Ammo Therapy

2014-07-28T09:10:49-04:00

This weekend I had the chance to go to a great event out here my area hosted by the Fort Pitt Chapter of the AUSA. The event brought together around 50 Veterans and several great weapons from FNH. The event ended with some of us being lucky enough to shoot the FN M3 .50 cal machine gun. Let me tell you, this is not your normal .50 cal. The rate of fire is insane. I attached a video that I posted on YouTube.

Anyways, during this event, several of us got together and had a discussion about is this type of event a good or bad thing for Veterans? Is there any therapeutic value to it? Could this cause someone to have flashbacks or set off any other triggers?

My answer was simple. It felt great to get some trigger time. Last year when we first did this event I was a little nervous about what my reaction would be to the smell of gun powder and the sounds of weapons going off. But after the event this year and last year, I left feeling great. It was great to get behind the sights of some weapons and burn off some rounds.

My question to the RallyPoint community is how do you feel about these type of events? Is there therapeutic value to it?

Firing the FN M3 .50-caliber machine gun

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Jul 28 at 2014 9:30 AM

2014-07-28T09:30:18-04:00

Awesome. I think time to time AMMO therapy will be a great help. Even if you are just in the area and hear the sounds. I know that being 100% blind just the sounds and smells do a lot. I would truly love to find a M60A! tank and run my hands over it along with a M114A1 recon track. These things would help clear up so many thinks and to take a M60 machine gun and with on pull of the trigger go through a full belt.That smell of diesel from the tank and the gunpowder does a lot. Yes more AMMO Therapy.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 28 at 2014 9:53 AM

2014-07-28T09:53:07-04:00

Very interesting question, SGT Keen! I would think that individuals would react very differently depending on where they are in their own journey. I would expect that many would react as you did and find it at least somewhat therapeutic.
I also believe that the decision to participate in'ammo therapy' is one that shouldn't be taken likely. I would expect that some may be prone to 'regress' as a result as well. I guess as a bottom line, 'individual results may vary'; but something to be considered and discussed openly! Thanks for sharing!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 10:36 AM

2014-07-28T10:36:42-04:00

I have 2 favorite therapies/meditations... straight razor shaving and dropping large amounts of ammo downrange. Sigh... if only ammo wasn't so damned expensive!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 28 at 2014 11:18 AM

2014-07-28T11:18:43-04:00

I think it can be very effective. One of the biggest issues with vets is that they can sometimes feel isolated after they leave service. Going to a gun range can help reconnect them with a familiar task and setting. Besides, shooting stuff up is a lot of fun!

Of course, we have to be careful that the vet in question is not unstable or suicidal/homicidal....

Response by SGT Dannie T. McLaughlin made Jul 28 at 2014 1:30 PM

2014-07-28T13:30:37-04:00

I have been thinking of buying some small weapons for just this reason. Truth is I miss it and was always good at it, even before the military. I can't stop the memories of what I have seen and done, but I think there is therapeutic value in burning off some rounds.

Response by SGT Paul Belk made Jul 28 at 2014 3:33 PM

2014-07-28T15:33:45-04:00

I recently went to my brother-in-law's farm in KY. He has 3 AR-15s and an AK as well as various pistols. I had a great time firing these weapons and cleaning them. It reminded me of my military days and it was therapeutic. I am a stroke survivor and I have not fired any weapons since before my stroke. It felt good to shoot at targets and hit them I was very pleased to do this. So yes my answer is firing is therapeutic because it connects you to your past training and allows you to experience the discipline of handling weapons.

Response by SrA Andrew George made May 28 at 2019 5:44 PM

2019-05-28T17:44:59-04:00

I think it's a great idea! I just wish I wasn't living a Communist NJ, where everything weapon wise is illegal. Lol!

Having the opportunity to fire a weapon in a safe and comfortable environment, with new/old friends, should help with any concerns about flashbacks and all. I believe the support you know you'd have while there, along with the positivity and it being a stress free environment would go a long way. Where can I sign up! Lol!