Mr. Larkin: I wish I could ask my wife. She'd be better at handling this than me.
J.D.: You know, you and I are a lot alike. We may seem like the kind of guy you can just, you know, throw in a head-lock and draw a mustache on... but, in crunch time, we always come through.
Scrubs - My Philosophy
I've been trying to read more in preparation for my deployment; trying to get my mindset right in so many different perspectives: spiritually, tactically, socially, physically, etc. I had heard a lot about LTC Grossman's previous book, On Killing, and decided that I would try reading this book. I'm about 1/3 of the way through and so far I think it's a great book with a wealth of insights. I'll talk about some of my thoughts so far...
In the Army , we're trained in a plethora of skills in order to complete "The Mission", whatever you're unit's mission is. We go to schools, we do physical training, we train and become proficient in our weapon systems, we learn how to become efficient in the various equipment we use to do our jobs (whethers it's commo, computers, or parachutes). Through my seven years in the military to include a deployment, numerous mobilizations, and training exercises, I've discovered that the Army does not train/prepare it's warriors in the physiological and psychological effects of combat. Prior to 9/11, the majority of the military was not in a combat mindset. Only a few select units and divisions had been deployed and seen combat within the previous decade. But now with Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, most service members realize they will be called to combat environments during their contract. I have never received training about what to expect when bullets and mortars fly over your head. I've never been told that when you enter a life and death situation in combat, it is common for warriors to experience tunnel-vision, or temporary paralysis, or slow-motion time perception, or auditory exclusion, or a laundry list of other physiological occurrences resulting from an increased heart rate and other stresses.
The authors of this book have done extensive research and interviews to determine common and not-so-common occurrences during combat. Even those occurrences that are rare are items that warriors should be aware of so as to help minimize the shock and awe if it happens.
As a leader in a fighting force, I believe we should do our part to ensure our subordinates are prepared to the utmost when they enter combat. To neglect these areas of combat, is a gross disservice to those who entrust the oversight of their well-being.
[I will add more eventually but, right now, Game 3 is on...]
In the Army , we're trained in a plethora of skills in order to complete "The Mission", whatever you're unit's mission is. We go to schools, we do physical training, we train and become proficient in our weapon systems, we learn how to become efficient in the various equipment we use to do our jobs (whethers it's commo, computers, or parachutes). Through my seven years in the military to include a deployment, numerous mobilizations, and training exercises, I've discovered that the Army does not train/prepare it's warriors in the physiological and psychological effects of combat. Prior to 9/11, the majority of the military was not in a combat mindset. Only a few select units and divisions had been deployed and seen combat within the previous decade. But now with Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, most service members realize they will be called to combat environments during their contract. I have never received training about what to expect when bullets and mortars fly over your head. I've never been told that when you enter a life and death situation in combat, it is common for warriors to experience tunnel-vision, or temporary paralysis, or slow-motion time perception, or auditory exclusion, or a laundry list of other physiological occurrences resulting from an increased heart rate and other stresses.
The authors of this book have done extensive research and interviews to determine common and not-so-common occurrences during combat. Even those occurrences that are rare are items that warriors should be aware of so as to help minimize the shock and awe if it happens.
As a leader in a fighting force, I believe we should do our part to ensure our subordinates are prepared to the utmost when they enter combat. To neglect these areas of combat, is a gross disservice to those who entrust the oversight of their well-being.
[I will add more eventually but, right now, Game 3 is on...]
