Is there anything wrong with wanting to fight? I don't hope for war, but if one comes, I want to fight. Is that wrong?

PV2 J M — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 12:32:17 -0400

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 12:35 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 12:35:43 -0400

Not really, when in peace, prepare for war.

Response by SSG Brian L. made Mar 11 at 2018 12:36 PM

SSG Brian L. — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 12:36:24 -0400

As an Infantryman I understand your base desire however let me caution you once a bullet leaves a barrel you cannot put it back. The pain of a lost brother in arms never leaves. Do not desire what you do not yet understand.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Mar 11 at 2018 12:37 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 12:37:20 -0400

"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." It's one thing to want to do your job and put your skills to good use, but you have to live with that after its all said and done, which is not to be taken lightly. I'd rather never touch another weapon if it meant that I never lost another brother.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 12:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 12:43:57 -0400

Americans joined the Canadian Air Force in WW2 (1939- Dec. 1941) to fight for Canada while the USA was neutral in Europe.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=americans+in+RCAF+in+ww2

americans in RCAF in ww2 - YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 2:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 14:25:21 -0400

Fighting is the easy part. Anyone can do it. Winning. That is entirely different. If you want to fight you can go fight now in the Middle East or North Africa. If you want to win you need to train your mind.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Mar 11 at 2018 2:50 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 14:50:19 -0400

No, it’s not wrong. But when the fighting starts you will wish for peace.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Mar 11 at 2018 3:06 PM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 15:06:56 -0400

Nobody should want, desire, war. But the absence of war is not always peace. When diplomacy has failed, and the order to go forward has been given, go with confidence. Confidence in your training, in your equipment, in your leaders and fellow soldiers. Know that the players on the field have the goal in mind, defeat the enemy. Because they are the enemy.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Mar 11 at 2018 3:07 PM

TSgt Joe C. — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 15:07:07 -0400

Pray for peace, train for war!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 3:07 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 15:07:16 -0400

There is nothing wrong with wanting to fight when I joined I was constantly asking for combat deployments. However, you must always remember killing and death is not so easy anybody can pull a trigger but not everybody can kill. Can you handle killing a child or someone else's mother or father? Can you handle losing a brother in arms? Can you handle the criticism that comes with it all? Anybody can say yes and move on but saying yes and actually doing it are two different things. When I was born my father could barely hold me sometimes he didn't wanna hold me due to his deployment and seeing numerous dead children.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 3:19 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 15:19:26 -0400

PV2 J M You will have challenges and adventures in the military. War is not an adventure, it is Hell. When I first arrived in Vietnam, a Gunnery Sergeant told us to forget about home and focus on the tasks at hand, in order to stay alive. He also told us not to form close attachments with our fellow Marines, as they might be killed or seriously wounded. You will be around your fellow warriors 24/7, and in fact you will form bonds that are, in some cases, closer than family. Witnessing your fellow brothers die can not be described. Know that you may have physical, and emotional pain for the rest of your life.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 11 at 2018 4:14 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 16:14:06 -0400

PV2 J M Perhaps not wrong, but misguided.
"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war- Douglas MacArthur"

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Mar 11 at 2018 4:22 PM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 16:22:09 -0400

NOBODY, I repeat, NOBODY prays for peace more than those who have to fight the wars. Trust me on this one, you don't want to experience, see, smell, taste, feel the reality of war.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 11 at 2018 4:34 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 16:34:40 -0400

Very many Infantrymen join up to kill. If you're wrong, you're not alone.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 4:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 16:49:31 -0400

Nothing wrong with wanting to fight, for a good reason. Understand, fighting a war comes with all the other things, for one, living in a foxhole with the mud, cold, and the taste of the dirt in your mouth.
Fighting a war, and fighting for your life, are two different things. Most young men see only the glory in the fight, but later, they feel the consequences, and it stays with you for the rest of your life.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 11 at 2018 4:54 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 16:54:22 -0400

It is good to have a warrior class.

Response by LTC Robin Gronovius made Mar 11 at 2018 5:02 PM

LTC Robin Gronovius — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 17:02:14 -0400

No, when I decided to join the Army, I wanted to be a tanker. Because if I had to go to war, I wanted to make sure I would be fighting. While I never wanted to go to war, if war broke out, I was ready to go and made sure my tank platoon was combat ready.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Mar 11 at 2018 5:06 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 17:06:16 -0400

You're saying the same thing just about every warrior wants to do in uniform. We want to know if what we spent all that time training on was worth it. Anyone can shoot a weapon. Less can live with the decision, and the aftermath. Anger and bravado only gets you so far. You will calm down from the "rush", and THEN you'll have your answer. I remember hearing a kid just like you say he wanted all this and all that (medal chasing) when I was leaving the Stan. A few of us looked at him, at ourselves and chucked inside. He was young as hell.

You ARE what we WERE, but where we can BE again if needed. Listen to those above you, and don't feed into the stories of your peers. Most of the time they're lying (almost ALL the time). Do your job and come home, don't let the job do you.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Mar 11 at 2018 5:35 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 17:35:25 -0400

To possibly gain a better understanding, you should do some study and reflection about what you think and feel about fighting in a war or in combat.
Consider studying about the Americans that joined the French Foreign Legion, the Lafayette Escadrille, and the American Ambulance Field Service (later known as the American Field Service) before the US entered WWI.
Then proceed to the Spanish Civil War and WWII with the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, the American Volunteer Group (better known as the Flying Tigers), and last but not least the French Foreign Legion again.
And then Americans in the French Foreign Legion in the aftermath of WWII leading up to the US involvement in the French Indochina conflict. (Vietnam)

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Mar 11 at 2018 5:56 PM

CH (LTC) Robert Leroe — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 17:56:18 -0400

Talk to your Chaplain about "Just-War Theory", a set of criteria by which many who study ethics find war morally justifiable. Wanting to defend one's country or to protect an ally is noble, but fighting just because you get a charge from it may indicate a moral or psychological disorder.

Response by Sgt Jeffrey Warner made Mar 11 at 2018 6:12 PM

Sgt Jeffrey Warner — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 18:12:04 -0400

To fight is to place yourself in harm's way. Military war is not like Hollywood depicts it.
Actors go home to mansions and drive super cars to and from the film locations. Members of the military don't. Actors are not harmed or they do not die, but military people do, often in training, definitely in a war.
I found losing part of a limb to not only disturb me, but affect my life. I am unable to run or walk fast. I visibly limp. That is from war.
When asked if I would fight again, my answer has always been yes, but with reservations. I suggest you fully consider the thought of fighting, and hope it never comes to doing so. Training, serving and many other things are good, so joining the military is fine, but never hope for war.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Mar 11 at 2018 6:17 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 18:17:08 -0400

Immever went, so I obviously have zero perspective, of course. I was on the volunteer list, I'd mentioned that on here a few times, for Operation Desert Shield/Storm, I wasn't used, I got an appreciation letter for being on the list, I just became too iil, unfortunately. One of the guys in the Pentesocstal church we go to did get to go, every major holiday, the pastor of the church taps him, me, and one of the assoc pastors who'd been in the NY ARNG during avietnam, he just was never called up, to hold the flags, I just obviously find myself envious. I suppose I'll always ne that way, I've told these stories also, my wife's dad got a Bronze charging a minefield with a battlefield promotion in Army artillery in France going into Germany in the 90th Div at the Moselle River during te Battle of Nancy under Patton, he'd never speak about it much, my wife and mother in law tell me, which I gather was pretty typical of that period, certainly, we also have the actual handwritten penciled citation written by his Lt Col for the Bronze, he was lost before she and I met, he was very active VFW. My wife's stepdad was Navy combat destroyers and destroyer escorts WW2 and Korea, Pacific, the whole thing, all of it, kamikazes, shelling, strafing, freezing cold northern Oacifc weather off the Korean coast, VFW also. My dad's sister's husband, one of my uncles was one of Eisengphower's radio operators in the 3118th Signal Svc Battalion/GRP, from before D Day all the way through the German surrender at the little red schoolhouse in Reims, Germany. He actually saw Gen Eisenhower at Southwick House at SHAEF HQ, knew SSgt Mickey Keogh, the enlisted aide to Gen Eisenhower, saw Gen Patton, Gen Brasly, FAdm King, Capt Kay Summers by, the drive to Gen Eisenhower, and personally with others sent the Telex of the German surrender to Gen Marshall, swiping a flimsy copy as a cpsouvenir which my cousins, his sins, still have, that he and my aunt had on display in the Valley Stream, NY public library every Meml Day, 4th of July, and Veterans Day, for sevl decades, it's in a safe deposit box, I've been dying to have it donated to the apNatl Archives or the WW2 museum or the WW2 memorial in DC. I thuink about all that, and it obvioisly nags at me, the guy at the church was USMCR, he was there for SCUDs, the whole thing with going into Iraq, frankly, I dont kmow what to think anymore, as I recall all that. My Dad was deployed sevl times to the USS Block Island in the Carribean during Korea, nymlate brother in law was KC-135 mechanic and refuel boom operator aircrew in SAC during Vietnam in USAF, I also reflect on that. One day, I was at a VA hospital by us, I had to go to an admin office about something, one of the staff called me over, a woman, I sat down at her cubicle, and noticed a photo across from me on the other side of the cubicle, I was sitting facing it. The photo turned out to be te same photo I'd seen someplace else I also had coccasion to go to, so I recognized it, the photo was of one of the recent MOH posthumous awardees, I realized the woman helping me was evidently his mom, I gathered. I lpjust looked at the photo, pointed at it, and said, in kind of a weird awestruck voice, "Is that....?" She nodded...I just kind of stodd there thunderstruck, you'd all kmow who it was, were I to mention who, and just said, ' I dont even know what to SAU to THAT....."

She, for her part, entirely understood, we chatted while she helped me with getting me the papers I needed, I told her how I recognized the photo, where I'd seen it before...she said I needn't have that turn of mind about it, I said what I'd done was piddling, infantile, too too p, gah gaj, by contrast. She said, word for word, that he wouldn't have thohght that, I said, 'Yeah, but that was him, I know better, obvioisly.....' She entirely understood, of course, I told another in the hospital I chatted with later about meeting her, he said he'd also seen the photo, everyone in the hospital knew she was there as staff, which I found interesting, certainly. I also had occasion once to sit with my unit CO, am O-6 who was waiting to pin on O-7, I'd surprisingly gotten a certificate from him for an IG inspection I'd helped with, I sat with him for about an hour solid, I was struck, as I've said on here, by the sheer, raw overpowering, overawing power of the man, I only learned later that as an O-2 FAC pilot in Vietnam, he'd flown 150 combat mission. Another O-6 in another unit I was in quite literally had so much fruit salad, he was allowed to overflow it from the left side to the right on his coat, the only time I ever saw that. I also twice saw the O-9 commanding my installation, he passed me in his car once as I was driving in the opposite direction, I saluted in stunned a!aze!ent, he returned it, I was so taken aback I didn't kmow what else to do, I think I did it purely out of shocked sense of self-preservaton, as I think back about it. He'd been a B-17 tail Gummer who'd gotten into West Point after WW2, while he'd been USAAF, then went USAF after graduating. I once spent a whole day with the O-6 commander of my installation, a Capt I'd been assigned to had !e do it, he submitted me to get te exposure, I was obvioisly minding my Ps and Qs, at one point he Col called out "Young man" to an airman by the installation command briefing, that was the other time I saw the O-9, and corrected the uniform of the airman, which I found d singularly enlightening as to how he went about it. I've met two Apollo astronauts, one as an O-9 I momentarily got to ask a question of, whole I'd been at USAF OTS, the other after I'd gotten out, he was giving a presentation at a school nearby my family on Long Island, I got to meet him for a few seconds. So, to get back to your question, having given all that by way of perspective, do I wish I'd gone? Yeah, obvioisly. Can I change it now? Obviously not. Does it gnaw at me more than triflingly? Certainly. Will it always? Equally certainly. What do I think of as I reflect on it so much later? Quite honestly, beyond sheer envy, which I quite frankly, freely admit, I dont kmow what to think, honestly. A good fried of myself, my wife, and !y mother in law, we'd go over to play card with him and his wife. He was USAF on the group d as C+130 aircrew in Vietnam, he told !e a story once about how the plane he worked on was almost shot down by a SAm, the pilot suddenly banked to swerve out of it's way, throwing him across the aircraft, he's got most likely Agent Orange damage, he lost his wife a few urs ago, I kind of just sit back and absorb his story in awe...I !ran, what else can I do? Do I wish I'd have some of the real thing to equally reflect on? Certainly, I'm as human as the next. My uncle told me this funny story once, he'd been graduating fro Columbia Univ on the GI Bill when Gen Eisenhower was president there, before running g for office. Most of the others getting their diplomas on the steps of the Columbia main library were ex-GI, everyone was terrified, as the General was handing them out with am aide personally on the steps. No one said amythin, however, !u uncle was known, of found out later, for being his unit comedian, evidently, I'd read that in his unit newspaper,modmgottem some copies from someone else in the 3118th a few yrs ago. When he was to get the diploma, he reminded the general that he'd been one of his radio operators in the 3118th...the aide looked aghast and appalled, the general stared at !y uncle through his pince next glasses, then said, "Oh yeah, you were the funny little SSgt in the common trailer next to mine', handed my uncle his diploma, shook hands, and left.

I always love telling that story, lol....

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 11 at 2018 6:53 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 18:53:32 -0400

That's what soldiers are for

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 7:13 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 19:13:10 -0400

You train and train and train. It’s only natural you want to use the skills you continually train to do. I would say that most people that join the Army to be an 11B have a very competitive fight. So it’s not wrong to have that desire, however, understand that war is not all glory and video games. It is gross, nasty, sickening, and depressing. Once it’s over you cannot let your mind go back to it or it will drive you crazy with guilt. So be careful what you ask for. :(

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 7:20 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 19:20:03 -0400

Be careful of what you wish for.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 11 at 2018 7:34 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 19:34:02 -0400

As I’m sure you are reading these other posts just let me add ,nothing you have seen ,heard or imagined will come even close to what war is,I am 72 years old and a combat veteran of the Vietnam War ,that place and time still haunt me after all these years,if you are in uniform and under Oath you do your duty ,but pray for peace,good luck young man

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Mar 11 at 2018 7:46 PM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 19:46:51 -0400

There is a difference between wanting to fight and willing to fight. I think most of the military are in the willing category.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 11 at 2018 8:25 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 20:25:34 -0400

It depends for what, is there an invasion fleet off our shore? Sure. Some politicians wants to grease the way for a conglomerate to get cheap oil, frack no.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Mar 11 at 2018 9:11 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 21:11:27 -0400

Everyone, ask that question, of every generation Black, White, Hispanic, in my group the 1st took and his team addressed this out in the field or Gulf head on. We had a couple on group meetings doing downtimes and ask how did they feel and how were they been treated. Most said how they felt what felt in the situation we were in at WAR, without being to hard on the learders or leardership for not providing what they (individual soldiers) needs. This can be religious or of some other thing at the time. We as young leaders; Squad, Platoon or otherwise would try to help the soldiers out even if they where not directly under our command.

We had like others tried to commit suicide so he had to be relived of duty, and placed on bed rest. 210th BDE received two for transport and two died Americans soldiers, so I stayed with them. I loaded them on the back of HMMV, drove in open part of the desert to wait for pickup. I would have chosen someone else, but the others we 17 or 18 years old, just started their military career. I felt and the leadership agreed that it could have long term sociological component or mental issue, that we didn’t want to happen. Sometimes its bothers me, ask any NAM Vet and if they say something; thats their answers.

Response by SGT(P) Michael H. made Mar 11 at 2018 9:44 PM

SGT(P) Michael H. — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 21:44:58 -0400

In my humble opinion, it is far more necessary to have something tangible to fight for. Why do you want to fight? Glory, prestige, bragging rights, keeping our country and your loved ones safe, a sense of duty, or do you just want to test yourself. I have been involved in Martial Arts and am certified in Tactical Combatives (LvL 2) and have worked along side SOF and SF, studied L.I.N.E.S., and honestly can say I hope I never have to fight because somebody doesn't go home to family that day. I am always orepared, but pray it never happens and peace prevails. Just a little philosophy here.

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Mar 11 at 2018 9:51 PM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 21:51:05 -0400

Prayers for peace train for war

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 11 at 2018 11:58 PM

Maj John Bell — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 23:58:19 -0400

Talk to people that have fought. I don't care if it combat or a serious street fight wit the real possibility of lasting injury.

I have found combat veterans who are willing to do what is necessary? But I have never found someone, sane or not, who wants to fight; or be in combat for the sake of being in combat. I have never talked to someone who has killed or maimed someone in combat who takes pride in the killing or the maiming.

I've never been in military combat. I wanted to know how I'd do, but I never wanted to be in combat. I have been in fights where people have been hurt bad enough to be hospitalized. As a firefighter, I felt "the heat" pulling people and pets out of burning houses. I'm willing to do it. But I hope I never have to do any of those things again.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 12:58 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:58:50 -0400

The desire to fight and kill any combatant is not wrong. Murder is wrong. Learn and understand the difference between the actions of 99.99% of all US servicemembers and that of the actions of Robert Bales and other such aberrations and serve accordingly.

Response by SGT David T. made Mar 12 at 2018 7:57 AM

SGT David T. — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 07:57:58 -0400

I wouldn't say wrong. Misguided and naïve perhaps. I am not knocking you. It is normal for someone at your age to be idealistic and buy into the glorification of it all. The reality is war is a nasty dirty business and is an experience I would like to forget. It is an experience that stays with you for life. My back reminds me daily of it. That's not even counting the bouts of insomnia and anxiety. I am not try dissuade you, only go into it with both eyes open. The reality doesn't match expectation.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Mar 12 at 2018 8:24 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 08:24:02 -0400

Jordan,
Please don't take this the wrong way, but you are young. I understand where you are coming from and the feel for confrontation because a long time I was young just like yourself. But through life and experiences, I began to educate myself especially on deployments. You see, I went to Bosnia and Kosovo before going to Iraq and eventually Afghanistan so, in other words I went from "contingency operations" to "combat operations"...totally different environments. But, what I learned was to be away from my love ones, friends, from all those things I used to do. You don't that would not matter? Trust me, they will matter when the times get rough and things are not going your way. None of us that have or had deployed will tell you that we don't hope for war, but we made sure we were ready to go if the time can to stand tall for our country.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 8:39 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 08:39:21 -0400

Jordan-First things first.

Basic Training is just that; "Basic". You should realize that relatively few members of the Armed Forces find themselves in "combat", and there are reasons for that. Unless you are in a "combat arms" MOS, rating or designator, there are very low odds you will ever be forced to find an answer to this question.

If you do ultimately choose (and succeed in) that path, the first "fight" will be within; to become part of something greater than yourself, to find...then surpass your own limits, and learn the skills you will need to understand the real implications of what you're asking.

Is it "wrong" to want to fight? I think anyone involved in those communities will agree that without some level of positive aggression, it is unlikely you'd ever be one of them. However, I've never known a true "warrior" who didn't experience pain and loss. "War" is the total breakdown of what makes mankind great...not something that adds to his greatness. When compassion, dignity and humility fail us, it sometimes requires good men to endure and even do very bad things...becoming one of them never comes without a high cost; both personal, and to those closest to them.

My advice would be to consider a man you may or may not have heard of; Mr. Rudyard Kipling. He was famous in his own lifetime as a writer and poet...one who praised courage, heroism and devotion to one's nation. At the outbreak of World War I, Kipling became one of the leading voices encouraging Britain to enter the conflict against Germany...a conflict he himself would not (like any of the many other conflicts he praised) personally fight in.

However, his son John would.

John Kipling was denied entry into the Royal Navy for poor eyesight, then denied enlistment in the Army for the same reasons. His famous father then used his connections to secure John a commission in the Irish Guards. Perhaps having grown up in the shadow of "Gunga Din"...or perhaps due to his own predilections, John became a young officer tasked with leading troops at Loos in France in 1915. He was last seen by his men, wounded, and stumbling forward into the German guns. His body was not recovered until 1992. He was only 18 when he died.

I'm sure Rudyard Kipling was haunted by every line of prose he ever wrote extolling the "virtues" of conflict.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 10:01 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 10:01:55 -0400

There is a difference "between being willing to" and "wanting to".

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 10:25 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 10:25:49 -0400

GEN Patton said it best

America loves a good fight and they fight to win.

It puts a smile on my face to know that there are young people out there who have decided they want and crave competition, they spoil for the struggle that made America great. Take that desire and apply it to everything in your life, not just War, not just the physical struggle. Apply it to education, self improvement, helping others, be as the Samurai in every facet of your life apply that same zeal and desire. You have the inner drive now push it out to all things you touch.

Just some advice from an old salt.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 12:16 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 12:16:04 -0400

Like others, I understand the sentiment. I think a better way to phrase it for most is that "if a war comes, I'm willing to do whatever my county asks of me". And like others have eluded to, that doesn't end with pulling a trigger. We need people who are willing to fight and you seem to be one of them. But make no mistake about it, war is a nasty business. It's not glamorous like most movies make it out to be. Not only do you have to deal with those around you getting hurt and killed, you have to actively try to kill other human beings. And even in a justified war, that can leave a mark on anyone. Then there's watching the displaced civilians deal with the death and destruction you're bringing to their home. And the fact that you aren't trying to hurt them means nothing when they have to bury a child. These things can stay with you long after the shooting stops.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 12:18 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 12:18:48 -0400

Have you ever been in a fight? Anyone can start one, they're harder to finish. Harder still to walk away from. Get popped in the mouth a few times. See how you feel and how you react. Is your response fight or flight? Then imagine engaging with live rounds against an enemy that wants to take your life. It's not Mortal Kombat, or paintballs. It's for real. Be careful what you wish for.

Response by 2LT Ronald Reimer made Mar 12 at 2018 12:56 PM

2LT Ronald Reimer — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 12:56:45 -0400

No, that’s pretty normal for a young American male. Testosterone is a powerful hormone. News flash: War HAS come, and has been here for the past 17 years. Saddle up and join in. Marines or Army. Go Get ‘Em! Young people such as yourself are rare today. Enjoy your military time, it will reward you in life 10 fold.

Response by COL Jon Lopey made Mar 12 at 2018 1:50 PM

COL Jon Lopey — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 13:50:15 -0400

Jordan: You ask a very important question that every service member must answer during his or her tour of duty. It is not wrong to want to fight. As a veteran and retired Army officer (and former Viet Nam Era Marine) I see it this way: We have a strong military because we want to deter war in the first place; however, once they are forced upon us, it is our job to fight them and to win. I trained to fight in Viet Nam but didn't get to go and went to another country but we did contribute to the war effort. When I went to places like Haiti, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, I felt I was actually accomplishing what I was paid and trained to do. Additionally, it is a leader's obligation to go to war to support his/her fellow Soldiers or service members - To help them come home to their families alive! I did what my father did in WW II and Korea and I think it is a good thing to fight when there is a war our nation chooses to engage in, period. The best way to end a war quickly is to engage in "total war" and be so good at our jobs that we achieve victory and deter others not to challenge us. Thanks, Jon

Response by SSG Alan Pelletier made Mar 12 at 2018 6:15 PM

SSG Alan Pelletier — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 18:15:25 -0400

No, not at all.
That's why our volunteer force can operate. Men and women like you!

I'm out, disabled but study Kenjutsu to keep fighting. It doesn't go away... A warrior is as warriors do!
See you on the Battleground...

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Mar 12 at 2018 6:41 PM

MSG Louis Alexander — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 18:41:50 -0400

It’s human instinct to want to get in the thick of things. Our excitement levels are over the top. We think, man I’m going to bust some ass not really thinking it could be your ass that is busted. And once you’re tossed in the mix, your only thoughts are…What the hell have I’ve done!

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Mar 12 at 2018 8:51 PM

SSG Keith Amacher — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 20:51:45 -0400

No brother I feel and felt that way as Intel, SF, Paratrooper I was looking for the fight and at age 60 if asked I would say where is my plane ticket. It is our training if done right by good instructors and I am serious I would get on a plane in a NY second... even knowing I would probably not come back. But I believe in what we do and why and love my Country and Family. And thank God for Trump, I served under both Carter and Reagan and Bush and I consider Reagan best President ever....

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Mar 12 at 2018 8:53 PM

SSG Keith Amacher — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 20:53:45 -0400

Is there anything wrong in that point? I feel like we, the true are the soldiers of GOD.

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Mar 12 at 2018 8:56 PM

SSG Keith Amacher — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 20:56:53 -0400

Brother SSG Robert Webster tell me if I am wrong on my response. Jordan look to you superiors for guidance and people like SSG Webster our minister.

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Mar 12 at 2018 9:17 PM

SSG Keith Amacher — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 21:17:24 -0400

After reading a lot of responses and being Intel and SF at Bragg when Delta was formed and know SEALs the last thing we want is a confrontation or loss of life on either side. Everyone is a brother, sister, father, mother, daughter, son or family no matter what side and when you pull the trigger it will be with you for life. In nightmares and your life will never be the same again. Yes when you go into war we and yourself expect to defend yourself and your team but you will never get over it. Practice in training and enjoy and strive to be the best but like the experts once there we dread the day we actually have to do it. If you ever aspire to be Spec Ops heed my words and never never ever quit or give up on anything especially your brothers.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Mar 12 at 2018 10:03 PM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 22:03:41 -0400

It's simple really - Always be ready.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 13 at 2018 2:53 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 02:53:57 -0400

Its what makes you a warrior.

Response by SSgt Mose Carter made Mar 20 at 2018 12:28 AM

SSgt Mose Carter — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 00:28:37 -0400

No, it is not wrong to want to go to war if there is one. That's what the US military is all about war. No one deserves to go to war but if it comes to that you want to go. I volunteered twice to go to Vietnam(1969-70,1972-73). You take God with you and you pray and do your best. That's what the military is about following the orders of the commander-in-chief. When you are young you look for challenges and action and the US military is where it's at.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Mar 20 at 2018 4:21 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:21:50 -0400

We are at war now, fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan and ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Nothing wrong with wanting to fight. In fact, that is the whole point of the Armed Services. To fight if we have to even though providing a presence alone can be a very good deterrent against war.

Response by SSG Guy Gould made Mar 22 at 2018 10:48 PM

SSG Guy Gould — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 22:48:17 -0400

I volunteered to go to war in someone else's place in '03. There are a lot of things that come with war that you don't want. It's been 15 years since the first time I went to war. I was rock steady all of the time while deployed. Now, I wake up in the morning having to look around and figure out where I am and work through the idea that Im not deployed and that I don't have to be hyper-vigilant even though I usually am. I have to keep and maintain a service dog so that I can count on her to pay attention to everything going on around me so that I can relax a little. She signals me for unwanted disturbances. She signals me when someone is getting to close behind me. She signals me when I'm getting amped up for no reason. She watches me while I sleep. She does plenty more. She has lived to serve me from the time she was born because of what war can do to you. Be careful what you wish for. You may get more than what you bargained for.

Response by MSG Chuck Pewsey made Mar 30 at 2018 6:28 PM

MSG Chuck Pewsey — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 18:28:40 -0400

Like it or not, it comes with the territory, even for us in the non-combat MOS's.

Response by 1SG Jay Vanderford made Mar 31 at 2018 1:06 PM

1SG Jay Vanderford — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 13:06:55 -0400

Wanting to and ac tally being there are two different things. I can tell you one thing, no amount of training prepares you for the fluidity of battle, and avoid those that talk smack saying they want to get in the mix and can't wait, they usually are the ones that let me down.

DONT WANT IT, just know that death is the inevitable result, either yours or your fellow warriors, thats nothing to want.

Response by CPT Samuel Carlson made Apr 1 at 2018 3:12 AM

CPT Samuel Carlson — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 03:12:04 -0400

I think there is a big difference between 'wanting' to fight and being 'willing' to fight. If you are ever on the receiving end of stuff flying through the air you will probably understand what I am saying.

Response by SPC Bruce Cochrane made Apr 4 at 2018 2:03 PM

SPC Bruce Cochrane — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 14:03:10 -0400

If they did basic training correctly, that should be a normal thought. It does not mean that you want to hurt people for no reason. Soldiers have to be trained to fight as that is a large part of what being a soldier is about.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Apr 6 at 2018 6:48 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 18:48:10 -0400

I've never been a believer of turn the other cheek. Even so, I never started many fights.
BUT
Sometimes you 'know' there's going to be a fight so you might as well start it.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Apr 7 at 2018 3:31 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 15:31:01 -0400

Sp4 Byron Skinner Nothing wrong for wanting to get into the fight, after all you are an 11 Bravo by choice of enlistment. I would say for a young many who has gone through the intensive training you have wanting to get into the fright is the designed reaction to that training. Just a warning there is no glamour in combat one seeing friends put into human remains pouches and having to police up the enemy dead from the battle field and strip them down and throw they bodies into trenchers kind of numbs the moment. "…it all don't mean nuttin' ". With in a few hours, if you are lucky to get a break, then it's back to the field. You arena 11B the most thankless and under rated job in the Army. After you have been ben in a fire fight, you will have the blood from the soldiers you have killed all over your shirt ant trousers and will have to wear the same for days to come. You don't leave the field until the operation is over, no change of clothes, no shower your will wear death until you get back to your base camp for again if your are lucky a couple of hot meals and a full nights sleep on an Army cot. Then you will hear the call of "Load up" and it begins all over.

Response by SGT Bruce Barber made Apr 8 at 2018 7:50 PM

SGT Bruce Barber — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 19:50:03 -0400

I was like you. I wanted it, or so I thought. I joined at 17 before graduating highschool. Signed up for Infantry, Airborne training and Ranger Battalion. I made it through Airborne school with pneumonia. I couldn't go to Ranger Battalion selection sick so I went on to Fort Lewis extremely disappointed. I trained my ass off until I got sent to Germany and became mechanized Infantry. I though I would never see war as an 11M. I was so wrong. When Desert Storm came we were chosen to go and be the tip of the spear for 1st Armored Division. Trust me, watch out what you wish for. In less than 100 hours of sustained ground combat I saw enough to last me two life times of war.

Response by 1SG Robert Rush made Apr 9 at 2018 3:14 PM

1SG Robert Rush — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 15:14:25 -0400

As an Infintryman and a combat veteran, We train for war, but hope for peace. Forget what you have seen on TV, each encounter on the battlefield is different. It is a situation that wance it starts, there is no going back from. There are no happy endings. If you servive that encounter, there are those that won't. And many will never be the same. They are you fellow soldiers. It has a lasting effect even a seasoned soldier.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2018 1:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 01:41:40 -0400

Nothing wrong with wanting to fight. It is after all the ultimate test. The part people don't tell you is that it is loud, it stinks of shit, and the ringing in your ears never quite goes away. Remember, the test you are asking to undertake is whether or not you have the capacity to literally tear another human being's body apart. It doesn't sound as cool when you say it like that, especially when somebody's abdomen get ripped opened and all you smell is shit. War is supposed to be romantic right?

The youth will always be blissfully unaware. They will always be eager to join the romance of war and be ready to do their part. We all started that way. Yet the youth will never listen to the words of those who came before them. They will join out of patriotic duty and an eagerness to do their part. The sad thing is, all they will remember is the bitter warnings they got from their elders...and the smell of shit....maybe barbecue if they burn the meat...either way the more you try to normalize the experience the more fucked up it becomes.

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Apr 13 at 2018 3:20 AM

SPC Franklin McKown — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 03:20:19 -0400

Not at all but it's GOT to be watched after service, AND DON'T be a cop.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Apr 21 at 2018 10:05 AM

PO1 Kevin Arnold — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 10:05:05 -0400

It is not wrong to want to fight if you need to protect yourself, your loved ones, and freedom.

Response by SSgt Bob Grinder made Apr 25 at 2018 8:45 AM

SSgt Bob Grinder — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 08:45:07 -0400

I struggled with that when I first joined and spoke to my priest at church. And he enlightened me to the fact that long ago there were religious wars/battles. I would not be going to kill, rather defend in turn protect my own.
That led me to law Enforcement, wanting to do the same protect and defend.

Response by CW2 Donald Loughrey made May 3 at 2018 4:01 PM

CW2 Donald Loughrey — Thu, 03 May 2018 16:01:16 -0400

I think its a natural feeling for most Military members and without it the ranks would be empty. Most who enlist, especially in Combat Arms, enlist with this feeling. We are groomed from a young age. In my generation it was our Fathers, neighbors, relatives who mostly ALL served in WWII, plus movies and TV that always had the "good guys" vs the "bad guys" and we "good guys" always won and got the girl. Even watching the nightly News bring Vietnam into our living rooms and despite the Peace Movement of the 60s, many of us joined and many wanted our shot at "glory". Despite all the warnings and anti-war literature/film etc... it still works. I think its in our DNA. I don't have a problem with it. I'm 62 and still would serve if asked. I'm proud of my service but I know the difference between the reality and the idea of what I thought the reality was. There is nothing wrong with how you feel. Its part of being in the Brotherhood (and Sisterhood) of Arms.

Response by PO1 Daniel Nordling made May 10 at 2018 3:02 AM

PO1 Daniel Nordling — Thu, 10 May 2018 03:02:15 -0400

Yes, I am going to say there is something wrong with "wanting" to fight. If you actually want something subconsciously are even actively you will look for a chance to fight which more often than not leads to bad decisions. Decisions that will only come back at you twice as hard. Being ready, able, and willing to fight when a need actually arises is one thing, but should never want pain and suffering.

Response by SPC Vonnie Jones made May 24 at 2018 6:34 AM

SPC Vonnie Jones — Thu, 24 May 2018 06:34:38 -0400

It's not wrong to want to do your job, and when the time comes Iam sure you will. I served proudly for 10 years as a medic during peace time. However I saw the results of previous wars. I took care of people that carried not just the physical scars of war, but the mental ones as well. You can't give back a life thats taken (friend or foe). It doesn't end with the round leaving your weapon, dearheart that is just the beginning. Peace may be boring, but war is Hell. Pray for Peace, and remeber war really is a no win situation. Casualties on both sides.

Response by LTC John Bush made May 24 at 2018 4:40 PM

LTC John Bush — Thu, 24 May 2018 16:40:05 -0400

I volunteered twice to go to Vietnam out of a deep sense of duty and obligation my family drilled into me. I can not think of anything good about combat duty and it is nothing I would recommend to anyone. The strongest finest best trained individual can be struck down in an instant for absolutely no discernible reason and that includes you. Having said that someone has to do the job and if you are up for it then go with God and return with honor on your shield or bearing it.

Response by Lt Col Bill Fletcher made May 25 at 2018 5:19 PM

Lt Col Bill Fletcher — Fri, 25 May 2018 17:19:07 -0400

Warriors train to fight to protect our National Interests. There is nothing wrong with a desire to exercise your training if the need arises.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 1:51 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 May 2018 01:51:15 -0400

no not at all

Response by TSgt Larry Johnson made May 27 at 2018 7:30 PM

TSgt Larry Johnson — Sun, 27 May 2018 19:30:55 -0400

No. If you love your country so bad that you cry when you hear the National Anthem, then you would want to fight anyone that would care to hurt it.

Response by SPC David Ryan made May 30 at 2018 12:28 AM

SPC David Ryan — Wed, 30 May 2018 00:28:21 -0400

no that's pride. be your best. It's not just about the fight

Response by 1SG Klayton W. Hayes made Jun 1 at 2018 12:39 AM

1SG Klayton W. Hayes — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:39:48 -0400

No, it is not wrong. Having that feeling indicates to me you understand the calling of a patriot. As others have indicated, some of us live with the knowledge enemy combatants lost their lives on the battlefield.

Response by CW4 Jim Shelburn made Jun 6 at 2018 2:40 PM

CW4 Jim Shelburn — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 14:40:26 -0400

Nothing wrong with being motivated. But getting anxious or over eager will get you or someone killed. If the time comes, trust your training and your team.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Jul 30 at 2018 2:47 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 14:47:05 -0400

kick there ass, just remember you sound hard core but when you fire the first bullet at the enemy and they return fire and bullets go by you and hear them wiz by you'll get another feeling in your body and mind that I can't describe. When you see dead among you or friends who have died in combat beside you, it's not M16 or M4 carrying game any more your name is now on their bullet coming back at you. So It's ok to fight and want to fight but you need to watch the trigger while your out there and keep low.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Sep 25 at 2018 10:31 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 10:31:33 -0400

our primary mission is to KILL the enemy

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Jan 9 at 2019 2:38 AM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 02:38:55 -0500

Nothing wrong with that feeling, it's called being a man. Just don't wallow in it. That's when things go wrong, don't celebrate death. Be professional, get the job done and your men home.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Aug 14 at 2019 4:53 AM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 04:53:43 -0400

Be careful with this thought. I told all my guys this:
Proverbs 24:14 Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.
Be ready to stand with your battles. But if you make killing your goal, you'll screw up your head. Your a disciplined professional that carries a weapon. Make your goal to be the most knowledgeable, disciplined and professional soldier.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jan 22 at 2021 3:00 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 15:00:24 -0500

It's kind of the point of being a warrior.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jan 22 at 2021 3:01 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 15:01:02 -0500

It's better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war