View Full Version : Just how much FEAR do you need???
diesel828
11-11-2002, 11:11 AM
This question goes to all SEALs, war veterans, or people who have engaged in combat.
I've read that sometimes you can't be afraid when you go out and fight, and I've also read that you do need a certain amount of fear in you. Some say that the bit of fear you have keeps you on the edge and also keeps you alive. When you were engaged in a firefight or in any sort of combat, how much fear was in you? Were you not afraid at all? Were you scared to death? Or was your fear just enough to keep you sane and safe? I'm afraid that one day, if I'm staring down the darkness of a barrel, I might not have any fear and end up doing something stupid. Then again, I'm also worried that I might get so scared that my mind would black out and I would not react at all. Any comments?
diesel
Excellent question.
Since you are going to be a PO I will answer in two parts.
As a PO you will be given strict procedures on how to approach a target, suspicious people, drunks, et. al. and under what conditions. Stay inside those procedures. They are time proven.
In combat the enemy is not only allowed to kill you, but encouraged. When the enemy gets back to camp they are revered if they have killed many American young men. In combat often you do not know where the next round, bullet or shoulder propellant will come from. You use your past training and your instincts.
Many SEALs on this Board can add to this. But the gig is that those who have no fear must have a lots of luck. When there is no fear and no luck the obvious happens.
diesel,
When I was in the Nam, I felt fear at different levels.
On a normal patrol , ie board and search or search and destroy, it wasn't really a fear. More like a worry about what was going to happen and had I planned for all the " what ifs".
Going into a existing fire-fight was a different story. Red tracers going one way.Green tracers going the other and knowing that very soon you will be part of that hellstorm will bring fear to any man, but as Wazz said, this is where training comes in.
Last but not least is when you find yourself in the kill zone of a ambush. Then, believe it on not, there is no fear. Once again, this is where training comes in and you act or re-act by reflex and instinct.
In my opinion, fear is a good thing. It helps keep you on your toes. But you can't let it get the best of you.
When you get into law enforcement you will under go extensive training. Knowing that you are well trained will help you handle anything you may come up against--- including fear.
tvlr.............
diesel828
11-11-2002, 09:27 PM
"When there is no fear and no luck the obvious happens."
That must be terrible. Well, if the man has no fear then I guess there's nothing to worry about.
Last but not least is when you find yourself in the kill zone of a ambush. Then, believe it on not, there is no fear.
Is this the same type of thing that happens when you feel like there's no way out and you're going to perish on the battlefield? I saw something on a short documentary where former Navy SEAL Donald Erskine was in a fire-fight and severely injured. He said that he also felt at peace because he was sure he was gonna die there. Sure enough he led his men out to the sea after hours of escape and evasion and came home with everyone accounted for.
Is this the same type of thing that happens when you feel like there's no way out and you're going to perish on the battlefield?
Diesel,
I really don't know. When I got hit, I felt no pain, ( the body goes into shock ) and I felt no fear, it happened so fast there was no time to think. I know I didn't even think about dieing. You know what has to be done and you do it.
So this comes back to that old idea of TRAINING, TRAINING and TRAINING.
There comes a time when in any given situation you will know exactly what to do if you have been trained to the point of reflex action. You won't have to think about it, it will just happen.
I hope I'm not confusing you with my opinions. Maybe some of the other combat Vets can jump in and voice an opinion.
tvlr..............
Maybe some of the other combat Vets can jump in and voice an opinion.
IMHO, you are doing just fine.
A62 out
Wetwash
11-12-2002, 06:59 AM
i agree with A62....Tvlr is doing fine on this one.. Never got the shakes here till after i knew I was safe...then in Awe, you say.. WE DID WHAT?
diesel828
11-12-2002, 12:12 PM
So this comes back to that old idea of TRAINING, TRAINING and TRAINING.
There comes a time when in any given situation you will know exactly what to do if you have been trained to the point of reflex action. You won't have to think about it, it will just happen.
Yes, I believe I do remember in that same documentary a SEAL says that they rely on their training so much. He says that training is so important because when you're out there and adrenaline is rushing you aren't able to think clearly sometimes, but your actions are practically reflex because of the thousands of hours they spent training.
I hope I'm not confusing you with my opinions.
Not at all, I completely understand. Thanks.
In response to other posts, "WE DID WHAT?"... that just reminded me of some things that go by without remembering. This is totally not related, but someone told me to try to enjoy my wedding because most people don't remember it after it's over. Hopefully I will develop the skills I need to perform my job successfully. Thanks again for the help everyone.