[vinman]

I think I recall something along these lines being addressed in a thread here on the forum. I found this today and it made me think of my service as a soldier back in the day, and when I was embedded as a civilian advisor in a Marine Battalion. It took me years to stop thinking about going back into the military because I didn't have that closeness that I felt with service members. If you watch this video you'll get a better understanding of why guys hang out at the VFW Hall, and why Jarheads get together for cake on the Marine Corps birthday.

Quote:

Civilians don’t miss war. But soldiers often do. Journalist Sebastian Junger shares his experience embedded with American soldiers at Restrepo, an outpost in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley that saw heavy combat. Giving a look at the "altered state of mind" that comes with war, he shows how combat gives soldiers an intense experience of connection. In the end, could it actually be "the opposite of war" that soldiers miss?

https://www.ted.com/talks/sebastian_jung...s_miss_war

[Sawyer]

On the same topic, this is an article that has always stuck with me from an issue of Esquire that I must have read at a dentist's office.

Why Men Love War

[Foolsgo1d]

Men love the fight, not the part where they lose and their people, wives and children included are raped, tortured and murdered. Or their friends into a mist of blood and bones.

I am fascinated by war but I also realise the brutality of it and yet it is still being held to some sort of standard where its a "mystery" as to why men love it. It flips your brain into an animal-like state and once you're thrown into civilian life you're still living in that state of mind.

I'm surprised more don't flip a lid and go bezerk.

[Sp5]

Peacetime veteran and warzone civilian, although some of the "peacetime" service was highly stressful.

War changed me. I'm not sure whether in a good way or a bad way, might take awhile to sort that out.

I understand the thrill of it, for sure. But I know some guys who are mentally ruined, too.

The William Broyles piece Sawyer linked to is excellent. I've read it a few times over the years.

[jamaicabound]

Yeah they miss war for seemingly two reasons, the comradery and brotherhood as well as the adrenaline rush. Heck going way back in time thats why motorcycle clubs started so vets could have those two things in their lives. That said I think part of it is also just getting comfortable to a certain lifestyle or routine. Same reason convicts keep going back to prison, thats the life they have become comfortable with and even though its a shitty existance its what they are used to. I was in one of these bootcamp deals when I was a teenager and I couldn't wait to get out but that said when you get out its wierd adjusting back to normal life.

[General Mayhem]

War is the most profound thing there is. The worst times of your life become some of the best times in retrospect, and in the end retrospect is all that matters.

It's all about the brotherhood. Shared misery has a funny effect on people. It's almost comical to think I miss some of that, but I've never found that bond outside of the military.

That's the reason I decided to go back in.