Welcome to the WWII Forums! Log in or Sign up to interact with the community.

I have a question about being a soldier

Discussion in 'WWII General' started by Colin, Jan 23, 2003.

  1. Colin

    Colin Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2003
    Messages:
    76
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hello everyone. I thought I'd ask you guys about this because you've had experience war. I'm going to be a marine in a few years but for some reason if I ever get into a war, I want to get everyone out alive, even if it requires me to risk or lose my own life. I don't know why but I feel that the safety of other soldiers is my first priority. Am I crazy? thanks
     
  2. Panzerknacker

    Panzerknacker New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2001
    Messages:
    1,537
    Likes Received:
    6
    Absolutely Not Colin-it is the highest matter of thought in a soldier's mind that he carry into battle the constant thought "that others may live"-it is the most honourable and unselfish act that a soldier could commit-the preservation of others lives at all costs-including loss of your own life.

    Good Luck Colin-I had a thing for being a Marine a few years ago-too bad I'm Australian, so I will join the Australian Army, and carry out my soldiering to the utmost.
     
  3. PzJgr

    PzJgr Drill Instructor

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2000
    Messages:
    8,386
    Likes Received:
    890
    Location:
    Jefferson, OH
    Welcome Colin. I do not think you have a choice when the situation gets hot. You will be in automatic mode and let your training kick in. In my experience, only once, my reaction was just what you are feeling. I did not think about what was going on but continued to get the casualties to safety. I believe every soldier feels that way as well as experiencing fear. Fear is experienced by all soldiers but it does not keep them from doing their duty.

    Semper Fi.
     
  4. Bish OBE

    Bish OBE Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2001
    Messages:
    762
    Likes Received:
    1
    As PzJgr says, everyone experiances fear. But, your training takes over and you sort of go on auto.

    But, don't get focused on saving the lives of others, as it can get even more killed or hurt. If everyone started to look after the casualty, theres no one to return enemy fire.

    And, if you go n thinking you will save everones life, you wll be disapointed, and this could affect you badly.

    Soldiers get killed, it comes with the job.

    Just remember, look after your buddies, and they'll look after you
     
  5. No.9

    No.9 Ace

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2002
    Messages:
    1,398
    Likes Received:
    2
    Colin - Have you considered joining the Medical Corps? ;)

    No.9
     
  6. urqh

    urqh Tea drinking surrender monkey

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2002
    Messages:
    9,683
    Likes Received:
    955
    Bish switched on as usual....

    Enemies have the knack especially when facing western nations of hoping to wound rather than kill on some occasions. They know that to do so, may slow down a unit, or even present more targets of opportunity.

    On D Day for example the invading forces were told not to stop for any wounded but to carry on to their objective.

    Men floundering in the water where sometimes picked up but in most cases were left to their own devices as the mission objective was so important.
     
  7. Bish OBE

    Bish OBE Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2001
    Messages:
    762
    Likes Received:
    1
    i think western Armies think more like that as well. The SA-80 is designed more to wond rather than kill. Unlike the old elephant gun
     
  8. urqh

    urqh Tea drinking surrender monkey

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2002
    Messages:
    9,683
    Likes Received:
    955
    Oi, youngster...I was one of the white hunters with that elephant gun, you cheeky git.

    If you ever saw me on a range youd know even with and SLR I was designed to wound..Range marshalls beware.
     
  9. Bish OBE

    Bish OBE Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2001
    Messages:
    762
    Likes Received:
    1
    Well, you were an RMP. Probably best if you can't shoot straight :D
     

Share This Page