Lessons Learned In Combat

[JHC]

Paul,
I've read this thread and shared it with my son and his classmates who are studying to become officers. They are shooters and are training on their own time in this stuff. And I've just read your article in SWAT. It was superb. I hope to see you become a regular author in this field.

You are a gift to all current and future American warriors.

Joe

[Ned Christiansen]

Paul, I read the story last week in SWAT and man it was the best reading I've done in a long time, not just for the story but for the excellent writing too, and of course the very important message. I'm glad to see it show up here so I had a chance to go over it again, which I had promised myself to do.

Thanks for sharing the knowledge and for everything else.

[rickp]

Hey Paul,,
My best wishes are with you. I was wounded in action as well. I was a security contractor though and wounded during an EFP IED.

One aspect of this industry that I've been trying to teach or inform people back in the real world about is the condition of the body when under such duress and how that affects one's ability to do the things we normally do in a controlled environment. It's important to train with an elevated heart rate in hopes of duplicating that. People don't have the slightest idea of what the body does to you and how it changes everything you do or are used to doing in a controlled environment.

You touched on it during your description of what happened during the reload.
Can you describe what your body was doing to you an how that affected the reload and the manipulation of the mags and weapon.
Most don't get to hear it from guys that have been there.

I wish you all the luck in the world. I've been going through a similar situation. I've been recuping for about 3 years now and I'm having surgery again in 2 weeks to replace my whole knee. Keep your chin up.

R.

[lethal dose]

Thank you for sharing this moving story and thank you for your service to this beautiful country. God bless you, sir.

[fleshfrombone]

Wow man, what else can I say? You are stronger than anyone I know. Anytime I think the warrior culture of my beloved USA is diminishing all I have to do is come on here and read inspirational stories like this. The word gratitude doesn't begin express how I feel. I'd also like to add pride, honor, duty, and country because you encapsulate them all. People like you make me proud to be an American. I'm glad for the internet so I could hear your story but god damn I want to shake your hand.

[cmiller683]

RetreatHell,

I know I am not the first to respond to this post in such a manner, but I still feel an obligation to do so.

First, thank you for your service to this country, as well as your post on this forum. I realize, as a civilian, these comments may not have the same impact as a true brother-in-arms, but know that they are no less genuine.

I applaud the way in which you wrote this story. When you look back on an experience like this, I can only imagine what you must be feeling. For myself, I would have a hard time depressing my anger and hatred towards, well, everything and everyone. By taking apart and analyzing this situation, and posting it online, this may very well educate and save the lives of many. The points that you make are spot on.

Lastly, you are a true inspiration in the way you have rebounded from this experience, and how you have shared it with others. It say's a lot to your integrity and determination.

I'm merely your typical civilian sheepdog. No military service. And I don't want you to think of these words as me putting you up on a pedestal, with a nice little golden halo around your head. I'm not. I just want to point out that in a situation like this, how you've responded....that's how we all hope to respond to such a shitty situation, with that kind of dignity.

On these forums, we'd all like our fellow members to think we're all-business tough guys that take names and kick asses. But this is one of those rare posts that kicks you in the heart.

Thank you,

CMiller

[30 cal slut]

RetreatHell -

All I can say is "WOW!"

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

Stay safe.

[Cincinnatus]

Paul, I ordered a subscription to SWAT just to get your article. Semper Fi, brother!

[CAVDOC]

I mentioned in another thread that "weaponcraft" the instant manipulations to keep your rifle or pistol or mg running that can be done without thinking is where the military is not training well enough-at least that was my experience prior to my OIF then OEF deployments- they may be alot better now than in 2001 but still have a long way to go.

[Bowser]

Just got a copy of SWAT, nice to see you got in it man. I gotta read into this M14 article though lol.