PTSD Training in the Army: A Reprise

The Infantry trains to kill. There is NO alternative. If THAT is not training to be a psychopathic killer I don’t know what is.

(MOLALLA, Ore.) - I posted this original article Sept. 1, 2009 at salem-news.com and I immediately got a blast for some of my terminology. My gist was that Combat Infantry Training to some extent CAUSES PTSD. (see: PTSD Training in the Army - Dr. Phil Leveque Salem-News.com)

For those who were fortunate enough to avoid Advanced Infantry Battle Training good for you. After all, only about one in 15 ended up as a Combat Infantryman.

This bring me to the REAL POINT of Infantry Training which is ---- KILL YOUR ENEMY. The Armed Services did have special elite troops, such as Navy Seals, Army Rangers, Marine Recon, Paratroopers and also other special forces such as the Green Berets.

If I understand the basic concept, one of the original and most important interview questions was “CAN YOU KILL YOUR ENEMY with a knife, garrote, or bayonet”? If you can’t, you are a lethal danger to yourself and your comrades.

All of the above were taught many ways to kill. I have got to say asking the typical American recruit that question would elicit a white-faced horror-stricken stare.

The Infantry trains to kill. There is NO alternative. If THAT is not training to be a psychopathic killer I don’t know what is.

As far as I know there is no treatment for an intense Combat Veteran to be deprogrammed. This “killer instinct” IS one of the signs or symptoms of PTSD and the sequels are present with social maladjustment and murders et cetera. There are lots of Combat Vets in jail or prison!

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Jimmy May 11, 2010 4:09 pm (Pacific time)

IF you ever look in the eyes of an infantryman, it should scare the hell out of you. Behind those eyes hides a disciplined killer capable of horrific things. Don't screw with these guys.

Dr. Leveque September 8, 2009 3:03 pm (Pacific time)

To Proud Marine Daughter and Infantry Sis (Sept 4): Sorry Sis: ALL infantry are trained to KILL many different ways. I AM a Combat Infantryman and I have been there, done that, seen that. If an Infantryman does NOT become a hair-trigger psychopathic killer he will NOT survive. His enemy is trained to be the same and do the same. My BEST day a buddy and I captured 26 Nazi officers, any one of them could have killed me. I'm not whining. P.S. Some have asked "where do you get your information". It reminds me "How does one get to Carnegie Hall". Practice, Practice, Practice. I've been doing this for 57 years.

PROUD MARINE DAUGHTER & INFANTRY SIS September 4, 2009 6:42 pm (Pacific time)

These guys are NOT trained to kill. They are trained to defend your right to sit here and say they are. So next time you see a military soldier walking the street, instead of being ungrateful to them, say "Thanks." Afterall, just think if they had to fight the battle where YOU are. You wouldn't get the chance to sit here and whine and complain how they're trained.

Cash Jefferson September 2, 2009 2:57 pm (Pacific time)

Hi Phil! Thank you so much for the work you do, the right wingers are out to do us in with their greedy sicknesses. Please keep telling the truth, and thanks for allowing a place for those of us who care to simply say, "thanks Doc"!

Bonita Klug September 2, 2009 2:23 pm (Pacific time)

Salem-News.com is the best! Keep those slacker republicans in line, thanks!

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