Jocko Podcast 381: Fighting The Odds and Trauma, With Kelsi Sheren.

Deployment Challenges

Kelsi Sheren faced numerous unexpected challenges during her deployment in Afghanistan. She recounts the harsh realities of being a woman on the frontline, where cultural perceptions and environmental conditions added layers of difficulty 1. Night operations were particularly challenging due to inadequate training with night vision gear, which left her navigating unfamiliar terrain with limited visibility 2. Despite these obstacles, Kelsi adapted quickly, learning to manage her equipment and responsibilities under pressure 3.

It's cool when it doesn't end up being like where the grounds are filled with IEDs and people don't like you, especially women. And they don't like women who have guns.

--- Kelsi Sheren

Her experiences highlight the resilience required to overcome the unanticipated hurdles of combat deployment.

   

Artillery Missions

Operating as a triple seven gunner, Kelsi was integral to artillery support missions, providing crucial firepower for infantry units. She describes the intensity and precision required in coordinating artillery fire, often under challenging conditions 4. The process involved intricate teamwork, from plotting coordinates to managing equipment malfunctions, which could escalate quickly if not handled properly 5. Her role demanded adaptability and a keen understanding of the artillery's impact, both as a provider and a recipient of fire support 6.

There's something about the big boom, the big impact. The idea that you can be a small person on the other side of it and still do massive damage.

--- Kelsi Sheren

Kelsi's experiences underscore the critical nature of artillery operations in combat scenarios.

   

Emotional Impact

The emotional toll of combat was profound for Kelsi, who faced the loss of fellow soldiers and the chaos of life-threatening situations. She shares the intense emotions that accompany such experiences, from the initial shock to the long-term psychological impact 7. During one particularly harrowing incident, she describes the aftermath of an IED explosion and the subsequent firefight, which left a lasting impression on her psyche 8. These experiences often led to a state of emotional numbness, a common response to the trauma of war 9.

I just blacked out and did what I was told. I didn't think about what I was doing or touching or grabbing. I just did what I was fucking told.

--- Kelsi Sheren

Kelsi's reflections reveal the deep and enduring impact of combat on mental health.