Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

As much as I believe that those involved in ISIS need to die a swift, deserved death, going overseas to do it yourself is not a great idea:

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/canadians-like-gill-rosenberg-joining-fight-004211702.html

Beyond all that, the western governments' reluctance to do something is actually probably well-founded. Western intervention led to the creation of ISIS in the first place, it's probably best for the local groups to deal with them themselves to bring stability back to the region. In any case, almost everyone in the region hates them, so I'm hoping that by the end of the next year they'll be little more than a bad memory.

 KalashnikovMarine wrote:
Yeah. Jihadin's description of how this idea came up isn't too far off base.

Have you considered looking into groups that might be providing training for these groups?

You'd probably make a bigger impact teaching all of these people how to use their sights than by participating in the fighting yourself. Food for thought...I know that the Kurds have solicited training from Israelis before...they'd probably love an American perspective though I'm certain that they're already getting training from the West.

 KalashnikovMarine wrote:
I'm basically at a point over here where I've got toy soldiers, some electronics and not much else. The VA isn't doing gak for me, I can't really relate or interface with civilians or a civilian work environment normally after four years of trying and there's the distinct possibility of being put on strong enough medication, wherein my mid 20s I won't be able to drink, drive, work, or do much of anything at all except wait to die.

This is the way my dad was at the end of his life. The thing is, my dad was a lot older than you were and had done a lot more to wreck his life than it sounds like you have. Obviously you've already fought so you have an idea of what you are in for but the reasons you want to fight sound more like you should think about some kind of therapy and finding something positive to spend what are a lot of potentially good decades left. Yeah, people in Iraq need you, but there are people in the US who could use you and your experiences, too. Obviously, I don't know you, but seeking out a good death at your age seems premature when you could potentially become a strong advocate for other people who have been where you are and are in a bad place still.

In any event I wish you the best of luck.

 Ouze wrote:

 KalashnikovMarine wrote:
I'm basically at a point over here where I've got toy soldiers, some electronics and not much else. The VA isn't doing gak for me, I can't really relate or interface with civilians or a civilian work environment normally after four years of trying and there's the distinct possibility of being put on strong enough medication, wherein my mid 20s I won't be able to drink, drive, work, or do much of anything at all except wait to die.

This is the way my dad was at the end of his life. The thing is, my dad was a lot older than you were and had done a lot more to wreck his life than it sounds like you have. Obviously you've already fought so you have an idea of what you are in for but the reasons you want to fight sound more like you should think about some kind of therapy and finding something positive to spend what are a lot of potentially good decades left. Yeah, people in Iraq need you, but there are people in the US who could use you and your experiences, too. Obviously, I don't know you, but seeking out a good death at your age seems premature when you could potentially become a strong advocate for other people who have been where you are and are in a bad place still.

In any event I wish you the best of luck.

This. I've been in this sort of mindset at times, although I never really acted on it. It sounds like you might be getting "radicalized" a bit yourself... how old are you, if I might ask? From what you're saying, you sound like early twenties. Life is just starting!

I'm in my mid20s and life is busily ending. Religiously speaking death in battle is considered a positive thing. I'm in a lot of pain and one law or another is going to combine with my broken down excuse for a body to just keep me sitting until the VA decides on which middling effective surgery to try on me next, leaving me still in pain, still busted up. No real change.

I'm about to lose my second career to this mess... I'm just tired and unsatisfied with everything around me, I'm a good Marine. Young, old, fit or broken, the Pesh don't care as long as you can hold a weapon and want to fight. I can do that now.

Till the VA puts me on opiates and psych meds and leaves me a walking corpse any way. Well. More of one.

I don't agree with your stance, and your reasons for going make me feel very sad for you that you haven't got anything more positive to stay home for.

But I do respect the conviction you have. Best of luck whatever you decide mate. Personally, I hope you don't go out there and die, and that you find what you're looking for.

The goal is to make the other guy die, not the other way around

Off-topic, but have you had your blood tested for low testosterone, KalashnikovMarine?

I ask because everything you type reminds me of the former SEAL that was on Joe Rogans podcast(Joe Rogan Experience) with his doctor, that works with former service members with PTSD or experienced TBI's. Its a pretty good episode, and a fairly heavy piece of discussion considering what is usually par the course on Rogans podcast. The doctor is trying to gather support/advocates for his theories and treatments, and it starts with a simple blood test the VA apparently doesn't offer to its patients. From what I gather, the VA just throws medication at PTSD/TBI patients because that's all that they are mandated to do, or that they know on how to treat it.

With that OT stuff said, I'd recommend not joining up with this group.

On a similar note, when's the last time you had a blood-test for vitamin and mineral levels? Lack of vitamin D (comes from sunlight) can cause depression. Lack of vitamin b group can cause the same. This may sound crazy, but i'd look into getting a blood test taken, then see a gp (one who isn't high on prescribing medication to everyone) and a dietician. To give an example of how that stuff can effect you, i don't drink alcohol at all but when my vitamin d levels get low enough i get a massive craving for booze (which makes it worse as alcohol depletes all that stuff from your system).

Next is diet - most of what gets promoted as 'healthy' food turns out to be not much better than poison. Aside from being related to the vitamin and mineral thing, there's a high proportion of people who have intolerances (not allergies) to certain types of foods and additives, which can again have massive impacts on your health. I'd recommend giving this site a look: http://fedup.com.au/ as it's a pretty comprehensive site with laymen terms.

I know it may sound crazy but you may be falling foul of dietary problems. Not eating right can be like putting ethanol fuel in your high performance car - it clogs things up and slowly kills the motor. Even if you still wish to travel to the middle east, it might be worth checking up on.

text removed.

Reds8n

 KalashnikovMarine wrote:

I'm basically at a point over here where I've got toy soldiers, some electronics and not much else. The VA isn't doing gak for me, I can't really relate or interface with civilians or a civilian work environment normally after four years of trying and there's the distinct possibility of being put on strong enough medication, wherein my mid 20s I won't be able to drink, drive, work, or do much of anything at all except wait to die. I wouldn't be "deploying" with a death wish but if I did catch it from some ISIS hopefully that death would have meant more then a slow life time of nothing much here.

That's a warning sign, especially at mid 20s. There's nothing insulting about it. It needs checking. Going to a hotzone because you've got nothing to live for and maybe you'll catch a bullet and your death will maybe give meaning to your life? That's a warning sign.

 KalashnikovMarine wrote:
Been talking with some guys about potentially rucking up and going to Iraq to volunteer with the Peshmerga in Northern Iraq (NOT the YPV in Syrian Kurdistan) Thoughts? What would it take to get you to do something like this?

If I could pay off my student loans doing it, Id be there tomorrow.

Not worth it Chaos

Might be worth it as a US Service Member...extra pay.....tax free....

Go now its piss poor pay, piss poor food, piss poor everything else but the enemy then you will truly know your in combat

KM, IMO the real deal is in finding another group of like-minded individuals and all heading over together (with a legitimate supplier - I wouldn't want to enter that type of environment without some serious hardware that is def regulated by ITAR - some of which I own but would not be permitted to travel overseas), or get a training deal.

Be careful either way. There's a lot to lose in that part of the world, and not a whole lot to gain aside from personal satisfaction. That was enough for me, but it sounds like a piece of you is still missing there. If that's worth it, then you need to weigh the risks.

 Jihadin wrote:
Not worth it Chaos

Might be worth it as a US Service Member...extra pay.....tax free....

Go now its piss poor pay, piss poor food, piss poor everything else but the enemy then you will truly know your in combat

Ehh... while I have nothing but second hand evidence to speak of, lot of the 11B's that I know here said the Iraqi's are piss poor fighters. Afghani's were much tougher scrappers.

 djones520 wrote:

 Jihadin wrote:
Not worth it Chaos

Might be worth it as a US Service Member...extra pay.....tax free....

Go now its piss poor pay, piss poor food, piss poor everything else but the enemy then you will truly know your in combat

Ehh... while I have nothing but second hand evidence to speak of, lot of the 11B's that I know here said the Iraqi's are piss poor fighters. Afghani's were much tougher scrappers.

The were breaching FOB's in Afghanistan. 2008-2010 till the Surge rolled in

I have vets in my family (full disclosure: i am not one. Wanted to join marines, but catastrophic structural back injury kept me from doing so, but i fully make all these statements from the perspective of a full blooded civvie), and as friends that have had similar thought trains. My understanding is its a semi-common response, possibly PTSD related. I'd recommend counseling to you, but if you're anything like the other modern era vets i know 1) you're probably not all that enthusiastic about the idea / won't do it 2) don't want to hear that 3) probably can't get any from the VA on anything approaching a schedule required for it to work, to say nothing of the quality required either.


It's an impossible situation, so i'll say thank you for your service, and i'm sorry your outlook on life as a result of what you did for our country has you in a place where you'd rather burn out (in your mid twenties no less!) than fade away. I think if you could get some high quality counseling, you could come to see that these experiences don't have to be your end, but can be a beginning of an evolution for you. Yes, i'm fully aware how cumbayah that sounds, i'd probably snort in derision at it too. I lost a vet family member to suicide, and i'd prefer that no one else have to go through the survivor's guilt of that (i.e. the impotence of not being able to help) to say nothing of the perpetrator's own abyss of pain.


If you do go back on these terms, just do your research. As others have said, and i'm sure you know, it's gakky part of the world to be in right now if you're a westerner. All it takes is an opportunist and you being in the wrong place at the wrong time to end up being a propaganda stunt. I appreciate the bravado of making them pay the blood price, but this happens, in reality you'll likely spend the last few weeks of your life in deplorable conditions and in agonizing pain before being used as a publicity stunt for the very people you're attempting to stand up against. Not sure you would eventually end up wanting that.

I wish you the best. I know full well if you're intent on doing something, you're probably going to do it. I don't think its a great idea, but random words on the internet are not gong to shake your resolve.


... I hope you don't go, and i hope you somehow find a way to see that there's a lot more that life can offer you, even if you can't see it right now.

I had a friend who you remind me of to a scary degree.... he actually enrolled in a dog therapy program, and i swear that saved his goddamn life. The only thing i worry about now is when that dog isn't with us anymore...


Thanks again for your service, and I hope whatever decisions you make end up being the right ones for you in the long term, and not just the short. I'm sorry our system failed you. Honestly.

An acquaintance of mine is over there filming a documentary with the Kurds, who are currently involved in a war with both ISIS and the national army of Turkey. At the same time.

Some of the footage he's sent me has shown the Khurds engaging what he identified (in voice-over) as ISIS militants and, during the battle, the sudden arrival of artillery (targeting both ISIS and the Kurds.... but mostly the Kurds), or fire from an IFV, announces the arrival of the Turkish army. Again, I have to rely on his dictation of the events being shown since, to me, it's basically some guys shooting at some other, similarly-dressed guys... and since he's standing next to one group of the guys shooting, his view of the targets is a bit limited, since he's filming with a shoulder-mounted camera.

This does not strike me as a situation you'd want to be involved in... mostly because (or so it seems to me) you'd be joining with a band of people who have little to no outside support, are fighting a war on at least two fronts, and (being Kurdish) have been fighting this war for nearly forty years... they probably don't need any training personnel.

I am not a soldier, but hen I dont need to be to say this.

I know a number of well informed soldiers, many of whome knew mercenaries or were themselves offered mercenary contracts.
There is a consistent undercurrent of advice:

DONT.

Here is why.

1. Mercenaries and volunteers are not lawful combatants, with exception for Gurkhas, French Foreign Legion and other specified groups. Captured mercenaries have fewer rights under the Hague and Genvea conventions.
- I have no specific anecdotes to share, but do know military lawyers (all armed services have to have a legal department) and tis IS a serious issue.

2. If you are ever an embarrassment or just expensive you can and likely will get shafted, possibly even betrayed to your death. You aren't part of anyone armed forces, you are just a guy with a gun, you can easily get sold out by the side you are fighting for or employers.
- I heard of a company set to do a job in Sri Lanka. They did their job then disappeared , evidence suggests they were ambushed at camp. Its very difficult to ambush a jungle camp of well trained soldiers, on the balance of evidence the camp location was sold out by their employers.

3. If you are wounded the vast pyramid for military support personnel is not there to help you. No combat medic, no medicine no casevac, no hospital bed, no trained trauma doc; unless you bring all that with you. And you can expect your unit to provide a medic, of questionable quality at best.
- So if your sucking a chest wound out on a hillside and wonder when you will hear a helicopter take you away, it won't, its not there.


4. If you are captured, even if not by total scum like ISIS you have very few rights. because basically nobody of importance knows you re there.
- Go on a march an stray into Iran (or over any other border frankly) and get captured, who will be there to lobby your release? Who will even know you are missing, who will know where your patrol routes were and who will care. Straying into Iran is bad enough if you have a national uniform and the backing of a major government, what do your lions have?



Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Ratius wrote:
Nothing short of piloting a Warlord would get me over there.....

Ok, there's an exception to every rule.
That sounds like fun
Can I be your weapons moderatus, pretty please?

You know damn well you would jump in a Urbanmech first before a position open up on a Warlord

 Jihadin wrote:
You know damn well you would jump in a Urbanmech first before a position open up on a Warlord

Damn right. Though I would try to hold out and ask if they had a Locust spare. I love the Locust, never been a great fan of the Urbie, classic ride though it is.
Often this was the way into being a mech jock. Mercs often had spare mechs and few vacancies. Apparently average office juniors got more pay than merc mechwarriors, and the training and llfe expectancy were similar to WW1 pilots. But it's the life to lead, and given a Locust an a smart head you have good chances.

Wrong thread for mech banter, but then I find that volunteering as an irregular fighter in Iraq is a class of surreal fantasy all of its own.

Nobody in that part of the world gives a gak about whether or not you're a lawful combatant. Whether you're GI Joe or B. A. Baracus of the A team, if they capture you, assume that they're going to cut your head off.


The one piece of solid advice here is that with PMC work, you're stuck paying your own health expenses. Your health insurance is going to be sky high assuming that they know what you're up to (ask me how I know) if they're even willing to cover injuries sustained overseas. In Iraq in 2005, you had a pretty good chance of at least getting quality EMERGENCY medical care from coalition forces. Nowadays, well...do you really want to put your life in the hands of a "doctor" in a part of the world where Koranic verses are a part of the Medical School curriculum?

 NuggzTheNinja wrote:
Nobody in that part of the world gives a gak about whether or not you're a lawful combatant. Whether you're GI Joe or B. A. Baracus of the A team, if they capture you, assume that they're going to cut your head off.

That applies to ISIS, but not to say Iran.
I dont want to think about what would happen to American irregulars who accidently cross the border, its an opportunity for the Iranians to make some of the Great Satan to disappear.
You will also have different reactions from local police,militia tribes etc.
And if the Turks launch an artillery fire mission or NATO send some planes at a target, your unlicensed fighters are unlikely to be taken into account. A strike fighter or drone is likely to be given authorisation for free fire rather than close support, and there is a BIG difference between the two.

 NuggzTheNinja wrote:

The one piece of solid advice here is that with PMC work, you're stuck paying your own health expenses. Your health insurance is going to be sky high assuming that they know what you're up to (ask me how I know) if they're even willing to cover injuries sustained overseas. In Iraq in 2005, you had a pretty good chance of at least getting quality EMERGENCY medical care from coalition forces. Nowadays, well...do you really want to put your life in the hands of a "doctor" in a part of the world where Koranic verses are a part of the Medical School curriculum?

Joining an irregular band to right ISIS is not PMC work. PMC work has a government contract in Iraq and direct sanction by western governments.
From the stories in the media about volunteers fighting against ISIS with Kurds there is no health infrastructure to warrant expenses.
Also trips out tend to last weeks or a few months at most, you have to pay your own way an it gets expensive fast. While on the front there are negligible costs, but thats because there are negligible facilities. One thing I can say is that the local Kurds openly welcome western volunteers against ISIS, and more importantly let them leave when they wish.

I wouldn't risk it. Yes ISIS needs stopping, but you shouldn't go in alone or with other western volunteers to serve as an irregular.

A group of veterans might get a nod from Langley to go, but if you do that's a whole different story, and you also won't be able to talk about it on web forums.

Personally, I'd try to get in with the Peshmerga, they're well organized, well equipped, and not islamic fundamentalists.

The Northern Iraqi Peshmerga (the legit guys who are getting lots of nice U.S. air support right now) are actively recruiting. Check out the following post and message the page for more details.
Bring boots, camis and goggles if you want to go along with other basic kit. They will issue you a weapon, usually a Kalashnikov pattern rifle. M16s are available for sale. You can always of course upgrade your weapon via battlefield capture.

For the western volunteers that want to join Peshmerga to fight against ISIS terrorists in South Kurdistan (KRG), Iraq. This is what you have to do:

1. Get to Erbil or Sulaimani. There are few airlines that go jus Google their websites and see what airliner travels there.

2. Bring your basic traveling gear and money for taxi, hotel etc, a total of $5000 USD (including your return tickets) should be enough till you are set up that's if you come from US, Canada and Australia, so it depends on how far you are from Kurdistan, from Europe $2500 USD should be enuff to go and come back.
You can withdraw money in Kurdistan, there are ATMs in all over Kurdistani main cities you just need to know where they are.. In Suli there is one in the North bank on Salam street, or another in Zara mall which is near the General park in the city centre next to Kurdistan bank. In Erbil you can find them in the major shopping centres like Majidi mall and Family mall. Best option will be to withdraw 1 million Dinars daily as you get charged $5 per each withdraw from your bank, 1 million Dinars is close to $870 USD. I repeat the money will be in Dinars so make sure you get your daily limit which is 1 million dinars. Ask any taxi for those locations and again do not share your intentions to anyone that you are going to withdraw money.

3. If you have a stop over flight in Turkey don't mention anything to turks about your intentions, best flight route would be directly from EU to Erbil, or from Kuwait or Jordan to Erbil/Suli.

4. You will be joining as a volunteer which means you probably will not be receiving income from Peshmerga department, thou things could change down the track and this also means you can leave anytime you feel like it.

5. Do not share your plans with anyone till you get to Erbil or Suli airports once you get there you tell the airport staff/security you are there to join Peshmerga as a volunteer, they will take care of the rest and set you up at a location and most likely you will be joined with other western volunteers.

6. It would help if you have some former basic military training or experience, because Peshmerga doesn't want to put civilians up against skilled ISIS terrorists.

7. Make sure you only go to Erbil or Sulaimani because the road between Kurdiah capital Erbil and iraqi capital baghdad no longer exists, and you will only be safe in Kurdistan NOT iraq as iraq is divided into three regions Kurdistan the IS in the middle (Sunni cities) and the shia iraq in South.

8. Peshmega now supplies a weapon but if you want to buy something better an M16 is $7000 but on exit you can sell easily and get your money back.

9. Kurdistan has a 1050km border with IS here are some of the front lines: Gwer, Makhmur, Shingal, Alqush, Tel Kef, Daquq, Jalawla, Mala Abdula, Tal ward, Qere Tepe...

Link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/%D9%BE%DB%8E%D8%B4%D9%85%DB%95%D8%B1%DA%AF%DB%95-Peshmerga/191899904218049?fref=photo

KM...........your a bright guy......your just twitching through the Combat Withdraws

 KalashnikovMarine wrote:
The Northern Iraqi Peshmerga (the legit guys who are getting lots of nice U.S. air support right now) are actively recruiting. Check out the following post and message the page for more details.
Bring boots, camis and goggles if you want to go along with other basic kit. They will issue you a weapon, usually a Kalashnikov pattern rifle. M16s are available for sale. You can always of course upgrade your weapon via battlefield capture.

For the western volunteers that want to join Peshmerga to fight against ISIS terrorists in South Kurdistan (KRG), Iraq. This is what you have to do:

1. Get to Erbil or Sulaimani. There are few airlines that go jus Google their websites and see what airliner travels there.

2. Bring your basic traveling gear and money for taxi, hotel etc, a total of $5000 USD (including your return tickets) should be enough till you are set up that's if you come from US, Canada and Australia, so it depends on how far you are from Kurdistan, from Europe $2500 USD should be enuff to go and come back.
You can withdraw money in Kurdistan, there are ATMs in all over Kurdistani main cities you just need to know where they are.. In Suli there is one in the North bank on Salam street, or another in Zara mall which is near the General park in the city centre next to Kurdistan bank. In Erbil you can find them in the major shopping centres like Majidi mall and Family mall. Best option will be to withdraw 1 million Dinars daily as you get charged $5 per each withdraw from your bank, 1 million Dinars is close to $870 USD. I repeat the money will be in Dinars so make sure you get your daily limit which is 1 million dinars. Ask any taxi for those locations and again do not share your intentions to anyone that you are going to withdraw money.

3. If you have a stop over flight in Turkey don't mention anything to turks about your intentions, best flight route would be directly from EU to Erbil, or from Kuwait or Jordan to Erbil/Suli.

4. You will be joining as a volunteer which means you probably will not be receiving income from Peshmerga department, thou things could change down the track and this also means you can leave anytime you feel like it.

5. Do not share your plans with anyone till you get to Erbil or Suli airports once you get there you tell the airport staff/security you are there to join Peshmerga as a volunteer, they will take care of the rest and set you up at a location and most likely you will be joined with other western volunteers.

6. It would help if you have some former basic military training or experience, because Peshmerga doesn't want to put civilians up against skilled ISIS terrorists.

7. Make sure you only go to Erbil or Sulaimani because the road between Kurdiah capital Erbil and iraqi capital baghdad no longer exists, and you will only be safe in Kurdistan NOT iraq as iraq is divided into three regions Kurdistan the IS in the middle (Sunni cities) and the shia iraq in South.

8. Peshmega now supplies a weapon but if you want to buy something better an M16 is $7000 but on exit you can sell easily and get your money back.

9. Kurdistan has a 1050km border with IS here are some of the front lines: Gwer, Makhmur, Shingal, Alqush, Tel Kef, Daquq, Jalawla, Mala Abdula, Tal ward, Qere Tepe...

Link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/%D9%BE%DB%8E%D8%B4%D9%85%DB%95%D8%B1%DA%AF%DB%95-Peshmerga/191899904218049?fref=photo

This post stiffened me. Reminded me of the good ole Gdud Ha'Ivri days.

Do ITAR restrictions still apply if you're bringing your gear overseas for personal use?

Almost certainly sadly. Good news. Plenty of guns over there already.

@OP: Don't do it.

I am a vet. I understand. I also feel for the plight of those fighting ISIS, and have great respect for the Peshmerga and all they have been able to accomplish.

What I am about to say is not intended to be insensitive, and I thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Having said that, I would say that, given what you have posted regarding your current mental/emotional state, as well as your physical state, going back into combat would be an exceptionally bad move.

First, it will only serve to exacerbate all of your existing problems, which I gather are from combat.

Second, you must consider the reality that, in your current state, you may actually prove to be a liability to your unit at a critical moment. You know what I mean.

It took me a while to adjust as well. I still have pain. I still have the nightmares, but you can live with it if you don't quit. I had difficulty keeping a job. I finally just went into business for myself. I guarantee that you have skills that can earn you a living (besides combat.)

My advice is don't give up. And don't expect too much help from the VA either. My experiences with them have been...disappointing (although, they did offer to give me a dog.)

Anyway, that's my advice, for what it is worth. Thanks again for your service, Marine.

 Chaos Legionnaire wrote:

My advice is don't give up. And don't expect too much help from the VA either. My experiences with them have been...disappointing (although, they did offer to give me a dog.)

Have you seen the Ranger Up VA video?


Not politically correct and has some very rough language...