Sit with Warriors and the Conversation is Different

I’ve recently come across this picture. Sit with Warriors and the conversation will be different. I thought about it for some time. I really liked it because it is so true. I recently went to a birthday party that my wife was invited to. It was all civilians and I felt like I needed to act a certain way because the conversations I had were very surface and individualistic. It was just a different conversation altogether. I was asked a couple of questions about how I felt about certain issues both internationally and nationally that were going on. I gave my perspective and a few civilians asked me all sorts of questions because they found my comments informative. Why? Because they were backed with statistics, facts, and clear understanding.

After that party, I went to a get-together with fellow combat veterans and fellow SWAT/Police officers. I felt right at home. We laughed about the most diabolical crap we have seen in our lives and remind ourselves of the toll it takes on us. This get-together is both therapeutic and needed at times.

I thought about that phrase again. Sit with Warriors and the conversation will be different. I started to take a deep dive into it.

The True Warrior

There is an air of strength and resilience that surrounds a warrior, an unspoken understanding that only those forged by fire can truly comprehend. These warriors, men, and women who have faced the unimaginable, possess a unique perspective on life that sets them apart from civilians. Warriors have seen the darkest side of humanity, yet they refuse to let it define them.

Warriors throughout history have demonstrated a deep sense of commitment to protecting and serving their people, often guided by a code of honor and a sense of duty. Their loyalty is rooted in their dedication to the well-being and safety of their community, rather than to any particular political or governing body.

This loyalty can be seen in various forms, such as soldiers defending their homeland, law enforcement officers ensuring the safety of their fellow citizens, or firefighters risking their lives to save others. Warriors prioritize the greater good and are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to fulfill their duty.

Beneath their tough exterior lies a profound sense of honor. Warriors understand the importance of honor in a world that often seems devoid of it. They have witnessed the destructive consequences where lives are torn apart, families shattered, and communities left in tatters. They hold honor close to their hearts, cherishing it as a guiding principle in their lives.

But what does honor truly mean to a true warrior? It is more than just a word; it is a way of life. It is the unwavering commitment to doing what is right, even when it is the most difficult path to tread. It is the moral compass that guides their actions, reminding them of the responsibility they bear towards their fellow human beings. It is the recognition that true strength lies not in physical prowess, but in the integrity of one’s character.

Warriors are the way they are not by chance, but by choice. They have chosen to stand up against injustice, protect the weak, and fight for what they believe in. They have willingly embraced a life of sacrifice, putting their own lives on the line for the greater good. Their path is not an easy one, but they walk it with unwavering determination and unwavering commitment.

These warriors are the embodiment of resilience, for they have faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger than ever. They have experienced pain, loss, and heartache, yet they refuse to let it break them. Instead, they transform their pain into purpose, channeling their experiences into a force for positive change.

I think of myself, fellow combat veterans, fighter fighters, and law enforcement officers who lost friends in the line of duty. They honor the memories of the fallen by channeling that pain into a positive drive that causes them to excel in everything they do. They have this sense of focus and sheer will.

The Ronin

It is important to note that when warriors are discharged or retire, they may face a complex transition. In some cases, they may become what is known as Ronin. The term “Ronin” originated in feudal Japan and refers to masterless samurai warriors who were left without a lord or a cause to serve.

When warriors become Ronin, they find themselves in a state of uncertainty and often struggle to adapt to a new way of life. They no longer have a defined purpose or a clear path to follow. This transition can be challenging, both emotionally and practically, as Ronin warriors navigate their new circumstances and search for a sense of belonging or purpose.

When I was medically discharged by the military, I was just that. An angry Ronin who had no purpose.

The concept of Ronin serves as a reminder that warriors’ loyalty lies not with a government or institution, but with the people they protect. It emphasizes their selflessness and the sacrifices they make in service to their communities. Understanding the journey of warriors, including the challenges they face when their service comes to an end, further highlights the unique nature of their commitment and the importance of acknowledging their contributions.

The Warrior and the Civilian

Warriors often find themselves in a complex dynamic with the civilian population. This dichotomy arises from the fundamental differences in values and perspectives that exist between the two groups. While civilians tend to prioritize individualism and personal freedom, warriors are deeply rooted in the concept of community.

The civilian mindset is often shaped by a society that places great emphasis on personal achievement and self-interest. Individualism is celebrated, and the pursuit of personal happiness and success takes precedence. This mindset encourages independence, self-reliance, and the freedom to make choices that align with one’s own desires and aspirations.

On the other hand, warriors are molded by a different set of values. They understand that their actions have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them. They had to live with every decision that they had to make. Like a stone that hits the water. That decision had ripple effects that lasts beyond their time. If you had to lead troops into battle, conduct a high-risk warrant of a dangerous murder suspect, or had to coordinate various firefighters combating a large building fire. Those decisions during those active complex scenes are intense.

I think of the times when I was planning various operations and coordinating assets. In the back of my mind, I knew that if I made one wrong decision, lives could possibly be lost. Whether it was my guys or the target(s) we are after. It did not freeze me during executing the mission, but it is a thought that hits me every time. It is the nightmare every leader has.

A close friend, who is a civilian, once told me how stressed they were because of working long hours. I played out the scenario I just described above. My friend then said, “Oh yeah, that’s definitely more stressful than me working a couple of extra hours.” My friend learned about perspective. I also told him of a quote from Seneca, “We suffer more in imagination than in reality.”

Final Thought

Sit with Warriors and the conversation will indeed be different. It will be filled with laughter, born out of the darkest corners of existence. It will be guided by honor, rooted in a deep sense of morality and integrity. And it will remind you of the incredible strength of the human spirit, inspiring you to embrace your own inner warrior and face life’s challenges head-on.

___________________________

Ayman Kafel is the founder and owner of Hybrid Wolf Blue Line Strategies, LLC. A veteran-owned training and consulting company for Law Enforcement officers and agencies. He combines his military and law enforcement experience to bring much-needed cutting-edge training to the law enforcement profession. 

Ayman is not only an active police officer but also a law enforcement instructor and has taught across the East Coast of the United States. He offers a wide variety of training, such as advanced patrol tactics, mechanical breaching courses, designated marksman, and Human Performance under duress. 

In addition, Ayman is an Army Combat Veteran who was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. He became a police officer in 2007 after 8 years of service in the Army

Ayman has seen the ugliness of war and evil in the world. He survived two civil wars prior to immigrating to the United States in the late eighties.

His current position is the commander of his department’s Problem-Oriented Policing Unit. He leads a team of investigators that employs unconventional methods and Special Forces philosophy in achieving specific objectives in the communities he serves. These unconventional methods range from winning hearts and minds to specific strategic law enforcement actions to arrest and prosecute those who are the root cause of various crimes.

To reach Ayman, feel free to email him at hwbluelinestrategies@gmail.com

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.