Do Soldiers Miss Combat?

Yes, soldiers miss combat. Obviously when you first get back from a deployment or have one looming you might feel differently but especially once you get out in the civilian world, you miss combat. There is a simplicity about it and, as Junger describes, a camaraderie you can find nowhere else. And yes, even the actual fighting part of combat is missed. No one misses IED's but I would argue that's not really combat per se, that's a crappy tactic used by an enemy that can't stand and fight. But, and even Gen. Mattis said it, "I love brawling" and that's what combat is, a brawl, and it can be good fun. Obviously you hope no one gets hit but there is no thrill, no rush like a fire fight and if you win the day, no better feeling of euphoria to have braved enemy fire and come out on top.

It is like nothing that you will ever experience any other way. Some people are closer to their Soldiers and battle buddies than their own families. That is a for a reason. The act of war, well some do and some want nothing to do with it again.

SSgt (Join to see) I just came across this video on another sight. I was going to post it but found you already had. It's an interesting explanation.