War Experiences

What are some of the war experiences and secrets that soldiers don't want to talk about after getting back from iraq or Afghanistan?

I deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. My unit "removed" a lot of insurgents from the battle field. None of them had anything to do with 9/11. Remember that when you thank me for my service.

Remember that when Fox News tells you that ISIS hates us and is hell bent on destroying us.

During one of my deployments, a local man was accidentally killed by my unit. His widow shows up to the base the next day to complain and an official from my unit gave her cash. Cash. There is actually protocol for this...and there is a price on human life. And yes, the US government pays more for the life of an adult male than an adult female.

You would be surprised how many of the people in Gitmo are actually innocent.

You would be surprised by the number of Iraqi/Afghan civilians that were killed by the US military due to information being translated into English incorrectly.

Here is some advice on how to do it right In conflict zones:

*Don’t wear military style or very dark clothing. It’s good to have a white flag with you.

*Don’t move at night, Soldiers tend to be more scared at night times, If possible wait until sunlight before moving around.

*It’s better to approach a checkpoint on foot than by car. If you have a car, stop a 100 meters before the checkpoint and then walk up there. If you can’t get out of your vehicle for some reason, have someone else get out and approach the checkpoint.

*If you need to be in a car for some reason, drive up to the checkpoint slowly. If you have a white cloth, try flying that on the dash of your car.

*If you speak the soldier’s language then start shouting as soon as they are close enough to hear you: Don’t shoot! I’m a … "You can start some small talk, but choose the topic wisely."

*Don’t hold any objects in your hands.

*When you are close enough, offer them a cigarette! Cigarettes are the ultimate peacemaking device.

*If necessary bribe them. Bribing is an art form, so be discreet! Don’t let everybody see that you have money. You can put some money bills between the pages of your passport; if they check your passport they’ll take the money. This is the most common form of checkpoint corruption.If you have no money, cigarettes will do just fine.

*Don’t act as if you are scared. Be self-confident, but don’t exaggerate!

*Try not to appear like a rebel. In some regions, it is easy. For instance, if you are approaching a Syrian govt checkpoint in Damascus, try to not wear a niqab. Speak Syrian Arabic.

Once you are at the checkpoint (or are being escorted by soldiers).

“Where are you from?” and “Where are you going?” are the top two checkpoint questions. If you can answer them correctly (not necessarily truthfully), you should be fine.

*It’s good that you get your story straight when you are interrogated. So make up your mind before they tell you to talk. It is important not to arouse suspicion or curiosity. Tell them what they want to hear.

*If you are in a war zone and spotted by any soldiers then make sure that they know you are a civie comply with every order they give and remain as calm as possible. Never provide support if you don't want to be treated as a hostile combatant by the enemy. If you provide any support to any side then you will most likely be treated as a hostile soldier by the enemy and you can be shot. You will no longer receive the benefits of being a civilian under the rules of warfare and you can be sent to a POW camp or executed.

*If the soldiers ask to search you or your stuff, let them. Don’t object to anything, including a strip search if it comes to that. No resistance to direct instructions.

*Wait till you are out of reach of the checkpoint to rearrange things, repack your luggage, assess how much money you have etc. etc.

*Don't surprise them by suddenly appearing or making any quick motions. You don't have to raise your hands or any of that other though it would help, just keep your hands visible. It's even better if your palms are towards them.

*It really depends on how professional the soldiers are. If youre in Africa with all the militias I would just stay away but soldiers in most modern militaries should be trained to realize you aren't a threat…accidents do happen though.