General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Patton Oswalt: What gun owners think they look like... [View all]pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)Many of us have been there before, and we've got your back all the way.
You are not alone. Even though you were an officer and a platoon leader, you're subject to the same reactions as an ordinary grunt. Take it from a platoon leader from a long time ago who's been there, done that.
Yeah, we were officers--the ones whose responsibilty was to solve problems. We didn't need help, right? We had the arty, the gunships, the fast-movers at our beck and call. We RAN things, they didn't run us.
But the psychological reactions don't recognize rank or position. We are just as subject to war trauma reactions as any rifleman in our respective platoons. And we're not in charge any more--we have to learn to reach out for help when we need it. THAT'S being in charge now.
I know all too well how frustrating it can be when you think you're doing all the right things, yet you feel like you're just spinning your wheels. In my own experience, I know that at those times I realy WASN'T doing what I needed to do. I THOUGHT I was, even though at the same time I was secretly subverting my progress.
You're a good man. You're going to struggle, but I'm confident that you're going to make it. It won't be easy, but hey--What can they do to you? Send you back to Iraq?
Again, you're not alone. Your battle buddies and even those of us who came before you have your back. No pressure, but we're counting on you.