before anybody says anything, i know what i signed up for and i know what was going to happen when i signed up. but u cant tell me that means i cant be scared. im just looking for a lil help, advice, basically anything helpful to relieve the fear and stress im feeling.
2007-08-08 18:47:49 · 24 answers · asked by Black EyeZ 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Anybody who tells you they aren't scared going into a situation like that, is lying. It's natural, normal, and to be expected. Believe me, when you need it, your training kicks in without even thinking about it. Listen to the guys who have been their, they are still alive for a reason. Trust your training and your team mates, your equipment, your officers, and your gut. Good luck to you brother, God speed and Semper Fi
2007-08-08 22:02:13 · answer #1 · answered by Marine till Death 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Fear is something we all have before we go into combat. Mine began with panic attacks the night before we went out!
There are a lot of people in the military who know how you feel, won't bring it up, but you stay close to them and learn from them.They have the skills necessary for you to learn, and they will protect your back! Then at some point it will be you doing the teaching and you watching the back of your brother! Everyone knows that newbies are just that, and usually go out of their way to help! You are also their best protection!
You soon learn what you can and can't do. Sometimes those examples are difficult, especially when it involves the life of another person!
But always be scared. It is healthy and when your adrenalin kicks in you will have no fear as your fight to stay alive kicks in automatically, your senses rise to a level you have probably not experienced.
Try and do things that are mindless and takes your mind off of things. The more you think about tomorrow will not help you in the long run.
Most have survived Iraq, and you will to!
When you get home deal with your stress and any other issues you have.They are a byproduct of seeing things not meant to be seen, however there is help so use it!
Good luck!
And also remember that there are a lot of others who feel just like you! I was sitting in Korea before I was 18! Talk about it with other newbies! Or ask vets for their advice! Some will offer it anyway! Try and stay focused on the present, not the past or the future!
2007-08-08 19:16:31 · answer #2 · answered by cantcu 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
To be honest, I was scared s***less going into Iraq. I had already been to Afghanistan, so I knew even better than some of the guys I was with how scary it would be. The best advice I can give you is this, stay strong, lean on your buddies like they will lean on you, and although it won't be much comfort at the time, remember, the news only reports on the dead and maimed. The vast majority of Marines and soldiers who serve over there come home without a scratch. I did Afghanistan and Iraq, right at the beginning in both cases, and I came home with nothing more than some emotional baggage I dumped on my university's counseling department.
It is alright to be scared, everyone else is too, except for a very tiny perentage, and they are s*** nuts and dangerous, not heroes. Remember your training, suck it up, and drive on. Remember, hundreds of thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines have gone through what you are going through right now, and the vast majority of them are fine.
2007-08-09 04:42:05 · answer #3 · answered by joby10095 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey bro, it’s okay to be scared. Anybody would be scared. I just want to personally Thank You for your service and the scarifies you are making. I am not a soldier my self but guess real all I can say is what every body has said before me. Listen to your sergeants, keep you weapon clean and you equipment ready to go, and just go with your instinct. I have read book were Vietnam vets say they write down all the bad experiences that they have witness put it all in a box and stored some were. Then when you come home soldiers either keep them hidden, or destroy them. You will see some f*cked up stuff over there so that might be a good tip for you. One last thing, know that the man to your left and to your right are depending on you, as you are to them, to do your job. That’s all I can say. Good Luck. Good Bless you. And Thank you for doing this. The whole country is proud of you no matter what happens, Remember That. Come Back Home Saftely and remember to vist Yahoo Answers when you come back, HOOAH!!
2007-08-08 19:24:58 · answer #4 · answered by 0 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is ok to fear the unknown. Every soldier must come up with there own way to face their fear as everyone is different but I will give you some facts to rest assure you. This war has been going on for a few years all of your NCO's have been there done that at least twice they know what they are doing listin to them and you will be fine. Secondly Hajie is not that good of a soldier. He misses most of the time he shoots an RPG at your base that a few weeks in to it you will sleep through the incoming sirens. Also I was at Fort Bragg when I was active it was proven to be statiscally safer in Iraq than in Fayetteville. Think about that more soldiers in one year were killed at the home station than in combat. I know none of what I said can erease your fears, but allow me one more chance to say something just remeber your training and you will be ok.
2007-08-08 19:16:20 · answer #5 · answered by satcomgrunt 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
What your feeling is too normal. Im tellin you right now, you are doing a great thing not only for me or this whole country but for this whole world. Fighting terrorism is something that must be done for the good of mankind and your taking steps to accomplish that. You will be okay brother, I had a cousin that went there and I have the upmost respect for him. When you return from Iraq you will be a great man and will get or atleast deserve the respect of everyone in the right mind. Im almost 17 and I am thinking about joining the marines after high school. For what reason? RESPECT & COMMITMENT, to make something of myself, something that you have already accomplished and that I look up to you for.
2007-08-09 18:20:37 · answer #6 · answered by *** 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
first of all, thank your for choosing to serve and defend our country, you really are a hero, no matter what, and you are appreciated. all i can tell you is its okay to be scared, you will meet some of the biggest toughest soldiers in iraq, and they are scared to. everyone has someone they want to come back home to, and being in combat is a scary and trying time. keep your head up, remember what you are fighting for. dont listen to the media and all the junk about anti-military. within the army community you will find all the love and support that you need. make close friends, they will become your brothers and sisters and will keep you sane while over there. also, if you dont have someone special back home, there are many groups out there who will send letters and care packages to soldiers, and my hubby (deployed as army infantry/sniper in OIF II) said that getting letters from the states really helps when you have a long day, its nice to know that someone is thinking of you and praying for your safety and quick return home. I'll be praying for you and hoping you stay safe. thank you again for your service and sacrifice.
2007-08-09 05:09:50 · answer #7 · answered by gina.alvarez1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going to war would scare the **** out of anybody, you will be with others in your situation, and that will help. Talk face to face with other veterans including Iraq. Know you have the support of a nation and many prayers will be with you. Many Americans are getting discouraged with this war but not discouraged with you. lean on your family and friends and stay in touch. You will be in my thoughts as many soldiers are during this time. Everyday now counts more than the day before, make the best of them. What you are feeling is natual because you know you are going to embark in a life changing experience, remember , more people make it out alive and well than hurt or dead. The statistics are on your side. The fact you are doing this means you have character, trust your instincts. If your life is threatened, follow your training and trust yourself. Good luck to you and godbless. P.S. guy talk here, nothing can relieve stress more than a hot chic, if you have one, spend time with her, if you don't ,find 1or2, or 3 before you go.
2007-08-08 19:14:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey no one says just cause ur in the army doesnt mean u cant be scared, i would be to if i were in ur place, and i'd bet that there are hundreds more deploying with u that will be just as scared as u. But if i were u i'd also be excited and ready. U r going to fight for the greatest country in the world!!!! U will be bringing honor to our country and most importantly urself. Then when u come home u will be filled with a sense of self respect for putting urself through this war. Good luck and God speed.
2007-08-08 18:59:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Don't not worry everyone there is scared, the situation that you are in no one will blame you for being scared, Its is very important to keep you wits about you, letting the feeling control you in your reaction to a fire fight is most important.If you hesitate for a moment may be to much. Fight with all the power you have and try to save the being scared till after the danger has past. Take power from you God, Family, Good luck I will always pray for your safety.
Thanks for being there!!
2007-08-08 21:39:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋