road side bombs will also be a problem.
I wish I can say things were getting better over there, but I have yet to see any evidence is that is the case. However, the chance that your friend will hurt or killed is still rather unlikely considering the huge number of forces we have over there, only a relatively small fraction get physically injured. PTSD is more of a serious concern however, and you might want to educate yourself more on the subject.
No one is going to admit to suffering from it if they can avoid it, but a good 10% of soldiers seem to come back with at least some symptoms of PTSD. Just keep a look out for symptoms and if your friend comes with symptoms, get him to seek help if possible. Other than that, there is little you can do other then keep in contact and send anything supplies if he's short on anything where he's at.
2006-08-30 07:58:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just took my boyfriend to the airport yesterday to go overseas. All you can do is stay positive. It's very hard for me...but, if I stay positive he'll stay positive. This is the 2nd time he's had to go over there... I think the biggest part for the both of us is being away from each other for so long.
I just can't wait for him to get home and knowing that he's safe!
how long does this person going for?
if you'd like to keep intouch, my email address is cutefeeties@yahoo.com
2006-09-05 09:32:17 · answer #3 · answered by cutefeeties 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The question was specifically addressed to soldiers who have served in Iraq and answered by a bunch of riff raff that are telling second hand tales to the audience.
Well I was a career soldier and I served in the Middle East and I have been in Iraq during combat. My war was fifteen years ago, but I can tell you that it isn't fun, you have a pretty much unseen enemy, and fear is your bunkmate. Around any corner can be the IED that takes you out. For the Infantry and the Military Police, patrolling is insane. Most of the time it is boring and monotonous work, however occasionally it is punctuated with the sounds of death and dying. My family at home didn't hear from me for weeks at a time, and most of my tour was far away from established towns, living in conditions that defy the imagination. However when I think of my compatriots that are serving there now, I only wish that we had been allowed to finish the job fifteen years ago.
2006-08-30 08:13:23 · answer #4 · answered by yes_its_me 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I can't tell you what I did overseas in Iraq..it's Top Secret, but I will say this.....I wish I could go back and get a piece of the action right now, but I have long been out since Desert Storm. I was the eye ball in the sky!
2006-09-05 09:21:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I haven't been there and I don't have any family there, but I met a soldier, a relative of a friend, who said that he had to shoot schoolchildren with a sniper rifle in a... I don't remember, red zone or hot zone... when they take any moving object as a threat and shoot. He had to shoot a whole group of schoolchildren just trying to run away. He told me he would never forget it, and that he felt that he would kill again someday after leaving the military. I don't want to make you feel more afraid for your friend, but if he doesn't believe 100% in the need to be there, I would say jail might be a better option. And he might not be surprised if he changes his mind after arriving.
hey thanks for all the thumbs-down guys... you don't have to believe me but this is the story as I was told."
That is an all out LIE. He would be in jail for murder.
2006-08-30 10:04:41 · answer #6 · answered by Curt 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
both me and my husband have been over there, in fact that is where we met (something good did actually come out of our deployment) it was hard when i was there because it was when the war first started, we had nothing. things are built up over there now and much better, they have AC and much better living facilities. neither of us had PTSD we were both fine when we got back. and i did see combat, there were 3 incidents where the insurgents attacked my squad. its a tough place but if he is a strong person he will make it just fine.
2006-08-30 09:11:39 · answer #7 · answered by krystal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was fine. We did a lot of good things. None of it was reported, but we knew what we did. The press does none of us any justice.
When your friend gets there, he / she should just stay busy. Conduct his / her mission and help whenever he / she can.
Tell him or her to keep their head down and come home safely.
Edit 2:51 pm - Don't believe a word Aleksandr has posted...that is a load of bullshit.
2006-08-30 07:50:48 · answer #8 · answered by Q-burt 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Goodness effing gracious. Iraw was maybe the most fun I have ever had during a 14 month period. I mean honestly. Those dirty middle easterners sure do know how to show a guy a good time. Its all sunshine and farts over there. Everyone should do it.
2006-08-30 07:59:58 · answer #9 · answered by Jimmy C 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I haven't been there and I don't have any family there, but I met a soldier, a relative of a friend, who said that he had to shoot schoolchildren with a sniper rifle in a... I don't remember, red zone or hot zone... when they take any moving object as a threat and shoot. He had to shoot a whole group of schoolchildren just trying to run away. He told me he would never forget it, and that he felt that he would kill again someday after leaving the military. I don't want to make you feel more afraid for your friend, but if he doesn't believe 100% in the need to be there, I would say jail might be a better option. And he might not be surprised if he changes his mind after arriving.
hey thanks for all the thumbs-down guys... you don't have to believe me but this is the story as I was told.
2006-08-30 07:49:35 · answer #10 · answered by Aleksandr 4 · 1⤊ 6⤋