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This weekend I had the chance to go to a great event out here my area hosted by the Fort Pitt Chapter of the AUSA. The event brought together around 50 Veterans and several great weapons from FNH. The event ended with some of us being lucky enough to shoot the FN M3 .50 cal machine gun. Let me tell you, this is not your normal .50 cal. The rate of fire is insane. I attached a video that I posted on YouTube.
Anyways, during this event, several of us got together and had a discussion about is this type of event a good or bad thing for Veterans? Is there any therapeutic value to it? Could this cause someone to have flashbacks or set off any other triggers?
My answer was simple. It felt great to get some trigger time. Last year when we first did this event I was a little nervous about what my reaction would be to the smell of gun powder and the sounds of weapons going off. But after the event this year and last year, I left feeling great. It was great to get behind the sights of some weapons and burn off some rounds.
My question to the RallyPoint community is how do you feel about these type of events? Is there therapeutic value to it?
Anyways, during this event, several of us got together and had a discussion about is this type of event a good or bad thing for Veterans? Is there any therapeutic value to it? Could this cause someone to have flashbacks or set off any other triggers?
My answer was simple. It felt great to get some trigger time. Last year when we first did this event I was a little nervous about what my reaction would be to the smell of gun powder and the sounds of weapons going off. But after the event this year and last year, I left feeling great. It was great to get behind the sights of some weapons and burn off some rounds.
My question to the RallyPoint community is how do you feel about these type of events? Is there therapeutic value to it?
Events
PTSD
Therapy
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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I have 2 favorite therapies/meditations... straight razor shaving and dropping large amounts of ammo downrange. Sigh... if only ammo wasn't so damned expensive!
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MAJ (Join to see)
LTC Paul Labrador Sir, that's called "hands and a bag". I just police my brass at the range and good to go.
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SCPO (Join to see)
Sir - As long as the straight razor shaving is on yourself. Presuming that, I agree that using a straight razor to shave is a form of meditation (or surgery, but that is the less-preferred option).
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I think it can be very effective. One of the biggest issues with vets is that they can sometimes feel isolated after they leave service. Going to a gun range can help reconnect them with a familiar task and setting. Besides, shooting stuff up is a lot of fun!
Of course, we have to be careful that the vet in question is not unstable or suicidal/homicidal....
Of course, we have to be careful that the vet in question is not unstable or suicidal/homicidal....
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Very interesting question, SGT Keen! I would think that individuals would react very differently depending on where they are in their own journey. I would expect that many would react as you did and find it at least somewhat therapeutic.
I also believe that the decision to participate in'ammo therapy' is one that shouldn't be taken likely. I would expect that some may be prone to 'regress' as a result as well. I guess as a bottom line, 'individual results may vary'; but something to be considered and discussed openly! Thanks for sharing!
I also believe that the decision to participate in'ammo therapy' is one that shouldn't be taken likely. I would expect that some may be prone to 'regress' as a result as well. I guess as a bottom line, 'individual results may vary'; but something to be considered and discussed openly! Thanks for sharing!
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