Marines literally dying for a thrill : Risky behavior cited in fatalities

[salin]

Risky behavior cited in fatalities

By Jeanette Steele
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

September 7, 2003

In a tragic footnote to war, some Marines returning from combat in Iraq are losing their lives to risky behavior such as speeding and driving drunk.

Throughout the Marine Corps, 31 service members have died in nonmilitary vehicle accidents since late April, when troops began trickling back home. The numbers spiked in June, when at least one Marine a week was killed in car and motorcycle crashes.

The year is surpassing the Corps' five-year annual average of 50 crash deaths, even though many Marines weren't home driving for five to six months.

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The problem, which also was noted after the Vietnam War and the 1991 Persian Gulf War, is partly chemical, say mental health experts.

Those experts say a serviceman's body becomes accustomed to the constant stream of adrenaline that keeps him going during combat. When he gets home, he is more likely to seek activities that start the pump again.

(read the whole - sad - article)

(on edit - adding link) http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20030907-9999_1m7risky.html

[Dudley_DUright]

1. We know things are getting really bad

when they start playing russian roulette games like in the movie "The Deerhunter". BTW, you forgot the link.

[0rganism]

2. It's time to try out my idea for an extreme sport: Bungy Skydiving

Just like skydiving, but your chute is harnessed with a bungy jump cord! Any takers?

[lazarus]

6. it's been done

:-) Saw it on one of those Real TV shows the other day.

[IndianaGreen]

3. Sounds like they need intervention, pronto!

The National Center for PSTD has a lot of information posted on their website on the various ways in which returning servicemembers cope with the aftermath of war. Here is the URL:

http://www.ncptsd.org/war/needs_assess_iraq.htm

[loudnclear]

4. Another generation of trained killers return home to family and friends...

after Viet Nam the toll on families of returning GIs was felt for 20 years.

[pfitz59]

5. Personal experience.....

This will get worse. Rep. McDermott (D-WA) was a Navy psychiatrist during Vietnam. He warned this would happen. Military will try to cover up statistics. (Substance abuse, domestic abuse, financial problems, etc) Tailhook was symptomatic. Mighty warrior returns home and gets fucking bored!