There was a story of a military unit that got lost in a dense jungle during a mission. They faced not only the threat of the enemy but also the harsh environment. Supplies ran low, diseases spread among them, and they had to fight off wild animals. It was a nightmare of survival, with the fear of never making it back home constantly on their minds.
The unpredictability of the situation. In war, soldiers can be in a seemingly safe area one moment and then under a sudden and fierce attack the next. For example, a peaceful night in a military camp can turn into chaos within seconds as the enemy launches a surprise raid. This constant state of not knowing what will happen next is very terrifying.
Regarding mental health, they should advocate for themselves. If they feel they're not getting the support they need, reach out to veteran support groups. These groups can often provide better information and resources than the official channels sometimes. And don't be afraid to seek help privately if the military system is not being helpful.
Well, isolation is a big one. When soldiers are cut off from the main force or from communication, it creates a sense of horror. It makes them feel vulnerable. The presence of death is also very common. Whether it's the bodies of fallen comrades or the history of death in the area they are in. For instance, if they are in a place where a massacre happened before, there's always that spooky feeling. And then there's the idea of things going wrong with military equipment at the worst possible time, like guns jamming when facing an enemy, which adds to the horror.
Another story is about financial struggles. Some military retirees find that their pensions are not enough to sustain their post - military lives. They may have planned based on certain promises, but inflation and unforeseen expenses make it difficult. For example, housing costs might be higher than expected and they can't afford to live comfortably. Also, some struggle with finding civilian jobs that pay well enough to supplement their income.
In some military schools, there were stories of strict and cruel punishments. For example, if a student made a minor mistake like being a few minutes late for formation, they would be locked in a small, dark room for hours. The isolation and the fear of the unknown in that dark space were really horrifying. And they would also be deprived of meals as an added form of punishment, which made the whole experience even more dreadful.
One common element is the setting. Often, it's in isolated places like abandoned military bases, remote forests or in the middle of the ocean. Another is the unknown enemy. It could be something that can't be easily explained, like ghosts or strange creatures. For example, in many stories, soldiers encounter shadowy figures that seem to defy the laws of nature.
Another horror story is the constant moving. Military families often have to relocate. The military spouse may face difficulties in finding new jobs every time they move. They also have to help the kids adjust to new schools and make new friends. It's a huge upheaval each time, and they may lose their social support network in the process.
There was a military training exercise where two soldiers got lost in the woods. Instead of panicking, they found a small stream and started fishing. When they were finally found, they were sitting there with a couple of small fish and big smiles, completely forgetting about the exercise. It was a really funny and laid - back moment in an otherwise serious military setting.
One time in the military, a new recruit was so nervous during a drill that he put his helmet on backwards. When the sergeant pointed it out, he tried to turn it around while still wearing it and ended up getting it stuck halfway. Everyone burst out laughing.