Does anyone believe that combat exposure can alter a person's way of thinking in how they view things in everyday life whether good or bad ?

2017-07-26T14:33:21-04:00

From my experience it completely altered my way of thinking so much that when I took the MMPI-2, the results said I responded to some questions that are not endorse by the general public. I view things in life completely different from the average person. So I just want to know what you guys think.

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Jul 26 at 2017 2:35 PM

2017-07-26T14:35:49-04:00

Your experience solidifies why I can believe the exposure can alter the preference with regards to your question SSG Private RallyPoint Member. Exposure to combat is not an everyday thing in which people can move forward without difference. Thanks for sharing.

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Jul 26 at 2017 2:36 PM

2017-07-26T14:36:01-04:00

I believe that it is altered. I know that my thought process has changed significantly.

Response by CPL Brandon McCoy made Jul 26 at 2017 2:41 PM

2017-07-26T14:41:05-04:00

Undoubtedly so. Everyone is different but personally, my thoughts processes have dramatically changed since my sandbox time. Definitely askew from what society says is just or politically correct but nonetheless, different; quite possibly indifferent all together.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2017 2:46 PM

2017-07-26T14:46:14-04:00

During my deployment, I was a fobbit so never under direct fire but did experience those IDF alarms. Every stressful experience can change a person's way of thinking or perceiving. I know that compared to years ago when I was taking classes and now, if I fail, I'm still good. I still volunteer with my fraternity so I see a lot of those college kids stressing out about exams. There's life and death stress, and then there's everything else. I share this meme for a chuckle.

Response by CWO3 Dennis M. made Jul 26 at 2017 2:50 PM

2017-07-26T14:50:57-04:00

I can't believe that anyone can think combat exposure will NOT alter the way things are viewed in everyday life.....good or bad!

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 26 at 2017 2:54 PM

2017-07-26T14:54:12-04:00

Of course it does, just like the terrible things our LEOs feel during their career. Fortunately, a very small number will see front line combat, despite all those that claim PTSD and VA disability. I can't imagine seeing what they encounter on the field of battle.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2017 3:05 PM

2017-07-26T15:05:41-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Absolutely. You are changed forever and have to find a way to live with these changes.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Jul 26 at 2017 3:49 PM

2017-07-26T15:49:26-04:00

Profound effects. Some good. Some not.

Response by Sarah Zayas made Jul 26 at 2017 4:17 PM

2017-07-26T16:17:54-04:00

Yes I believe our minds are organs that can hurt, but the good news is that they can heal with positive daily reinforcement and limiting exposure to negativity.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Jul 26 at 2017 6:21 PM

2017-07-26T18:21:40-04:00

Alittle off point, but when I took the MMPI, the administering Psychologist asked " When were you in combat" nearly 20 years after the fact.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jul 26 at 2017 6:58 PM

2017-07-26T18:58:12-04:00

I think time is the greatest help with these feelings,or so it seems to me,but everyone is different dealing with the issues of experiencing combat,for me it took years to soften the images ,but things get better ,hope this helps Brother.

Response by Sgt Martin Querin made Jul 26 at 2017 7:21 PM

2017-07-26T19:21:49-04:00

Absolutely. Any experience that conveys strong personal emotions can have that effect. In truth we lack the long term perspective to know whether something is truly "good" or "bad", what we can know is whether things are in line with a set of values. So anything that causes us to change our values, or what we value can alter our perception of whether something is "good" or "bad". That is one of the reasons faith is so important; whatever someone's faith is. In my case my experiences and circumstances do not change my values because they are not alterable by me, or anyone else within the system, they are set outside of the influence of this system.
Since I am a Christian, the values that I use measure "good", or "bad" are biblically documented and according to my faith they have been established by a power beyond the influence of changing circumstances and experiences. Some people may mock, or think it is a weak deferral of responsibility. To them I would counter, try living up to those standards and tell me how easy it is and how weak anyone is that can even come close...which is the best I can do so far, but I continue to work on it. I had to reconcile my commitment to take a life with that faith and those values; so I don't defer my responsibility, I accept my part in it. But it provides a solid foundation, which doesn't alter because of every situation, or life experience. It helps me keep my head on straight and a maintain perspective in spite of the stuff I have to deal with everyday, or in my past.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 26 at 2017 8:44 PM

2017-07-26T20:44:38-04:00

Any event alters how you view future events. It's called experience. Some people will have different experiences than others.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jul 29 at 2017 8:01 PM

2017-07-29T20:01:44-04:00

The VA thinks it does...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2017 10:12 PM

2017-07-29T22:12:14-04:00

In my career field, there has been a lengthy study on psychological profiles that has been ongoing for decades. There is in fact a shift in the mindset between veterans and non-veterans (those who have not experienced combat). Combat veterans tend to be more stoic and aloof, and many exhibit some degree of psychosis. How this generally presents itself is many veterans are unconcerned about other people's (insignificant) struggles. I for example find it hard to sympathize with people who are stressed by what really are minor issues in their lives.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jul 29 at 2017 10:14 PM

2017-07-29T22:14:17-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, same here. For one thing I have no time for the petty BS that consumes the lives of most civilians.

Response by SGT Peter Hayes made Jul 30 at 2017 8:45 AM

2017-07-30T08:45:11-04:00

Any time a person is put in a life or death environment for a extended amount of time it will change that person way of thinking. most times the person will not see the change but others that now that person will see it. This change may not be a bad change or it could be.
it just depends on the person and his or her outlook on life. (Its not what happens to you in life Its how you handle it).

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Jul 30 at 2017 8:51 AM

2017-07-30T08:51:35-04:00

A person is never the same once they've been under fire.

Response by SSG Larry R. Jones made May 2 at 2018 11:15 AM

2018-05-02T11:15:19-04:00

Before I became a Ranger I looked at life much differently than before. I sit facing an entrance at a restaurant, look for the exits, I don't go to crowded areas, I check everybody's body language, before Ranger school and my several deployments I really didn't think about it, but after everything I've been through life is different. But I look at it as a great thing, I'm more observant than others, in more prepared than others.
All in all I believe it makes me a better citizen, and a more prepared soldier.