Trauma is the effect that Veterans often have to learn that they have, while not knowing that they have it or often deny that they have it. "Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, crime, natural disaster, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, death of a loved one, war, and more. (APA.org)"
"WHAT THE F*&% IS WRONG WITH YOU RECRUIT/SOLDIER/PISSANT!"
Trauma is one of the first things soldiers learn to deal with during their initial steps into the United States Military Service. The standard introduction to the military is designed to immediately challenge and unsettle new soldiers, breaking them down before gradually building them back up. New recruits must quickly become resilient and not easily intimidated because those who are weak-minded are swiftly weeded out.
The standard is established on day one. Recruits are expected to understand this standard even before arriving at basic training—yet many know nothing. Absolutely nothing. Their recruiters have failed them!
"Don't Thank Me, Thank Your Recruiter..."
Military standards are often overlooked, particularly by recruiters, not because they lack dedication as soldiers but due to the demanding hours and recruitment quotas that limit their ability to maintain physical training. Their responsibilities, such as transporting recruits to and from MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station), often take precedence. In some cases, recruiters prioritize meeting quotas over ensuring recruits are fully prepared, leading to friction between recruits and drill instructors. This dynamic can amplify the trauma intentionally used in the military to break recruits down before building them back up.
Recruits are broken down quickly to build them back up into Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Coasties, and Guardians. The goal is to shape them into individuals who are combat-ready and calm under pressure. By the time they leave basic training, they’re expected to meet the same standard. But that doesn’t always happen—some people slip through the cracks, often because they’re skilled at hiding or going unnoticed.
By the end of basic training, the recruit has transformed into a full-fledged member of their respective branch. They’ve successfully completed the process of becoming a service member and have been reminded at least 10 times not to thank the Drill Sergeant/Instructor, but to thank their recruiter instead.
The Change Is NOT Done... More Trauma Exists
Before someone can officially become a Veteran, they first need to join a unit and integrate into its ranks. In most cases, this involves some form of initiation, especially in Combat Arms MOS (Military Occupational Specialties), where camaraderie is essential. Building trust and reliability within the unit is critical for success. If the unit doesn’t trust the newly minted service member, it can make life incredibly difficult—often to the point where hazing feels like a living hell.
Hazing is something that is going to happen regardless of it being illegal to the UCMJ:
- Army
- Regulation: AR 600-20, Army Command Policy
- Section: Chapter 4, Paragraph 19
- Navy
- Regulation: SECNAVINST 1610.2A, Department of the Navy Hazing Policy
- Marine Corps
- Regulation: MCO 1700.28C, Marine Corps Hazing Policy
- Air Force
- Regulation: AFI 36-2909, Professional and Unprofessional Relationships
- Space Force
- Regulation: Follows Air Force regulations (AFI 36-2909)
- Coast Guard
- Regulation: COMDTINST 5350.24, Coast Guard Anti-Hazing Policy
- General Guidance (Department of Defense)
- Regulation: DoDI 1020.03, Harassment Prevention and Response in the Armed Forces
Hazing, like bullying, can be a source of trauma that may not fully emerge until years later. Although it is officially banned across the military, hazing still happens—often in more subtle and covert ways. It is typically carried out among junior enlisted members, slipping under the radar of NCOs and officers. For instance, a soldier might face a night of forced drinking, excessive physical exercises like pushups and sit-ups, or other rituals as a means of being "accepted" into the group. Failing to comply with these demands often results in physical consequences for the individual being hazed. While some may dismiss these activities as harmless fun, they can leave deep and lasting emotional scars.
Trauma from Combat
Combat leaves a mark on everyone who experiences it, but the way that mark shows up can vary greatly from one person to the next. Some carry visible scars, while others bear wounds that no one can see. The intensity of combat—the chaos, the fear, the loss—creates moments that burn themselves into memory. These memories can resurface in ways we don’t expect, often years later, as nightmares, anxiety, or that gut-wrenching feeling of being back in the fight.
For many veterans, the hardest battles don’t happen overseas but within themselves once they return home. Combat changes people. It forces split-second decisions, pushes emotional and physical limits, and challenges everything you think you know about life and death. That kind of pressure can create bonds with the people next to you, but it also leaves cracks in your sense of normalcy.
The trauma of combat isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a natural response to unnatural experiences. But the challenge comes in acknowledging it, facing it, and finding ways to heal. Whether it’s through therapy, talking to fellow veterans, or leaning on family, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But what’s certain is that no one has to face it alone.
Trauma from Life
Trauma from life? What!? Yes, everyday life expierences can be traumatic; especially after being in a combat situation. Seeing on the side of the road a bag of trash, and it not being anything that will kill someone is traumatic. After being in a situation for so long people just expect that stuff the everyday mundane is and can be dangerous. Life is traumatic because of the things that can happen and that regular civilians do not understand why Veterans act the way they do. Here is another list of things that can be traumatic to a Veteran that a civilian may not understand:
- Hypervigilance and Constant Awareness:
- Everyday life becomes exhausting when one is always scanning your surroundings, watching for potential threats. For a Veteran, something as simple as a crowded grocery store or a firework on the Fourth of July can bring an overwhelming sense of danger. This heightened awareness isn’t just stressful—it’s a survival mechanism that’s hard to turn off.
- Mundane Sounds or Smells:
- Certain sounds, like a car backfiring, or smells, like burning fuel or garbage, can instantly take a Veteran back to combat zones. These sensory triggers can turn a peaceful moment into one filled with anxiety or fear.
- The Disconnect with Civilians:
- Veterans often feel like civilians don’t understand the weight of their experiences. For example, seeing people complain about trivial issues or not recognizing the dangers veterans once faced can be frustrating and isolating. That lack of understanding makes it harder for veterans to feel at ease in everyday life.
- Decision-Making Under Pressure:
- Combat teaches split-second decision-making where mistakes can cost lives. In civilian life, having that same urgency in mundane situations, like picking a route to drive or deciding where to sit in a restaurant, can feel overwhelming or unnecessary to others, but it’s second nature to a veteran.
- Unexpected Reminders:
- Life can be full of surprises that catch Veterans off guard—a loud noise, a sudden movement, or even a child’s toy left on the road that resembles something dangerous. These moments don’t just trigger memories; they can create real, physical reactions like sweating, increased heart rate, or an adrenaline rush.
- Cultural Expectations vs. Reality:
- There’s often a clash between the disciplined, mission-focused mindset of a Veteran and the more relaxed approach of civilian life. Everyday inefficiencies or lack of urgency can feel intolerable, adding to a sense of being out of place or misunderstood.
Traumatic Expierences Are Never The Same For Everyone
Trauma is deeply personal—what shakes one person to their core might barely register for someone else. In the military, two people can go through the same deployment, face the same dangers, and still walk away with completely different experiences. One might carry lifelong scars, while the other seems unaffected.
Factors like upbringing, mental resilience, and personal coping mechanisms play a huge role in how trauma is processed. Some people bury their experiences and move forward, while others wrestle with memories that refuse to stay buried.
It’s important to remember that trauma isn’t about toughness or weakness. Everyone’s mind processes events differently, and comparing struggles only diminishes the challenges people face. Instead, understanding that everyone carries their own weight in their own way can help foster empathy and support, especially among Veterans who often feel alone in their experiences.
Find Help for Them or Self
trauma is a complex and deeply personal experience that affects Veterans in ways often misunderstood by civilians. From the structured breakdown and rebuilding of recruits in basic training to the intense, life-altering experiences of combat and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life, each stage of a military career can leave lasting marks. These marks may manifest as emotional responses to daily triggers, struggles with hypervigilance, or feelings of isolation. It is crucial to acknowledge that trauma does not define weakness but is a natural response to extraordinary circumstances.
For Veterans who feel overwhelmed by their experiences, help is always available. The Veterans Crisis Line is a confidential, 24/7 resource that provides immediate support. Veterans can reach out by calling 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1 or by texting 838255. Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available to anyone in crisis at 988.
By fostering understanding and providing spaces for Veterans to share their stories, access resources, and seek support, society can help them navigate the healing process. Ultimately, no Veteran should face the weight of their experiences alone, and through empathy and action, we can honor their sacrifices and aid their journey toward resilience.
Until next time! If you need assistance in the meantime, feel free to reach out to us through our Contact Page.
Sláinte.
