Battle buddy concerns

[DirtyBlackSocks]

We've had a lot of guys talking about needing to see mental health and going AWOL lately. I'm concerned for em' but having troubles figuring out how the hell to deal with em'. Most of the prior service I've talked to that're Sappers or gone through RIP tell me they see a lot of that in the courses as well and I was wondering if you all have any real advice on how to help these guys. I know training is everyone for themselves but I feel like I have an obligation to do anything I can.

[Silverback]

We've had a lot of guys talking about needing to see mental health and going AWOL lately. I'm concerned for em' but having troubles figuring out how the hell to deal with em'. Most of the prior service I've talked to that're Sappers or gone through RIP tell me they see a lot of that in the courses as well and I was wondering if you all have any real advice on how to help these guys. I know training is everyone for themselves but I feel like I have an obligation to do anything I can.

You can help them best by giving them an example to follow. Don't try to talk to them or nurse them, lead them with your actions.

[DirtyBlackSocks]

We've had a lot of guys talking about needing to see mental health and going AWOL lately. I'm concerned for em' but having troubles figuring out how the hell to deal with em'. Most of the prior service I've talked to that're Sappers or gone through RIP tell me they see a lot of that in the courses as well and I was wondering if you all have any real advice on how to help these guys. I know training is everyone for themselves but I feel like I have an obligation to do anything I can.

You can help them best by giving them an example to follow. Don't try to talk to them or nurse them, lead them with your actions.

Those are my intentions Ranger Silverback and most actually come to me for advice and guidance, which I don't understand as I've never been a leader before.

I'm just worried for their safety, some battle buddies have already gone AWOL with no contact since and others have talked about killing themselves ect. It's pretty heavy stuff to weigh on the mind as I feel responsible for them in some jacked up way.

Thanks for any advice though Rangers and Soldiers, my mind's not as sharp as it should be and I'm having trouble coming to real conclusions on these issues.

[EvilCouch]

Some people can't cut it. Don't stress out over it. If they want to make it, they'll make it. If they get too stressed to deal with it, let them slide away. The important thing is to keep it from affecting you.

Stay focused on your goals and you'll be fine.

[Chiron]

I agree with what’s been written. Don’t let them pull you down. Show the best example of how it’s done and drive on.

There are people that will deal with them and that’s not you, you’re job is to drive on to the OBJ.

[ANGRYCivilian]

Fuck 'em. If they're running away and trying to OD on Motrin or jump out the window, they're not really your BB. Let them go. Your obligation is to yourself and to those who are sticking it out with you.

[Ranger Bill]

Miitary service and training is designed to continually cull the herd. There are maligerers, misfits, problem children, cowards and those who just can't cut it for a number of reasons. Do not let them drag you down. The fact that they come to you for advice shows that you have natural leadership qualities. But at this point, you have neither the skills nor the experience to counsel them and could unkowingly do more harm than good. Your course of action should be a sole focus on your training and to notify your chain of comand of those who may be a danger to themselves or others, considering AWOL, or otherwise affecting the safety and morale of your unit. Drive on and don't look back unless you're doing rear security on a patrol.

[rgrpuck]

You are not responsible for them.....at all.

You have stood out as a leader amoung them. Sheep will recognise the leader. and then flock to it. Good on ya. But the weak sheep WILL be eatin by the wolves....there is nothing you can do about it. Once the weak have been consumed then the heard will be stronger.

Let the Drama queens and assclown fall by the wayside. help when you can but in the end they, and you, will make their own way.

The world is a harsh place and not everyone can take it. Beside the old saying goes, "no attrition, No moral. "

[DirtyBlackSocks]

Good advice Rangers, pretty much what I had summed up on my own, must be the medic in me that wants everyone to make it.

[RRDTm3]

Just remember, the world is always going to need ditch diggers.

[Jim]

You have stood out as a leader amoung them. Sheep will recognise the leader. and then flock to it. Good on ya. But the weak sheep WILL be eatin by the wolves....there is nothing you can do about it. Once the weak have been consumed then the heard will be stronger.

There ought to be a term for people like this. I suggest "sheeple."

These are the ones who need someone to look after them and protect them -- they are incapable fo doing it for themselves. Sadly, there are too many of them in society. They don't think for themselves, but generally do as they're told. They are preyed upon by hucksters, thieves, and politicians (but I repeat myself).

DBS, always try to do the right thing -- in the long run it turns out to be a lot easier.

[Fishboy]

Read and re-read what is written above.
Great advise dispensed here once again.

remember kid, the cream always rises to the top.

[DirtyBlackSocks]

Rangers, thanks again for all the advice, it's sound and pretty much what I already knew but had to hear for myself.

I think my injuries are starting to take a little steam out of my motivation, being broken for 4 months straight takes it's toll after a while. Gotta buck it up and get my BMD in check before I slip up.

[Caruthers]

Pain and suffering is madatory.........bitching, whinning and moaning is optional..............quiting is madatory for the weak mind.......Driving on through_____________(fill the blank) mandatory for a man to walk justified into his own house...........Fuckem' there beat like wolf pussy.

That is a paraphrase of several Rangers that help raised me: Bill Stahler, Nick Vay and H. Roberts.

[DJB]

Nothing in the military is "every man for himself", but the commitment you have to your fellow trainees is to perform at the best of your ability and report to the powers that be any serious concerns you might have about suicide or treats to injury others. If you want to waste your time cheerleading for these week minded individuals go ahead, but I think you will find that once someone has made up their mind to quit its as good as done.