Delta Force Operator: Killing Is 'TOUGH' And 'NOT NATURAL'

Retired Delta Force operator Dave Nielsen talks with David Hookstead about killing in war and how difficult it can be on a person.

You can follow David Hookstead at the following:
Instagram: @david_hookstead
Twitter: @dhookstead

[christopherpearson]

Unless someone has actually done it, they'll never understand that conflicting feeling inside you.... and, most of the time, you actually have to do that in their own home, not somewhere else. You have to perform a dynamic entry into THEIR HOME. So, when you do that, many times you have to do that RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEIR KIDS. And, we got that mission often during "Operation Jawbreaker" and "Task Force Dagger." Any moral human being and/or father will feel guilt for the rest of his life. When you're witnessing an 8-12 year old child screaming and crying because you just graphically killed her father right in front of her. Then, you're trying to explain to this child through an interpreter, because that child is about to go into shock, why you did what you did. These kids don't understand why you just came in and put multiple bullets into their fathers body... some even to the head. There's no double tap to the chest. Most people who are big sh*t talkers have never actually done it...or they have no morals, no matter what they say. You can tell who a bullsh**er is. It still haunts me 22 years later from those types of missions because I'm also a father. Especially when you conduct that type of mission with the OGAs. Caveman or not, they do have children, and they're usually right there witnessing it. Those screams get seared into your memory, and they don't go away. But that's why when you go through selection and OTC, your mental stability is tested and watched closely. That unit doesn't want men who are not moral and have no feelings. They could have killed Hussein, but they brought him back alive. I've said over and over that had that been CAG, Osama would have brought him back alive to stand trial in front of the world. It was definitely politically motivated, and I'm sure that commanders intent actually came from the Commander in Chief(Obama) for his own personal benefit. He was not going to come back alive... and let's not forget his "burial at sea." That's why I believe the Hardee Boys weren't asked to conduct that mission. They aren't robotic hitmen, but can actually use their brains and common sense. That's why they are the very best at those types of kinetic operations. They can perform such difficult missions, and still do the HARD right thing. I feel for you pal. Because, it's a conflict in your soul most every serviceman will NEVER have to experience. There's absolutely NOTHING normal about doing that.... unless you're a Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer.

[minhquinn]

I respect a man with a moral compass and a pure heart.

[bobbyhouston]

SFOD-D operators are hands down the best - and you rarely hear them boast. But every SEAL is an author, actor, nutritionist, podcaster, motivational speaker, tactical teacher, blah, blah....

True Silent Professionals.

[c.Foster]

I pray that all warfighters will find peace.

[donaldmartin]

The average civilian has no clue about this internal conflict

[allanbrogdon]

It's tough. I was in a situation where my sister and friend were being threatened by a 300 lb nut. Me giving a ride to them made me a target but threatening my sister and charged at me 3 times. I was older about 90 lbs smaller but I was armed. I finally stopped and looked at him and he knew I was about to kill him . Luckily I managed to save us a scuffle. The cop said "you should have shot him you were justified. I know and he was a pos, but I didn't want to kill.

[reneecoyner]

Thank you for your service! God bless you 🙏

[RenegadeRanga]

The most human observation and statement i have heard from a former operator.
Many other dudes have thought killing was as easy as Rambo did it.
Kevin Owens and Ant Middleton are good examples.

[grubben]

Same feeling when I gotta defend myself and hurt people I don't want to hurt people but I will defend me and my family at all means necessary

[freedomforourfallen]

You sir are exactly right. I know some of the baddest humans alive. Not Bc I was one. Bc I stayed deployed. They say a lot of the same things you do.

[troymerrell]

There can be a huge difference on rules of engagement depending on the mission and operators

[tomcat]

If you stop feeling that feeling you need to get out because you have lost your humanity.

[incidentalpatriot]

thank god there are people like you!!! you do what the rest of the world won't or can't do to protect all of us!!! thank you for your service!!!!❤

[faithfull]

Man I worked with you guys as OPFOR. Alien skills, you guys are way quicker than NWS. OPSEC how but extremely fun and I'll live with the experience thankfully.

[wayloncapps]

Much respect! I’ve always thought about what your saying. I’ve never killed a person and I can’t imagine what that would be like. It seems haunting

[Treemike]

Brother your right. They taught me to kill with impunity!! And move on!! It is tough!! It's not a sleeping pill.

[mtmadigan]

Years of crazy ops tempo, the preferred hit men of the dod. And a lifetime of coming to terms with that. It's rough, and a much bigger personal sacrafice than anyone outside the military to get.

[seanlinnan]

Its not just the killing... its the REASONS for the being there in the first place. It's business, not moral necessity.

[daviddonpelleyable]

It never leaves u never .we must talk to each other that kis all we got same as there.

[RickyFrench-iq]

War has so much cruelty to it . There will always be free men with good moral character working with men that act like robots kill be killed attitude. When it comes down to it you must remember how you would feel of you were in between a rock and a hard place. It won't be easy to make the right decision when you have doubt's and fear in you. Dealing with the pressure of perhaps making a mistake risking your life. 😮