Howdy,
Luck you. You get two posts in one day. What can I say? I’m chatty.
After speaking with the lovely Charity (always talk with the lovely Charity), I was instructed to repeat this overarching message: I love the military. I love the people, the principles, and the mission. Please understand that I don’t hate this country or the people wearing the uniform. Nothing could be further from the truth. Read all of my articles if you don’t believe me.
Sometimes, I will jump on this platform and let it rip. Today's post was one of those days. I want people to understand how maddening our conduct is for combat veterans. That means some days I will be prim and proper, while others I will be sarcastic and bombastic.
Let me explain why I was agitated today. Here’s a video that’s going around the internet: here
This should infuriate you.
I’m currently handling multiple Afghan SIVs who are actively being hunted. I’ve taken them under my care because we owe them that. These men served as my interpreters. They saved my life and the lives of our soldiers. And I’m paying out of pocket because our government failed them.
So when we have hearings about the Afghan War, and they reek of everything that drives me crazy, then I’m going to come out swinging.
I respect Milley and McKenzie—they’re both fine men. I’m sure their job was impossible—I have no doubt. Would I have done any better? Probably not. I retired as a Lt Col, and, you know what—that was probably the perfect rank for me to say goodbye at.
But let’s also be frank: they’re four-star generals. They signed up for this. And they will be just fine in life. Resigning from office isn’t unprecedented. Ask General Stanley McChrystal. He fell on his sword (as he should have) and came out doing just fine. You can read any one of his best-selling books on Amazon. Hell, General Eisenhower wrote quite a letter in case D-Day failed. General Petraeus resigned from his post as CIA Director.
In short, it’s part of the job.
When I was a Sq CC (boring!), if something similar had happened, I would have been in jeopardy for my job—as I should have been. I want to think I would have fallen on my sword. Now, there’s a difference between a Squadron Commander and the CJCS. Nevertheless, as a commander, you’re a symbol. And that means you are accountable for your actions on your organization's behalf.
I’ve spent nearly 1500 days in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m not special because of that, but I know my stuff. I believed we would at least be treated honorably and not feel deeply betrayed by our country. That did not happen.
This is my space to show you, my dear readers, how it feels to be an Iraq and Afghan combat veteran in today’s America. It’s not easy. It’s maddening at times. However, it’s also wonderful because I’m learning to interact with Americans again. So bear with me.
It’s not always going to be puppy dogs and ice cream. I struggle with Combat PTSD, Moral Injury, and TBIs. Yesterday, I fell down the stairs again and nearly knocked myself out. I don’t say this so I can get a pity party. I’m the lucky one, in my opinion. But it’s hard for people to understand how frustrating it is to deal with all this while watching more excuses and grandstanding over a lost war.
If my tone and tenor don’t suit your preferences, no problem. I understand. However, I’m not going to feel bad about being upset, depressed, enraged, or humiliated.
This doesn’t mean that I fear interactions. I am happy to chat and debate with anyone. I’m a pro-2nd Amendment, pro-Life, unrepentant neo-con Zionist. I would be shocked if people didn’t disagree with me vehemently about a whole range of issues.
But. . .
The name of my Substack is called “Grumpy Combat Vet,” so you know, buckle up and fasten your seatbelts.
Until Next Time (and no posts tomorrow)
Hey! Do not charge down the steps! Pause at the top for 5 seconds and ask your body a question, "Am I ready to go down these steps? Are we all, various bits and pieces, ready to go down these steps?" Do not proceed until you get a clear answer.
It's a question I have to ask my body every time I stand up.
Tell Charity (my good friend's daughter's name) that those of us with decent reading comprehension skills never once took your writings as a negativity against anything, anyone, or our country. You're doing as we all should be doing. Standing up for injustices.
Also, perhaps you've seen this article already. I found it disappointing to say the least.
https://www.propublica.org/article/united-nations-cash-afghanistan-following-taliban-takeover