Study: Many of homeless are vets

CNN.com · 11-08-2007, 08:17 AM

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fxashun · 11-08-2007, 09:11 AM

"The only training I have is infantry training and there's not really a need for that in the civilian world," AP quoted Kelley as saying in a phone interview. In addition, he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, he said, according to AP. Kelley served in Iraq with the Wisconsin National Guard."

When I joined the Marine Corps, my biggest priority was to make sure I learned a trade that I could use when I got out. I learned how to build and fix electronics. When I ended up getting retired, I still found work for several electronics firms.

I can see many other vets that didn't plan for life after the service being totally unprepared for life after they get out. Life in the military is actually a pretty simple affair. You know you are gonna have somewhere to eat, sleep and wash up. Getting thrown back into the civilian world can be a shock that some people who have been in for a while can't take. "Life" can be a motherf'er. And even worse if you have other "issues" like PTSD. Which I'm sure nearly all people coming from Iraq probably have to some extent.

pensacola_niceman · 11-08-2007, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fxashun

"The only training I have is infantry training and there's not really a need for that in the civilian world," AP quoted Kelley as saying in a phone interview. In addition, he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, he said, according to AP. Kelley served in Iraq with the Wisconsin National Guard."

When I joined the Marine Corps, my biggest priority was to make sure I learned a trade that I could use when I got out. I learned how to build and fix electronics. When I ended up getting retired, I still found work for several electronics firms.

I can see many other vets that didn't plan for life after the service being totally unprepared for life after they get out. Life in the military is actually a pretty simple affair. You know you are gonna have somewhere to eat, sleep and wash up. Getting thrown back into the civilian world can be a shock that some people who have been in for a while can't take. "Life" can be a motherf'er. And even worse if you have other "issues" like PTSD. Which I'm sure nearly all people coming from Iraq probably have to some extent.

Actually, there is a big demand for people with weapons training in private security firms right now. I've seen lots of civilians with weapons since I've been here in Iraq.

A job like that would sure beat growing long hair and a matted beard, and living on the street, and blaming post-traumatic stress syndrome on all you inadequacies.

fxashun · 11-08-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pensacola_niceman

Actually, there is a big demand for people with weapons training in private security firms right now. I've seen lots of civilians with weapons since I've been here in Iraq.

A job like that would sure beat growing long hair and a matted beard, and living on the street, and blaming post-traumatic stress syndrome on all you inadequacies.

There's a difference between "weapons training" and just being trained to carry and shoot. Additionally, "training" and "learning" are entirely different concepts.

As you have mentioned in other posts, this world is driven by $$$ and if you ain't got none, you are ass out. Add a mental instability, no real skills, and inability to really adjust to civilian life, and you have no choice but to be homeless. When you take a 18 year old from his mother's house, only teach him to shoot a gun but little else, then just throw him back on the street with mental issues, you have a perfect recipe for homelessness.