"I’ve Got Your Six"?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 13:41:56 -0400

On this perpetual clock face that the military sees as the planet, there are no more important values than six and twelve. It is to be expected that a great many people will argue this point, as there is importance to every value, as bullets are notorious for having little concern for direction. I assure you, however, by the end of this, I will make you a believer.

You are in-country. It’s hot, you’ve been patrolling for four hours without rest, the sun is beating down on you and the heat waves across the horizon are dancing mirages across the sand and playing tricks on your eyes. Nevertheless, off in the distance, maybe a stone’s throw away, you catch the briefest glint of movement. Another mirage, surely, right? You shake it off, certain that the sun must be getting to you. Until, that is, you hear the dreadfully familiar crack of a rifle and feel the searing wake of sailing lead as it zips past the side of your face. Not a mirage after all, it would seem. Your danger is ahead, sitting in a small shack on the outskirts of a farming village in rural Afghanistan. Is it one man taking crack-shots at you to scare you off? Is the village being used as a stronghold for a larger force? You don’t know, and frankly it doesn’t matter. You now have no choice but to sweep through the entirety of the village from top to bottom. You lock eyes to your twelve, searching, scanning, and waiting. Nothing else follows. You and your team of four make your way to the wall of the nearest building; the same drill you’ve been training on for over a year now. You hear a couple more shots ring out from another building across the way. Time for a judgement call. Take shots from two directions, or split your already small team to tackle both known threats at once? “Well boys, see you in Hell or on the other side.”

You brief your team on your plan, grab one of your guys and move off. Your buddy grabs your shoulder as you stack on the closest door. “Don’t worry Brother; I’ve got your six,” he tells you. You move in and begin the process of systematically clearing every building in this small collective. You make it to the other side without a casualty, removing the three insurgents found within. You received, assessed, and removed the threat appropriately, making a decision with the understanding that danger from more than one direction is far less predictable than danger from one known one. So why did your buddy make sure you knew he “had your six?”

Using this scenario, to tell a Brother under fire that you “have his six” is pretty self-explanatory, right? You’re going to seek out, eliminate and protect him from, any dangers to the rear, right? Well, that’s part of it. However, there is a MUCH deeper meaning that so many people overlook or simply don’t know about. To tell someone under fire that you’ve got their six is to say that you will literally stop a bullet meant for them that they cannot see coming. That you are placing your body between your buddy and whatever dangers that may present themselves when he isn’t looking. But is this a phrase meant solely for combat jobs and environments? It may have begun this way, but it now carries another meaning and a different connotation.

No doubt most of us have seen the “;IGY6” movement that started in early 2016. But do we understand what it means? The “;IGY6” movement was begun to combat the steadily increasing number of veteran suicides per year. There was a study conducted over the course of 2014-2015 that determined on average, twenty-two veterans commit suicide a day. This number has actually risen since then to reach as high as an average of twenty-eight veteran suicides a day. Doing the math, this comes out to approximately 3.26% of all veterans per year will die by their own hand. So what is the goal of the “;IGY6” movement as a whole? It began as a slogan, and it transformed into a tattoo. To place this simple phrase on your body is to tell any veteran who sees it that you are a safe place to go, should they ever feel like suicide is an option. It is a heartfelt message to those in need that you will do your absolute best to safeguard them from whatever other trials of life that may occur while they focus on their respective “twelve” and take their time to heal and seek help with the depression raging within them.

So take caution, my friends. “I’ve got your six” is not just a gung-ho way of telling someone that you support them. It is a solemn oath to support, defend, protect, and when need be, throw yourself in harm’s way for their benefit. That being said, from me to you, from the bottom of my heart: Don’t worry Brother; I’ve got your six.”

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 31 at 2018 2:08 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 14:08:05 -0400

Thank you for the great share brother.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Aug 31 at 2018 3:43 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 15:43:47 -0400

Wow. What a strong share

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Sep 1 at 2018 1:18 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 01:18:57 -0400

Extraordinary essay, SPC Private RallyPoint Member. I assume you are the author?

Response by MSgt Dale Johnson made Sep 1 at 2018 9:23 AM

MSgt Dale Johnson — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 09:23:41 -0400

Thank You for this share

Response by CWO4 Brook Kelsey made Sep 1 at 2018 11:58 AM

CWO4 Brook Kelsey — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 11:58:13 -0400

I don’t believe that 32.6% of all veterans commit suicide per year. Otherwise after three or four years we would have zero vets. However, I understand the grave consequences of how many vets do commit suicide. Probably better to post the VA suicide hotline number: + [login to see] . Thank you for your service!

Response by SSG William Jones made Sep 1 at 2018 12:28 PM

SSG William Jones — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 12:28:22 -0400

Response by SSG DavId Murphy made Sep 2 at 2018 10:14 AM

SSG DavId Murphy — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 10:14:45 -0400

GREAT post man!! Thanks so much

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 2 at 2018 5:45 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 17:45:05 -0400

It took me two freaking days to figure out what IGY meant.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Sep 4 at 2018 1:33 PM

MSgt Stephen Council — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 13:33:08 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Believe me, I understand this concept. Transition from a life (17 years old till 42 years old) in the military was tough for me. While I never contemplated suicide, I would like to think it was partly due to the strong support structure around me the first two years. I was hired by my active duty mentor (thank you Ramsay Price) and surrounded by a group of retired SNCO's who understood my need and checked on me every day! A heartfelt thank you to: CMSgt Ramsay Price, CMSgt Lars Sorenson, CMSgt John (Big John) Ward, SMSgt Tim Crumpton, and MSgt Phil (Whip) WHIPKEY! And finally to all my friends here on RallyPoint!

Response by SrA John Monette made Sep 5 at 2018 7:14 PM

SrA John Monette — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 19:14:50 -0400

no matter what branch of service or theater of operations, every Veteran needs to know that any other Veteran, no matter where, no matter what time, has got their SIX. We are the only ones who understand what other Veterans know and might be going through. At one time or another, you or I or he or she will need someone to watch our SIX. At one time or another, you or I or he or she will need to watch someone else's six. We must get the word out that having those feelings or thoughts is nothing to be ashamed of. 28 Veteran suicides is 28 too many. We should not rest until that 28 becomes 0.

Response by SSG Tom Pike made Sep 5 at 2018 9:13 PM

SSG Tom Pike — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:13:17 -0400

My son got his ;IGY6 tattoo this weekend. Funny thing, his best buddy doesn't want any tattoos, so his buddies wife went to the tattoo parlor and got matching tattoos with my son.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 7 at 2018 12:34 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 00:34:01 -0400

I can think of no better idea than getting an internet fad tattooed on you...

Response by SGM Gregory Tarancon IV made Sep 7 at 2018 8:45 AM

SGM Gregory Tarancon IV — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 08:45:33 -0400

Good stuff! Thanks for posting!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2018 4:09 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 16:09:50 -0400

Outstanding. Most of us however do not have anyone watching our six.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Sep 9 at 2018 11:21 AM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 11:21:34 -0400

First, let me say that I fully support this concept. I do believe Vets should watch out for fellow Vets.
However, in today's environment, perhaps we should also state:
Don't worry America, we've got your six!

Response by SPC Robert Wisniewski made Sep 10 at 2018 3:25 PM

SPC Robert Wisniewski — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 15:25:11 -0400

Absolutely agree with this message. Whether actively serving or back as a civilian on the homefront, we all would do well to remember that we remain brothers and sisters in arms.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2018 11:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 11:44:30 -0400

Well said SPC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MSG Randy Rucker made Sep 13 at 2018 7:47 PM

MSG Randy Rucker — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 19:47:08 -0400

Retired Army, MSG, I was almost #21 one day in 2009. I'll get that tattoo, IGY6

Response by Eliu Luciana made Sep 14 at 2018 5:26 PM

Eliu Luciana — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 17:26:24 -0400

Nice

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Sep 16 at 2018 12:43 PM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 12:43:58 -0400

So many having problems coping after coming home, so many others having a hard time re-entering civilian life, and no one understands those problems more than we do, so Yea, I got your 6! Message me, I'll hand you the digits or the EMail.... We could meet up for tacos or at the dog park... whatever works...

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Sep 17 at 2018 3:19 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:19:21 -0400

It's our duty as fellow soldiers to watch each others backs. The comraderie, trust that we extend to the person saying this is at the very core of being a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman. If we know someone is behind us we can concentrate on the danger in front of us. When another team member says he has your six you are in fact ready to take a round if necessary to protect his twelve o'clock.

Response by COL John McClellan made Sep 17 at 2018 6:57 PM

COL John McClellan — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 18:57:05 -0400

Wonderful essay and great inspiration taking this seemingly commonplace patrol lingo, recognizing the deep meaning contained therein, and transforming it into a movement! Well done.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2018 12:53 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 12:53:57 -0400

Love this brother. Anyone ever needs anything, simply turn to your brother and ask.

Response by SGT Clifford (Mug) Hall made Sep 21 at 2018 4:48 PM

SGT Clifford (Mug) Hall — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 16:48:25 -0400

It is sad that some leaders forget the importance of being secure in the knowledge that they are dependent on those they lead just as much as they depend on your leadership. It's a two way street. It is a lesson that at times seems lost on the civilian community. In an industrial setting I became a leader in a maintenance field. Over a period of several years I had the lowest personnel turnover of any shift and close to double the completion rate of maintenance / repair orders. The "I've got your six." concept I learned in the military has served me well all throughout my life.

Response by Nicci Eisenhauer made Sep 23 at 2018 1:10 AM

Nicci Eisenhauer — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 01:10:26 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member What a beautifully written piece of work, and a promise of which we need many more. We've discussed creating an actual response protocol for critical moments when we're needed. But, I'm totally confused -- teach me something about RP, please? How do I know one "Anonymous" member from another? This I mean seriously-- If I was going to try to ask you for help, do I type in your unique identifier? 192855?

Response by SPC Nancy Detwiler made Sep 24 at 2018 7:09 AM

SPC Nancy Detwiler — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 07:09:36 -0400

My PTSD husband and I are currently letting another PTSD vet live with us, our houseguest has no family to speak of, and was in between suitable living arrangements. He’s young enough to be a son to is, and is now considered family. We have his 6 until he’s ready to be out on his own again. I also provide emotional support to my brothers and sisters in arms who feel like not being part of this world anymore (I was one of those once and vowed to never let a suicidal vet feel alone in this world). There’s always someone out there that cares, I’m one of them.

Response by Mayabelle DuBois made Sep 25 at 2018 10:31 PM

Mayabelle DuBois — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 22:31:41 -0400

Excellent article!

;IGY6 is a good way to live; "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."

Because, sometimes, life can be full of battles.
(And people who have this philosophy of life usually have a rich, fulfilling, happier life.)

Response by SPC William Weedman made Oct 19 at 2018 5:58 PM

SPC William Weedman — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 17:58:02 -0400

In 1989 I swore an oath as an Army medic to take care of my brothers and sisters medical needs. That oath has no expiration date so I’ve got any fellow service members six that needs it, as far as I can extend myself.

Response by SGT Garin Janssen made Oct 25 at 2018 8:10 AM

SGT Garin Janssen — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 08:10:35 -0400

Great read! It has always been an important part of my career knowing the men and women I served with would always have my back me as I did and still do for them.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Leake made Oct 27 at 2018 3:26 PM

SSG Jeffrey Leake — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 15:26:14 -0400

Great piece. I'm often surprised by the amount of people that ask what it stands for.

Response by SSG Dale London made Nov 2 at 2018 5:40 AM

SSG Dale London — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 05:40:21 -0400

Thank you. That's all I want to say; just, thank you.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Nov 4 at 2018 6:40 AM

SFC Robert Walton — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 06:40:38 -0500

Very well Written it would be nice to see this posted on all Military support pages.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 4:30 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 16:30:22 -0500

I had a buddy commit suicide after he got out of the military. I would like to see more work done for our veterans also. I guarantee the percentages of veteran suicides increase to even greater rates. It is sad. I wish I had known this soldier more. I agree that we must watch out for each other. Resiliency is contagious. Spread it!!

Response by SPC(P) Mike Conley Jr. made Dec 3 at 2018 11:29 AM

SPC(P) Mike Conley Jr. — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 11:29:40 -0500

I love this, and this will be my next tattoo.

Response by AN Michael Wilder made Dec 26 at 2018 1:07 AM

AN Michael Wilder — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 01:07:38 -0500

My dear fellow veterans: reading this just renewed for me the commitment I made not only when I joined the ranks of America's finest but more recently when I went to work at the VA. I know many of you have had a rotten experience with the VA and I offer no excuses. What I DOoffer however is the 110% guarantee that if you call and get me on the phone that Ihave absolutely got your 6. This time of the year can be especially trying for many of us and anything else that can get you down is out thy here but I swear to all that is holy that if you are feeling that low that you are thinking about suicide, PLEASE, PLEASE call us. We may screw up appointments and whatever but if you call us needed someone to lean on and someone to listen, then I and many of my coworkers are right here for you and will listen without judgement or any other bull crap.all you have to do is make the call. Never give up. Someone will be available to listen. Hang in there.

Response by A1C Michael Beal made Dec 31 at 2018 1:10 PM

A1C Michael Beal — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 13:10:22 -0500

SPC, who among us wouldn't lay down our life for our fellow countrymen? I would, and gladly. So belileve me when I say ...

GY6.

Response by SGT Daniel Myers made Jan 12 at 2019 8:14 AM

SGT Daniel Myers — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 08:14:46 -0500

Amen, I have all veteran's six's as well!

Response by SPC Mara Manzer (Spurgin) made Jan 13 at 2019 10:47 AM

SPC Mara Manzer (Spurgin) — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 10:47:54 -0500

WOW! I have goosebumps right now. Your words have just blown me away. I want to say more but I am seriously sitting here overcome with a myriad of feelings that I can't quite pinpoint. Thank you for your incredibly insightful words.

Response by SPC Mara Manzer (Spurgin) made Jan 15 at 2019 4:48 PM

SPC Mara Manzer (Spurgin) — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 16:48:04 -0500

I have the privilege to be connected to my CSM from my Basic Training BN at Fort Leonard Wood. He is now retired from the Army but not from mentoring young Rangers at Fort Benning, providing a constant supply of very insightful information about a myriad of important topics, and he somehow manages to find the time to help someone in their time of need. There was a time a few years ago when I was in a very dark place emotionally. I was up late one night on Facebook and I put out a very cryptic post that I think was somehow a last effort to make a plea for help. Suddenly I get this message from my CSM... My friend. He asked for my phone number and immediately called me on my landline. It was around 0200. He asked me about what it was that I was struggling with and we talked until I felt better. The next morning around 0700 my phone was ringing. It was him. He wanted to check in with me and make sure I was ok. I whole heartedly believe that it was his genuine interest in helping me hang in there that kept there from being 1 more statistic. It was like a hand suddenly reaching out of the dark to grab a hold of me and pull me into the light. He could have just scrolled past my post and never give it a second thought. But his dedication to his brothers and sisters in arms and his countrymen didn't end when he retired. I have the utmost respect and admiration for him and everyone else like him.

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Feb 26 at 2019 10:11 AM

SPC Robert Coventry — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 10:11:58 -0500

IGY6 2

Response by SFC Michael Arabian made Mar 4 at 2019 9:46 AM

SFC Michael Arabian — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 09:46:47 -0500

Since the day I left military service the phrase ‘I’ve got your six’ has become just word. People say this all the time but what are words without actions. Many of days I thought about being part of the 22 a day, if it were not for my children I just might be

Response by 2LT Earl Dean made Mar 18 at 2019 12:27 AM

2LT Earl Dean — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 00:27:36 -0400

My tears tonight are for those that didn't have or couldn't find someone to have their six. My tears are because to many times when we get home we still have that invincible attitude and try to hide the pain and fear and hatred we have inside. My tears are for those that feel it's wrong to admit we have a week ness deep inside and a pain that grows and grows and grows. Thank you for the reality check. It's not weak to admit that the shit is deep and you need help.

Response by SFC Tom Jones made Apr 2 at 2019 4:30 PM

SFC Tom Jones — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 16:30:15 -0400

Being a combat vet I do understand this. Also most people don't even know where or in what direction they are going, let alone what is going on around them. When in the military you are trained to do this, for more reasons then what you can name. But here are a couple 12 is the straight ahead,3 or 1500 is to your right 6 or 1800 is your rear and 9 or 2100 is to your left. This is a very powerful message.

Response by PO3 Raymond Neal made Apr 9 at 2019 6:46 PM

PO3 Raymond Neal — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 18:46:23 -0400

That hits home, Brother. Thank you for calling attention to this. Keep doing what you do!

Response by SPC Keith Armon made Apr 10 at 2019 12:50 PM

SPC Keith Armon — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:50:12 -0400

THX I NEEDED DIS FOR MY LEADING LADY

Response by Michelle Jeffers made May 10 at 2019 4:05 PM

Michelle Jeffers — Fri, 10 May 2019 16:05:29 -0400

Thank you for sharing.

Response by Cpl John Henninegr made May 31 at 2019 2:16 PM

Cpl John Henninegr — Fri, 31 May 2019 14:16:28 -0400

Listen to Five Finger Death Punch "Got your 6"

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Jun 30 at 2019 9:01 PM

LT Ed Skiba — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 21:01:47 -0400

It's written in blood!

Response by MAJ Sharon Mitchell made Jul 3 at 2019 1:13 PM

MAJ Sharon Mitchell — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 13:13:58 -0400

Nicely said & done

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 6 at 2019 8:41 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 20:41:45 -0400

We all need to have each other's six.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 1 at 2020 12:21 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 01 May 2020 00:21:28 -0400

A Rally Point contributor has igy6 as a portion of a web address. Mary has red hair, why not ask her?

Response by Wayne Soares made Jun 14 at 2020 9:29 AM

Wayne Soares — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 09:29:21 -0400

Great share

Response by MSgt Kathy McIntosh made Jul 27 at 2021 2:41 PM

MSgt Kathy McIntosh — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 14:41:08 -0400

Fantastically written! Makes me want to get the tattoo, for real!