'Fighting Isis in Syria is no Call of Duty video game', says US soldier
'They think because they understand how to pull the trigger on a console they know how to do it in real life'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A former US soldier now battling Isis in Syria has warned others thinking of joining the fight not to expect it to be like a computer game.
Randy Roberts, known as Red, is currently based in a camp in northern Syria where he is fighting Isis alongside the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG).
A former specialist with the 25th Infantry Division who did two tours of duty with the US army in Iraq, he told CNN: “You meet a lot of people who think this is going to be the gaming experience – [like] Call of Duty.
“They think because they understand how to pull the trigger on a console they know how to do it in real life.”
Mr Roberts was studying graphic design in the US when he became aware that he could "actually contribute and help the cause" in fighting Isis in war-torn Syria and Iraq.
He tried to join the US army again last year, but said the country's recent ban on soldiers having more than four tattoos meant he could not do so.
Instead, he made his own way to Iraq, using Google to plan his journey, and spent seven months there before travelling on to Syria.
Motivated to act by the “mass slaughter of innocent people”, he is now helping to train Kurdish fighters and other volunteers - many of whom have very little experience.
But he told the news channel he believes westerners coming to the region looking for a ‘video game experience’ should not be there, however well-intentioned they may be.
“If you want to do fighting in other countries, do fighting for your own country first,” he added.
After a break at home, he is planning to return to Syria to continue the fight against terrorism.
He said: “It’s better to stand up and do something if you think you can help, than to just sit back and watch because ‘hey it’s on the other side of the world and not my problem’."
The experienced soldier said he knows he could die, but has no regrets.
"If I got to the end of my life and I looked back on this and had chosen not to come out, it would have bothered me. It would bother me for the rest of my life," he added.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments