Deployment question

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I feel like I have searched all I can on this topic, and I just want an honest, straight answer from people who have been there...

When you deploy to places like Iraq or Afghanistan, how safe do honestly feel? What are the dangers exactly?

I fully understand that when you decide to join the military as a nurse, there are dangers. Country comes before self.

I am passionate about it, but I also like having a general idea of what to expect so I can be mentally prepared as I can for it. For example, if it is common to constantly hear fighting and explosions all day long, I want to know that. I want to mentally train myself for it so I can go over there and be the best nurse that I can be.

I'm not trying to offend anyone. I realize that there are dangers, I just want to know what kind.

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Hi

I am presently deployed in Iraq

I guess it depends upon where you are deployed.

Do I feel safe? I do until I realize that there are still people out there (outside the wire) that would rather see me dead, especially when taking care of detainees....On those few times I do venture outside I am "locked and loaded" and I would not hesitate to use my weapon.

I hear the occassional gunfire waaaay in the distance (not small arms but 50 cal) but we do hear and FEEL the bomb blasts

I think the worst, for ME, is when the blasted C-RAM goes off. I can only describe it as a sound from Hell. The devil herself is dragging her nails over a chalkboard from hell....gives me shivers just thinking about it. BUT the good thing is, when that bloody C-RAM goes off it means that it is protecting us from incoming

I think one can try to prepare for the sound of "war" but speaking for myself, I will never, ever get used to the sound and the feel of that concusive blast wave. Never. Nor will I ever get used to seeing what a bomb does to a human being. Never. I carry their blood on my boots.

athena

Iraq

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Thank you for the reality Athena. Be safe.

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Specializes in ER / Med-Surg.

very informative, athena. thanks for all you do - in iraq and on here! stay safe! :cool:

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Specializes in ED.

Hi Athena, do army nurses get weapons training? and if they do get issued a firearm, which firearms are issued?

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.
Hi Athena, do army nurses get weapons training? and if they do get issued a firearm, which firearms are issued?

hello

yes once you are in the Army Nurse Corps you are considered a Soldier First, Nurse second.

When you go to OBC and are doing your field training at Camp Bullis you will be required to keep, care for and know your weapon. You will sleep with your weapon. Your weapon will never, ever leave your side. You will be accountable for said weapon. You will get to know your weapon "inside and out" You will be required to disassemble and assemble said weapon in the shortest time possible. That weapon may save your life or your Battle Buddies life.

As part of your AWT skills (advanced warrior training) you will be required to shoot and qualify with (depending upon your MEDCEN command) a 9mm, M16 or both. I am qualified in both: sharpshooter with 9mm, marksman with M16

When you are deployed you will be issued a weapon. Some of us have been issued both a 9mm and M16 and you are responsible to maintain and care for that weapon.

Best of luck to you

athena

Iraq

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Hey Cursed:

I realize that it was supposed to be humorous....Guess I just haven't been in a chuckles and giggles kind of mood lately.

But hey, I sure do understand the "Hurry up and wait and wait some more" aspect of the video game, :)

athena

currently on lock-down as the locals are celebrating (?) some of the election returns and keep firing their weapons

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"This is my rifle...There are many others like it but this one is mine..."

Could NOT resist...

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Specializes in ED.
hello

yes once you are in the Army Nurse Corps you are considered a Soldier First, Nurse second.

When you go to OBC and are doing your field training at Camp Bullis you will be required to keep, care for and know your weapon. You will sleep with your weapon. Your weapon will never, ever leave your side. You will be accountable for said weapon. You will get to know your weapon "inside and out" You will be required to disassemble and assemble said weapon in the shortest time possible. That weapon may save your life or your Battle Buddies life.

As part of your AWT skills (advanced warrior training) you will be required to shoot and qualify with (depending upon your MEDCEN command) a 9mm, M16 or both. I am qualified in both: sharpshooter with 9mm, marksman with M16

When you are deployed you will be issued a weapon. Some of us have been issued both a 9mm and M16 and you are responsible to maintain and care for that weapon.

Best of luck to you

athena

Iraq

Thank you Athena! Good thing to know that nurses are also armed for protection. I've been shooting guns as a hobby for a while so the skills will definitely help me when i join. i've always wanted to handle an M16. Is the Beretta M9 still the standard issued 9mm? Sorry for asking too many questions.

I wonder if the Navy does the same, but they don't, i'm setting my sights on the Army :)

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Ace587RN:

"Is the Beretta M9 still the standard issued 9mm?"

Roger that, Sir.

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