Rule Number Two

Rule number three: Rule number one and two compel us to provide our armed forces with the compassionate combat stress care of doctors like Lieutenant Commander Heidi Squier Kraft.Rule number one and two refer to a particular episode of M*A*S*H. Use the search inside feature for more about this. I met Alan Alda once. Having followed his career, I noticed he gives medical commencements. His advice after a near death surgical crisis is, "Treat me like a human being".That is exactly what Dr Kraft describes in her memoir as a Navy flight psychologist, marine pilot's wife, submariners daughter, colleague friend and confidant. She is one of the Marines "Alpha" female care givers at the Combat Hospital in Anbar Province, Iraq.I recall reading the news story of Marine Corporal Dunham's heroism and susequent Medal of Honor. It is comforting to know he was treated with such dignity and compassion by Dr. Kraft and her team at Alpha Surgical.This book is a compelling read and allays some of my fears about how our military addresses combat stress. You will meet members of our military requiring the assistance of Heidi Kraft. Many looking for someone to talk with, at Alpha Surgical Hospital, so they can rejoin their units. Some would not make it.I was also pleased to see 10% of Dr. Kraft's royalties are donated to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. As if she hasn't already given enough.Ma'am, thank you!

This book describes the experience of a navy psychologist in Iraq. Not only is the main character a Navy psychologists , but she is a woman and the mother was left her children. The book speaks eloquently about pressures the woman fields, but need to be with her children and the need to serve her country. It also speaks graphically about the hardships of being of the rack. Everything from the camel spiders, the lack of water, soldiers dying in your arms , and some just barely making it out to another hospital. For the psychologist also had to do triage duty for the hospital she stationed at. The book is filled with images that are hard to take in some places. It speaks so well of the sacrifices that are people made a rack. It is a book that everyone should read wants to learn about that. It does not honor war, but it does honor the people, the young men who fought it. I think you will enjoy it.

It was interesting to learn about deployment of medical personnel during the Iraq War; I wasn't aware they were just "told" out of the blue to report. Even though the accounting by Heidi was interesting and informative, certain chapters were very difficult to read because my family made the ultimate sacrifice in the loss of my brother in 1967 in Vietnam....also a Marine officer. It brought back painful memories of my parents having that visit from uniformed officers to break the news when Heidi reminisced about what that would be like for a mother. I have read a combat book on Vietnam.....only because the author mentioned my brother in that book....and this is the first book I've read on the Iraq War. I would recommend it to others simply because it brings one closer to the understanding that you just cannot begin to understand the sacrifices of war unless you've served and been part of a 'band of brothers', as the saying goes.

Dr Krafts book is in no way insulting to other services. As an army officer and mother currently deployed to Iraq, I found her depiction of life in Iraq realistic and sympathetic toward our warriors, regardless of branch of service. She focuses on 'our Marines' because that's her perspective from the war and in no way is offensive or insulting. If anything, she gives us a glimpse into the lives of Marines from a provider's point of view.I laughed over the Legend of the Camel Spider, because the stories about that thing get bigger with every deployment. And I cried when she wrote letters to her twin toddlers, because I'm going through something similar. At the end of the book, she makes a comment about people back in the States having such trivial problems compared to what the Marines she counseled did and I agree with her assessment. Once you've gone through an experience that is true suffering, the every day problems that overwhelm people in the rear do seem trivial by comparison.An amazing book by a sympathetic author. Highly recommend for anyone, but especially mothers, going through a deployment away from their children.

I enjoyed this book, easy reading and another perspective on the wounds of mental health in those who have served in combat zones. I would recommend this to other behavioral health providers, techs and nurses. great job Heidi.

I purposefully picked up Rule Number Two while at home due to the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Kraft provides a poignant account of her time in Iraq and her return home that is not an easy read, but a necessary one for anyone facing adversity. It provides a clear view of what is important, and how we can live with grace during difficulty.

My mother was a Lieutenant in the army nurse Corp stationed in England, north Africa and Italy during world war 2. Reading this book made me even prouder of all our military. Please God, nor more wars!

This book is a fantastic account of Dr Kraft's experience in Iraq. The only complaints I see about it is from military spouses complaining their service isn't represented enough, or people thinking this is a medical "how to" book.It is a personal account, and you go through the deployment of a sailor, working in a clinical setting (deployed), who has 2 young children she had to leave behind, and also has a military husband. She does a fantastic job describing her experiences, her emotions, and giving us a vivid account of what occurred without violating HIPPA regulations. This book is not service driven, so please put your egos aside. Read it for what if offers, as you will gain an appreciation for what our troops have endured down range.

I have read this book many times. It is an easy and well written book. This is essential for anyone in the military and for those who support this. If this is not in your library then you have a void to fill.

Great read, especially if you're looking for an insight to life in a combat zone. Not to sound cliche but it really was a page turner due to the style of the text and the incredibly personal accounts that were given throughout. I would definitely recommend to a friend.

endlich bekommt man mal einen EIndruck, wie die Soldaten, inkl. der Psychologin, den Krieg erleben und warum sie völlig fertig sind ,obwohl man sich ( vielleicht naiv ) vorstellt, dass sie doch auf alles gefasst sein müssen . Ich habe das Buch in einem Tag durchgelesen so interessant und spannend fand ich es