Before service members ship out to the front lines, they typically go on pre-deployment leave, during which they’ll spend time with friends and family at various locations.
Most of those locations serve alcohol and when naive civilians get a little tipsy, they tend to make remarks and ask questions they probably shouldn’t.
Here are just a few of the things civilians should never say to troop about to deploy.
Related: 7 white lies recruiters tell and what they really mean
1. “Shooting at people sounds like so much fun.”
Grunts like to joke about how awesome it is to engage the enemy. However, the act tends to create various, collateral issues.
2. “If you’re good at Call of Duty, you shouldn’t have a problem during a firefight.”
No matter how good you are at any game or how well you’re trained, nothing can truly prepare you for the vigors of a real firefight.
What the f*ck did you just say?
3. “I bet it feels weird as hell to get blown up.”
Troops continuously think about getting wounded during their service. However, it isn’t a fun thing to have swimming around your mind, and it definitely isn’t something you want to think about while on leave.
No sh*t, Sherlock.
4. “I wanted to join the military, but I went to college instead.”
Even if they’re kidding around, you should consider backhanding whoever makes a dumb comment like that.
5. “What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you run into a bad guy?”
No one can predict jacksh*t. Although running into a hostile is a possibility, your training will help you decide on a specific course of action when the situation presents itself.
6. “Dude, aren’t you nervous you’ll come back with, like, PTSD or something?”
Worst question to ask… ever!
Also Read: 7 reasons why you shouldn’t be too nice in the military
7. “How many people do you think you’re going to shoot?”
Second worst question to ask… ever!
He just lost faith in humanity.