With more than 80,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, it’s become the most dangerous place on earth for U.N. peacekeepers.
Now, we ask: Which weapons should you carry?
And the answer is a lot.
This video features an interview with Lt.
Col. John W. Gannon, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, in which he offers some tips for military personnel in a volatile situation.
First off, don’t hesitate to use your first-aid kit when you’re injured.
You might just save your life.
You may also want to consider carrying a weapon that will kill more people in a less dramatic way.
Second, keep your eyes open and pay attention to your surroundings.
When in doubt, be more cautious and avoid making eye contact.
Third, you may not know where you’re going, but if you’re close enough, you should be able to spot people.
The better you are at this, the more likely you are to make a good decision.
Fourth, don.t. take it personally when you have to go in and help.
I’ve had a lot of people say, ‘I’m not sure how I’m going to do it.’
The answer is, if you can do it, you can.
Fifth, you’re not going to get killed if you don’t follow the rules.
If you have any questions, you need to ask the guys who are in the field.
They are going to be there to protect you, not to hurt you.
Sixth, keep in mind that the rules are the rules, so be aware of them.
Seventh, never say ‘I can’t do it’ or ‘I won’t do anything.’
You need to be ready to take the risk.
Eighth, if there are no civilians around, get out of the way.
And last, but certainly not least, keep an eye out for friendly fire.
You will be much safer when you do.
