Posted on Nov 2, 2023
Is survivor's guilt a common trait with service members who have seen combat?
17.4K
113
25
35
35
0
Posted in these groups: 
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Afghanistan
Vietnam War
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Afghanistan Vietnam War
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 16
18
18
0
Yes. Now get out there and make their deaths mean something. Be a good citizen, treat people better, help others whenever you are able and never forget them.
(18)
(0)
10
10
0
Yes, it happens to most Servicemembers, in my case I had to attend Behavioral meetings to overcome it.
(10)
(0)
9
9
0
Yes.
And for those who have deployed, but not seen combat.
And less common, but still occurs in those who did NOT deploy while others did.
And for those who have deployed, but not seen combat.
And less common, but still occurs in those who did NOT deploy while others did.
(9)
(0)
6
6
0
Sgt Sheri Lynn
SFC William Farrell it is important to me that you know you are honored and respected. Sending thoughts of encouragement
(3)
(0)
SSG Karim Majid Combat veterans face a number of challenges. The VA or a Vet Center can provide help.
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/ptsd/
https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Eligibility.asp
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/ptsd/
https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Eligibility.asp
PTSD treatment | Veterans Affairs
Whether you just returned from a deployment or have been home for 40 years, it’s never too late to get help for PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). Getting counseling or treatment can help you manage your symptoms and keep them from getting worse. Our National Center for PTSD is the world leader in PTSD research, education, and treatment. Find out how to access PTSD health services through VA.
(6)
(0)
5
5
0
I would say it is. Training generally makes most service members strive to serve and do their best to accomplish the mission while bringing us home. The training makes the US Military a force to be reckoned with but it also pushes a specific mentality you see across the Military that we all push doubt onto ourselves if that mission wasn't fully successful in our eyes when someone doesn't make it home. Could I have done more? Why me? All of those are real feelings and I think many of us struggle with that at some point.
(5)
(0)
Sgt Sheri Lynn
SSgt Christophe Murphy I agree that combating self-doubt is a struggle.
And along with guilt needs to be recognized, shared with a safe person, and allowed to heal.
And along with guilt needs to be recognized, shared with a safe person, and allowed to heal.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
Probably more than we know.
I myself have felt survivor guilt over my combat deployments. I never experienced any direct "force on force" encounters but I was extensively exposed to the aftermath of such events. I never really understood why God allowed me to come home when so many others did not. All I can do now is try to be the best person I can be and make their sacrifice not be in vain.
I like to think my career as a Paramedic post military service somehow puts back a little bit of "good" for al the "bad" I saw in the world. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. Time will tell in the end.
I myself have felt survivor guilt over my combat deployments. I never experienced any direct "force on force" encounters but I was extensively exposed to the aftermath of such events. I never really understood why God allowed me to come home when so many others did not. All I can do now is try to be the best person I can be and make their sacrifice not be in vain.
I like to think my career as a Paramedic post military service somehow puts back a little bit of "good" for al the "bad" I saw in the world. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. Time will tell in the end.
(3)
(0)
Sgt Sheri Lynn
MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P your words are truly inspiring. You have my deepest respect.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
I’ve found more than any survivor’s guilt in my case,was the guilt I felt years later after I left the Army and wondered did I do enough,instruct and teach enough to the trainees who were going to that place I had just returned from, Vietnam,I was a very young NCO without any teaching experience and probably scarred by my tour in an Infantry company,so that’s my version of guilt, Welcome Home Brothers.
(3)
(0)
Sgt Sheri Lynn
SGT Philip Roncari I can only imagine the pressure you all were under. I offer you gratitude and respect. And I hope you have come to some level of peace:)
(1)
(0)
SGT Philip Roncari
Sgt Sheri Lynn-Appreciate that ,and coming from one who served, means even more to this old man,who finally found some measure of sanity by being in contact with people who understand Service to our Country.Phil
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google