Are there traits or experiences you think give veterans an advantage in life over those without service experience?

Absolutely in the military if you do not have the traits you certainly learn them especially if you have deployed and you find yourself in a life or death situation. Being in the middle of nowhere and you only have 70% of information and 100% of contact and engagement. You have to use your decision making skills to come up with the 30% of the information that you dont have and be decisive to implement the plan, be held accountable for the plan and adjust as necessary to accomplish the mission. So that will certainly be value added to whatever organization you serve in. In some ways it gives a little advantage but it is all your perspective.

Always remain a student of the game of life.

I have an uncanny ability to survive and thrive in the midst of beaurocracy. That's skillz.

The military instills leadership, discipline, dependability, accountability, pride, teamwork, and loyalty. These are all major traits that are exhibited by outstanding employees.

I think for a majority- personal accountability is huge. Military hones that into you and covers from being on time to completion of a task. Short order being a team member as well.

I joined the military later in life... previously I was a Unix and Systems Security Administrator for several companies from the time I was 19 until I joined the military at 25, and I am a better person for it. Much of that I attribute to the military in the way of maturity and understanding of the world. While I joined at 25, with more maturity than many initial entry trainees, I realize looking back that I was still painfully naïve. The military brought structure and an environment of continually being tested and assessed that establishes a quiet confidence in a person that nothing in the civilian world can even touch. I am a student of warfare currently because through my career I've found myself continually fascinated by how our profession of arms allows us opportunities to affect and effect global politics, and how tactical and operational realm operations mold the strategic environment, though at tactical levels Soldiers are typically unaware of many of the driving forces. Leadership is perhaps the greatest trait that the military instills, and the Army does it the best because it is able to codify and enumerate the process of leading and decision making in an extremely succinct manner (hence why JSOC uses the Army leadership and problem-solving models over the other services). That being said, not everyone uses their military experience to make them better people as they carry into the civilian sector. People who are driven to excel are going to excel, wherever they are. The military simply gives a person the tools, but the individual has to use those tools to shape themselves.

Absolutely. Those who serve have certain traits well in excess of those who haven't that are traditionally associated with maturity. To be perfectly honest, I wish that I had served before spending all those years in college and law school. There is no doubt in my mind that I would have been more serious and taken better advantage of them. As a consultant through most of my post military life, I worked in many more places and with many more people than most. I could always spot those with prior military service in their work habits.

Shell Oil Company
I am a photographer; a Soldier's Angel, and a Facebook coach.
I am also a Disabled American Veteran.
I was a Squad Leader, in the Army: such that I learned compassion, putting the needs of others before my own and leadership skills.
I learned precision, in the Army....which makes me a good photographer. I also pick up my home; such that everything is in its place; and is straight and neat.
Being a disabled veteran, has helped me to become resilient and perseverant.
I have also become stronger; and more confident; seeing as how I have had to overcome many problems.
Though I have been through my share of trials and tribulations- I don't regret anything. I try not to look back, but I try to stay in the present moment and I plan for the future.
Though I had a past full of a lot negative experiences; I am very happy now.
-Margaret C Higgins US Army (Ret)

Military members compared to their civialian peers have certain pride of ownership and loyalty that they bring to civilian businesses. I myself work transitioned to civil service and work with a number of non veterans. From what I have experienced non vets look at the job as 8 hours with a sacrifice of 2 hours of overtime whereas veterans look at the long term and do what they must to ensure the "mission" is a success..

Many service members (especially the career people) can't accept defeat. A challenge is seen as a call to action. The more daunting the task, the harder they perform. Working 9-5 and watching the clock is a foreign concept. No matter how many obstacles or walls are placed in front of them, they will find a way over, under, or through. Everything is done like their life depended on it and failure is never an option. If you ever want to see pure determination in action, tell them that something is impossible.....then step back and watch.

Yes, I truly believe that you as a military veteran have an edge over others who are not because of your ability to follow others as well as lead them when the chips are down, but also you are a unique change agent and have been so since swearing an oath of service to our Country and it's people who just really don't understand our way of life.

Semper Fidelis,
J.K.Kaupe