Figures were released (view) of Military deaths in coalition forces. The adjusted figure represents those thought to have died through hostile action – leaving 739. From those it’s thought that 8 were military civilians – the rest….?
Speaking to an ex-US military person, I found out that there are many deaths that happen through accidents and, to quote him “stupidity”. He cited examples where combat personnel are issues with adrenaline shots used in the heat of battle. It has been known that these “shots” are left in bags which are then used as pillows – they can accidentally be triggered when the person lays down and inject into the head. According to him this can be fatal. Other accidents are apparently because troops get bored and do stupid things.
He also cited an example where his troops were travelling in armoured vehicles and would run down camels and other animals for “fun”. His wife was also in the armed forces and he apparently has witnessed her kill someone whilst in the field of duty, as he has done himself.
I can’t imagine the mental strength it takes to deal with all of this; Outwardly both are fun, outgoing people – I only found out when they’d had a few drinks about all this….
Filed under: iraq, life | Tagged: coalition, death, figures, iraq
Your friend is feeding you a load of crap. The idea that military vehicles are routinely running down very large animals has been demonstrated to be a popular myth, though that certainly doesn’t prevent even former military members from repeating the tales. And I’d be fascinated to know how he not only served in combat with his wife, but both of them have kills. Another popular myth stateside is that everyone in Iraq is engaging in combat. The reality is that most never see combat. Taking fire or being exposed to an IED is not the same as combat, and in the majority of those cases there’s no one to return fire against. But again, a lot of people who have been deployed come back and don’t have any problem letting people think they “saw action” and killed people. Many have, MOST have not, and the chances that your friend and his wife both saw combat together and had kills is remote. Not as remote as the tall tale of adrenaline shots accidentally injected into soldiers’ heads enough to be cited as a “Yeah, I’ve seen that happen” cause of death, but …
it’s true – all this is hearsay and war can create sensationalism – just like 9/11 – the amount of people I heard say ” I knew someone who knew someone who worked in the twin towers” like that was a badge of pride … regardless, the truth will always out.