Please don't post any lectures or essays about politics and religion, these questions find a way of attracting those sorts of things.
2007-10-30 20:17:10 · 15 answers · asked by Alicia 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
My mind wasn't ever trained to deal with the ramifications of taking human life under any circumstances.
Being in Iraq was a challenge for many reasons. Yes I have felt guilty about the things I saw and were a part of. Personally I deal with it with a great deal of help from my family and my Faith. That's all I will say about the religious part, but its the truth.
I tried drinking the pain away, didn't work, have tried to push it "under a rug" that doesn't work either. Getting things out in the open with a good friend or someone you trust with all your heart has been the best way for me to deal with the problems.
2007-10-30 20:53:53 · answer #1 · answered by Groucho 4 · 8⤊ 1⤋
I asked my husband this, as I can't answer for him (or any other front line soldier).
He said, "no, I never feel guilty. Them or me. It gets harder when I have to shoot someone by default, but I don't think about it or hesitate at the time and I know I had no other choice. I don't bring emotion to the battlefield"
Of course, this may just be the answer he's giving me and not how he really feels.
There are times I've actually wondered if my husband is mentally derranged. I know that sounds terrible, but it seems he gets a thrill out of it. He and his buddies sit around laughing and bragging about things. He talks about the adrenaline rush. Maybe that is their way of dealing with it. Who knows.
2007-10-31 01:25:57 · answer #2 · answered by Jill C 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I really cant think of a definate answer. The human mind is complex, and how each individual takes is different.
I felt strange, knowing that i ended a life of my own species, a life that thinked, maybe loved. But then i realized that this very person would probably kill me too. I love, and I think.
But yes, i know for a fact that the very idea that you ended a life can be so hard on some people. Its up the person to find a mechanism to cope with it, as i did.
2007-10-30 20:26:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
As a veteran who has experienced the cracking sound of a bullet passing close by, the sound of a comrade yelling, and the smell of gunpowder all I can say is this;
There is no time for guilt, it's you or them, simple and plain. The quilt creeps in many years after and thus we have a thing called PTSD.
On the "front line" , which there was none in Vietnam, it was all-over the place, you dealt with it by shutting down your thoughts about it. Your one and only thought was protecting your fellow comrades, I did not think of myself and didn't care.
Hope this explains it somewhat.
2007-10-31 07:10:48 · answer #4 · answered by Sgt Big Red 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I never felt guilty about anything I ever did to the enemy. Sometimes a little about a man under my leadership who was severely injured losing a leg and an arm. Nothing I could have done, but it's natural. Overall, different people react in different ways. No one answer is true for all. However, if the man does feel guilt about action against the enemy, he doesn't belong there at all. That guilt may cause hesitation in a future firefight which will get his buddies killed.
2007-10-30 21:35:39 · answer #5 · answered by James M 4 · 5⤊ 2⤋
A soldier does not suppose to fight persons,he fights uniforms,there is no personal hate against the person behind the uniform;however anyone witout uniform and with a gun in his hand is shot on sight before he shoots you he is protected by no treaty or convension.First time is a little difficult but then survival takes over.and you get accustomed
to it. There are two categories of people who can kill legally and without remorse:the soldier,because he puts his own life
in the balance, and the state executioner.tThere lies no blame and not guilt...
2007-10-30 21:45:33 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
This is very difficult question to answer. There is always a guilt feeling when a human being has to do certain things like fight in a war and make horrible choices like taking another life. Put yourself in a situation of whether it will be you or him. When somebody is trying to take your life you act on instinct to defend yourself. Even if it means taking another life.
I dunno if i make sense. I guess you have to have been in war to understand making certain choices. Thats why many military members come home with PTSD. Of course there is guilt but when it was a life or death situation....
Do you understand, this topic is kinda hard to discuss.
2007-10-30 21:53:54 · answer #7 · answered by USMCgrlandMommy 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
My opinion... guilt may come later and not to everyone. You don't have the time while in combat. Only after you can sit back and think about it, does guilt come.
To all my brothers out there... it was them or you! I am POSITIVE your friends, comrads and family are thankful it was them!!!
2007-10-31 01:24:49 · answer #8 · answered by MadMaxx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only guilt i have ever felt is that i couldnt save my friend, not about fighting the insurgents.
2007-10-31 02:12:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Soldiers dont feel guilt, those who do cant take it and need to get off the field, some see it as a job some see it as a high stakes game, its the mentality of it but guild leads to regret and regret leads to getting other people killed
2007-10-30 20:57:53 · answer #10 · answered by ??? 2 · 3⤊ 4⤋