For foreigners seeking entry into the Foreign Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine:

[Victor_c3]

8. If I didn't have my kids, I'd seriously consider it

Fighting for freedom and to make the world a better place is why I joined the Army in 1997. I saw what was going on in the balkans and then I saw our military being used to stop genocide and other atrocities and I wanted to be a part of something like that. Instead, I found myself in Iraq, fighting in a war that isn’t much different from what Russia is doing to Ukraine.

I’m starting to get a little old for military adventures, but I have a tremendous amount of experience fighting in urban areas and leading soldiers in combat. I spent 13 months as an infantry platoon leader in Iraq (feb 2004-mar 2005) and the last two years of my time in the military in a training role, where I helped to prepare junior officers to take their own platoons into combat.

I’m 42 and in great physical shape, but my mind has been ruined by PTSD. Thinking I could actually go to Ukraine and help in the fight is just wishful thinking and complete fantasy - I haven’t been able to work since 2015. Nearly everything reminds me of my time in Iraq and everyday I deal with flashbacks and panic attacks.

I praise those who are more than just talk and actually show up to fight for Ukraine, to fight and potentially sacrifice their lives for something they believe in. I wonder how much of my issues with Iraq are a result of guilt I have around the fact that I fought in an unjust war? I wish my military service and goodwill wasn’t squandered by our politicians for political gain.

Anyways, I’m rambling. Please excuse my craziness, but I find it to be a helpful way to process what is going on. Perhaps someone else identifies with what I’m saying…