Would you kill the person who tried to kill you?

SFC Joseph James — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 02:41:36 -0400

I'm taking about while deployed here. If you could find the person/people responsible for all the death and destruction around you, would you kill them on sight? I lost both of my legs and many good friends and leaders but I don't know if I would track them down a shoot them like a dog. Maybe I wouldnt but would you? Or is this just war stuff and not take it personally?

Response by SGT John W Lugo made Jul 16 at 2015 2:58 AM

SGT John W Lugo — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 02:58:22 -0400

That's a real hard thing to deside because as much as you might want to, most level headed individuals might tend to feel that regardless of our pain we are not as cold hearted for the act of revenge or payback.
But regardless sorry if you or someone you know has dealt with this sacrifice,and Thank you for your service.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 3:54 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 03:54:21 -0400

I think in just war theory terrorist who hide behind civilian uniforms do not have the rights of soldiers since they endanger non-combatants. After the war is over, they should be treated like criminals. It's completely normal to want to kill them and not dismiss it as just war stuff. It was unfair to you or anyone who got killed by terrorist.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jul 16 at 2015 3:57 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 03:57:36 -0400

Without a second thought.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jul 16 at 2015 8:02 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 08:02:11 -0400

I would - and the main reason is I wouldn't want them to do it to anyone else. If they did it to you, they will do it to someone else - and I just don't like that! :-) If I have a chance to stop that person from hurting someone else, you betcha!

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 16 at 2015 8:24 AM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 08:24:00 -0400

During the heat of combat, definitely. But once the shooting stopped, doubtful that I would (I hope I wouldn't) track them down and shoot them like a dog, especially if they were not armed at the moment.

Seriously a tough question when you stop and think about it a moment. What would I do in this or that circumstance. I suspect my feelings at the moment would definitely be tied to the harm inflicted to those around me. Like most folks (okay bothers and sisters in arms), I'd be more worried and needing revenge for my buddies than for me.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 16 at 2015 8:40 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 08:40:39 -0400

I don't ever want to be the person to kill anybody. But I would take it upon myself to ensure that justice served.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 13 at 2015 10:49 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 10:49:23 -0400

SFC Joseph James, First of all, you are a SUPER Hero.... And not just to me, to a country that Loves you and Honors you.
This is just "war stuff"; and you DECIDEDLY should NOT take it PERSONALLY. These people are insecure; and want to have power over you; I guess.... (Sergeant First Class, I pray that you are receiving some kind of Psychiatric help. Seeking such help is not a 'sissy' thing to do; it is a very, very brave thing to do.)
If I were you, I would go find leaders (professionals), who accept and love you the way that you are. People who are balanced, secure and who unconditionally love/like you.
When I go to the VA Hospital, I talk to men without one/two legs. I just see them as people; and respect them. They just want their stories to be listened to.