Posted on Dec 9, 2014
SSG(P) Instructor
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You have to be brave to answer this one. I will present a few options: Work, PT, eating, Surfing the internet, dipping, smoking, extreme sports, drinking, cards or gambling, drinking coffee, running, and of course messing with the LT.

I came in right when the internet was taking off...1990, so I blame the military....and RP. I did a stint with dipping, but only leaf, couldn't do the worm dirt. You can be infantry and not dip, right? And of course, coffee. I do like a fine beer, I prefer German beers, but who gets picky when it is free?

Add your addictions as you see fit...carry on, the LT has left the building, not lets rat**ck his gear...
Edited 11 y ago
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Responses: 66
SSG Tim Everett
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I didn't pick up any addictions or habits from the military that I didn't already have. I did pick up responsibilities and priorities, along with the motivation and willpower to back them up. I guess it's worth noting that once I got out, I quit smoking cold turkey and haven't touched one since.
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SSG Tim Everett
SSG Tim Everett
11 y
SSG(P) (Join to see) I used to dip when I was in. I'd smoke, chew the gum, wear the patch, and dip at the same time on field problems. I gave it ALL up the day I got my DD214.
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SSG(P) Instructor
SSG(P) (Join to see)
11 y
SSG Tim Everett one of your greatest assets in your health...and it is accumulative. Good to see you quit smoking, probably the hardest to do....most men easily transition to dip or chew.
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SGT Journeyman Plumber
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Caffeine. For my last entire year in the Army I was living off of about three hours of sleep a night excluding weekends (when not in the field), and the only thing that kept me going was coffee, 5 hour energy shots, and energy drinks. Looking back with hindsight, at the dosages I was consuming caffeine it's no small miracle that I did not have any debilitating symptoms like hallucinations. I can largely point to this as why I now have blood pressure problems.

During that same time period I started abusing alcohol, and near the end was borderline alcoholic, but I recognized the problem and got help.

To add something lighthearted to this, messing with LTs is a time honored enlisted tradition that I happily took part in. Salute lines were a favorite.
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SSG(P) Instructor
SSG(P) (Join to see)
11 y
SGT (Join to see) I'd love to hear from some LT's and just see how many have PTSD from us troops... and all the games we played.

I personally seen too many men have problems with alcohol and always vowed to never let that one be my addiction...stay in the fight, get help if you need it. and YEAH, stop those energy drinks...start meditating.
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PFC Rich Burwell
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I still drink water like i am at basic. I just don't feel right if i'm not using the bathroom every hour
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Cpl Jerry Millar
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My most pervasive, lingering habit is my "left over right" mentality. Whether I am lacing up new shoes or even putting socks and shoes on, left and then right.

I also hold my left hand/arm behind my back when I brush my teeth and shave!
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SPC Travis Waltzer
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Made the mistake of taking a pinch on deployment. I finally quit, after it turned into smoking
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SPC Phillip Ludlow
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smoking, drinking... the f-bomb, and the word "trooper " and "bubba" when referring to people.
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SGT Philip Zobel
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There are ALOT of addictions I've dealt with since being in. To name a few: swearing consistently, drinking frequently, tattoos, smoking/ chewing, being on the xbox more often, etc... I think most people will deal with these at some point or another.
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SSgt Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician, AV-8
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Became a smoker on my first deployment. Guess I wasn't as prepared for my stressors as I thought I was.
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SSG(P) Instructor
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Here ya go, all you Joe addicts...second cup and it isn't even noon...on a Saturday.
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MSG Bobby Usina (Retired)
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Coffee, I cannot function without it. Beside you can't have the motor sergeant walking around the motor pool without a cup of joe in one hand. lol
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