I've been back from my year and a half long deployment for 7 months now. Since I'm in the army national guard, that means that I went back to soldiering once a month and doing the civilian thing the rest of the time. So far this year, I've managed to get my bachelor's degree and acceptance to graduate school. However, I just don't feel happy, and it feels like my life just isn't what it was before. Somehow I'm not as excited about my goals as I was before I got deployed. I certainly haven't had success in my personal life lately, which I think adds to my malaise.
I've been thinking about volunteering for another deployment earlier than necessary. It feels as if I belong in the war zone now, as crazy as that sounds, especially since I was never a supporter of the war. Am I crazy? Has anyone else felt like this?
2007-07-27 18:12:37 · 7 answers · asked by redguard572001 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
You sound just like my husband who's a marine. I don't support the war either but i do support my troops. What you're feeling is a sense of need. You feel that as long as the war is going on, you need to be there helping your troops. I think this is completely normal and there isn't anything crazy about it. I was very against my husband feeling that he wanted to go back to Iraq but then I realized why he felt this way. Every time he heard of a solider who died he took it personal as if it were his fault the solider died (because he wasn't there t help him). If you want to talk to a counselor or something, that may ease your thoughts. However, I and many others adore the since of belonging and dedication to this country that you have.
2007-07-27 19:06:34 · answer #1 · answered by Lala 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's called re-entry shock. And it isn't just experienced by those who return from deployments to a combat theater. Anyone who does any overseas tour is a potential victim. Why? Because you suddenly are aware of the mundane, self-absorbed nature of the American daily world. It took me almost three years after my return from Asia. I was thrilled when I was re-assigned to the area once again.
I'm not suggesting you volunteer for another tour where perfect strangers want to do you harm. Perhaps, as part of your studies, you can gain acceptance to some academic program where you would study overseas, while matriculating towards your degree goals.
2007-07-28 01:47:20 · answer #2 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are not alone. The problem is that over there we feel our statue is higher. When we get back we get treated like another Joe. This disparity is hard to get used to. Sometimes you want to shake people and tell them: do you know who I am? do you know what I have done and seen?
Some how all the problems here becomes obsolete compared to what was seen there.
You have to mentally tell yourself not to compare the life here with what you have seen there.
2007-07-28 01:36:26 · answer #3 · answered by El Griton 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
i know many soliders that come home and want to go back i think it is because they feel that there brothers are out there fighting while you are living a good life again and you feel guilty for it all because you were once one of the soliders out there and you know you can help it is prefectly normal to feel that way
2007-07-28 19:12:45 · answer #4 · answered by Honey Badger Doesnt give a Shat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have, and I put myself on the list to go back early too. I think it is normal to feel that way. talk to your local VA me personaly I volenteered just to get the money I was making the 1st time
2007-07-28 11:42:22 · answer #5 · answered by cones2210 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have gotten some great answers....you have to give this time, and some counseling thru the army is the next step....it just helps to talk and figure things out...you are not the only one who is going thru this..many of our soldiers are....i want to thank you for your service and for protecting us....but remember you have a life here too....and it is time to get into it....
2007-07-28 04:08:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i felt the same way when i got back, but i got over it as you will with time. i know it sucks cause ppl cant really relate to what you are going through but i think you'll be fine with time
2007-07-28 01:18:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋