Did anyone know that many war veterans return to combat duties to relieve the symptoms of PTSD?

2013-11-02T01:41:05-04:00

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a disorder many of our vets suffer as a

psychological response to the fears and memories of combat.

Response by SGT Shon D. Hill made May 20 at 2014 11:03 PM

2014-05-20T23:03:17-04:00

I know older post, but bummed only 2 responses! PTSD is rough, I can't seem to make lasting solid progress overall, time not helping that's for sure! Yes I wanted to go back to combat because I loved being "Doc" and the trust the line grunts entrusted to me :). Nothing since can try to replace that, and now 10 yrs later I'm often sadder, more isolated, etc. Losing my Identity as an NCO and medic worst, VA and others strongly urged to leave medical field due to triggers, flashbacks, etc. Hard to reinvent yourself at 40, lot of ppl do, but I'm all over the map! Thanks, needed to vent that ;)

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 9:21 AM

2014-10-26T09:21:35-04:00

The other interesting part is that we usually cast suicide as the person who saw combat, has PTSD, and can't cope with what happened...the reality is, the people most likely to commit suicide have never deployed.

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Jun 11 at 2015 1:27 PM

2015-06-11T13:27:06-04:00

This would not surprise me. Many Vietnam veterans who got out of the military returned because they missed the camaraderie or fellowship with those who had experience the same things. This appeared to have been a carthesis of sort. Talking is so helpful and the solders and Marines I knew could talk about their experiences. This may be what is happening with the combat veterans of the recent wars.

Just having been through what I had been through in the Cold War in Germany with the terrorists and bombs and then going to civilian life was difficult. I automatically checked out my vehicle, looked at the gas gauge, drove home different ways, avoided taking the same routes to frequently traveled places. Walking in strange places I was totally aware of my surroudings, alert for sounds, ...and it took nearly 20 years before I was diagnosed for PTSD.

I still miss the military and I am old. I miss the challenges. I miss being in charge. I miss not knowing just what is going to be the surprise of the day.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 10 at 2015 3:22 PM

2015-12-10T15:22:44-05:00

My PTSD group had 12 soldiers in it. 4 said they want to deploy again. That adrenaline is a drug they want.