MIND FUCK

"I have been throwing some heavy ideas around about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder while trying to cope with my experience in Iraq. I agree that PTSD is a real and psychological injury, however the additional injuries seem more prevalent. There is a form of Character Damage that a soldier goes through while at war. When he steps away from the protective bubble of noble cause and patriotic duty the veteran comes into doubt about many aspects of the reality he once precieved. I have been calling it WTFS (What the Fuck Syndrome) or the search for meaning.

After I shot my first civilian I was very upset. I went back to my connex and trashed the place. I brought my frustration up to my chain of command and was directed to my chaplain. The very first thing he told me was that I was doing Gods work and I did what I did for my country’s and family’s safety. I was told I was in God’s hands and was an instrument of the lord. This was all very interesting, and even more angering, because I am an Atheist. "
Fight to Survive