Monday, October 13, 2014

Vietnam Vet AMA “KarmaCoverage” selected quotes:


[–]KarmaCoverage[S] 165 points 6 months ago 
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What was the single scariest moment you experienced over there.

Oh, my radio went out, I had forgot the backup emergency radio, and I was responsible for five other men's lives. I went back to the LZ and finally got the radio working, and got help and extracted. I got the hell out of there.

how do you think the Army did preparing you mentally for what you had to do?

I said it once before, you cannot prepare for the crap that goes on. I think the Japanese were the only ones, that i can think of, during WWII, who prepared their soldiers. Where as America never did, never will, I don't know how they could.

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[–]Watch_your_top_knot 147 points 6 months ago 
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Hey brother. I was a squad leader in 2nd Ranger Bn from 04-11 and deployed to both theaters of the GWOT for a total of 30 months in country. Just wanted to tell you how much respect the modern guys have for you all and you have never been forgotten by your brothers. SUA SPONTE
RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!
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[–]KarmaCoverage[S] 156 points 6 months ago 
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Head shake up/down
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[–]OptimalOptimus 43 points 6 months ago 
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Came here to say this. Current generation Ranger, 2nd Bat. Glad someone already did.

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KarmaCoverage[S] 82 points 6 months ago 
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I wasn't around during the Vietnam War but from what I've gathered from history books it seems like US leadership kinda half-assed Vietnam

I agree

getting into Cambodia and Laos to disrupt the communist supply lines so late in the game

right, congress was very defeatist, we didnt lose the war over there, we lost it here.
bombing North Vietnam despite it not hurting their war effort at all

I disagree with that

not invading the North at all over the course of the war
That would bring the Chinese in

Did you have problems at the time with how the US leadership seemed to "hold back"?

Yes, they were withdrawing early, coupled with the corrupt government in the south, we lost the will to win.

Do you have any criticisms of their policies now?

Hind sight is 20/20

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[–]izaacibanez97 321 points 6 months ago 
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I'll probably be downvoted for this, but I promise I don't mean to come off as rude. If you had killed anyone in combat, how does it feel, especially the first time? I can't imagine what thatd be like.
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[–]KarmaCoverage[S] 673 points 6 months ago 
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First time felt very bad, I could not sleep. I never knew satisfaction until after I saw one or two of my friends killed. It never bothered me again. It was always Kill or be Killed.
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[–]izaacibanez97 214 points 6 months ago 
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Thank you for your response. I had an uncle who served in Vietnam who passed away last summer. He was there from '68-'69, and shared some incredible stories with me, but nothing of his own experiences with killing. I never felt id be comfortable to ask him, knowing the stress he dealt with when he got back.
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[–]KarmaCoverage[S] 205 points 6 months ago 
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That is difficult
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[–]touchstone90 1 point 6 months ago 
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I always thought those were the same thing. What is the difference between Vietcong and the NVA?
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[–]KarmaCoverage[S] 1 point 6 months ago 
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Vietcong were communists in the south.
NVA were the North Vietnamese Army

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KarmaCoverage[S] 83 points 6 months ago 
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You are not alone, go to the VA if you need help.
That is all I can tell you, you are definitely not alone.
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[–]courelly 29 points 6 months ago 
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Are the rumors that enlisted men would kill their own commissioned officers true, if they felt it was in the interest of protecting the platoon?
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[–]KarmaCoverage[S] 67 points 6 months ago 
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I was not in a regular company. I imagine it could be true. But in an all volunteer unit, it does not happen.

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