Because of a medical condition, I have nowhere to turn for motivation. What can I do for inspiration?

2017-03-15T00:06:58-04:00

I was diagnosed with a medical condition a year ago. Cause of it I can't go on deployments, active duty or accept a commission as a officer. My goal being in the Army was to become special forces while on active duty and become a part of something awesome however that goal is now gone because of it. Recently I been feeling like a useless SM that's just sucking up space I just don't know where to turn?

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Mar 15 at 2017 12:11 AM

2017-03-15T00:11:59-04:00

You doing OK on the quarterly brief front or would you like someone to help you? If you need me to I can make a call or two to help get people on your side to help you through the rough part. Then you can worry about finding a good admin re-class that would fit your desire for service. Let me know.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 15 at 2017 12:19 AM

2017-03-15T00:19:01-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Here is what I know. 1st. You are not useless.

2nd, Everything happens for a reason, even though in process it generally makes no sense. 3rd, The sun will come up tomorrow.

Your life is taking an unplanned and unexpected turn. That happens to all of us. You need to take a deep breadth, relax, go with it, and see where the road takes you. If you ever want/need to talk with someone, call the Army, VA, or this hotline. Talking always, always helps.

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Veterans Crisis Line | Suicide Prevention Hotline, Chat, & Text

Free, confidential support for Veterans in crisis and their families and friends. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255, or chat online 24/7/365.

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made Mar 15 at 2017 1:35 AM

2017-03-15T01:35:28-04:00

Know that you're not alone. Many people have been knocked down due to medical reasons including myself. Medical setbacks do not make somebody useless. In fact, the person learning to cope with them can actually come out stronger and more resourceful because of it. Opportunity can be found in darkness as well as light. It's just harder because you don't always see it.

Somebody else has already posted the Veterans Crisis Line and I'd echo their recommendation of it. At the risk of sounding cliche, seeking a friendly ear isn't a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of true strength.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2017 1:59 AM

2017-03-15T01:59:34-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I urge you to call the Veterans Crisis Hotline that has already been provided. You are useful and when one door closes, there are other doors opening. Brother, embrace hope and life as you travel down new roads.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2017 2:47 AM

2017-03-15T02:47:09-04:00

Stay strong brother. Maybe you can't walk the path you wanted but that just means you're going to have to make your own trail. Become an expert in your field, maybe even becoming a Warrant Officer is an option depending on the MOS. Never give up. You're not a Civilian anymore, and never will be again. Giving up isn't an option.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Mar 15 at 2017 8:00 AM

2017-03-15T08:00:43-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member:
For inspiration: I would turn first to God. (If in fact, you are religious, Private First Class.) Prayers really do work; or, in my case, have worked.
Trusted friends and family members can also provide much solace and inspiration..
What I do for inspiration: is reach out and help someone and-in my case-I save lives.
I am so very, very sorry that you are feeling the way that you do, Private First Class.
And, concomitant with that: I MEAN ABSOLUTELY NO DISRESPECT TO YOU.
Could you possibly try to change your MOS? I started out in 165th Signal; and then changed my MOS to 03C: Special Services. I was a Sports Director for dependent youths; at one point in my Army career.
Remember, also, Private First Class: you are a professional soldier. Most Americans are not a part of the United States Army.
And, by the way, Private First Class, I am a retired Soldier; because, I was discharged-albeit honorably-with two disabilities: a 100% s/c mental illness and a 100% s/c stress disorder. I have since accrued PTSD.
I currently am a photographer, save lives (in person, online and on the phone) and have a Facebook grandchild and Facebook children. (one of which is autistic....She's brilliant and gorgeous.)
I always feel so very honored when children respond favorably to me; and, they bring to me: much needed inspiration- when I am 'down'.
I hope that all of your dreams will come true, that you will succeed in every way in which you aspire and that one day: you might feel very happy and very useful again, Private First Class.
-With My Very Best Regards and Wishes that You Might Experience a Happy Day,
Margaret C Higgins US Army (Ret), Coach
P.S. I coach different groups on Facebook.
-Margaret

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Mar 15 at 2017 9:39 AM

2017-03-15T09:39:13-04:00

I don't know what your medical condition is, but if it still allows you to serve, you should serve to the best of your abilities. Not everyone gets what they want in the military. The "Needs of the Marine Corps" assigned me to an MOS that I did not want. But I grew to love it and continue to do this work even outside the military.

I get it. I really do. Everyone joins thinking they're going to be kicking down doors and taking names. Believe me, even in my MOS, I've had these talks with my Junior Marines.

You want inspiration, the first thing I would do is figure out what your contribution is to the fight right now. Most people overlook how important their own job is based on the glories of the other jobs. I'm an Admin Marine. I deal with record keeping. Part of my job is ensuring my aircraft are safe to fly. I've got 4 pilots whose lives depend on me every time they takeoff. That's my contribution to the fight. I do my job, so they can do their job.

Figure out what the value of your job is because believe me. No MOS is just taking up space. Everything has a purpose in the grand scheme. Find your purpose and you will find your motivation.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2017 10:20 AM

2017-03-15T10:20:10-04:00

Take solace in this: I have known many a Colonels and Command Sergeants Major that spent their entire career in the USAR or USANG and never deployed or went Active Duty. Just because you no longer are able to, medically, does not mean you are a lesser Soldier and can't contribute to the fight. Your role is just as important as anyone else's. If you ever need someone to vent to, you can easily hit me up with a PM here on RP or even look me up on AKO Enterprise.

Response by SGT David T. made Mar 15 at 2017 10:27 AM

2017-03-15T10:27:09-04:00

I felt much the same way before I got out. I was on a perm. profile and pretty much was in a void where I was too broken to attend PLDC but not broken enough to get med boarded. Without the NCOES school, my career was pretty much torpedoed at that point. So I got out. I went to college, and earned my degree. I then started a career as a DA Civilian. Granted, it wasn't what I originally intended, but it worked out well. I have a career that I love. I still get to serve, just in a different way. It's easy to only see the immediate obstacle, and not so easy to see the other opportunities that are out there. Hang in there and keep your eyes open for the opportunities that present themselves. You may find that one that you love and never considered before.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Mar 15 at 2017 9:20 PM

2017-03-15T21:20:44-04:00

The most effective, and meaningful motivation comes from within yourself. Unfortunately, your dreams have been denied you, but those aspirations came from within yourself. Sometimes we have to set goals aside, but the drive, inspiration and initiative that generated the lofty goals to which you aspired came from within yourself. Those characteristics that drove you toward what has been denied can generate new goals toward which you can drive yourself. You don't mention what the Army has you doing, but I can guarantee it is important. Today's armed forces don't have the luxury of space holders. You have a job, do it with distinction. Make yourself the best at what you do and you will be assigned greater responsibilities and more significant tasks. Don't allow what you cannot do define you. There are to many opportunities for excellence, but you've got to be the inspiration and motivation to make yourself the best.

Response by Joseph Lee made Jul 16 at 2017 2:23 PM

2017-07-16T14:23:10-04:00

I'm in the same boat. 18, I was working hard for a special warfare contract, but landed in the ER Tuesday with spontaneous pneumothorax. All it took was that to destroy everything I had planned and trained hard for. In 3 years I could try for a different position in the armed services, but I'm limited because of the possibility of it being a recurring issue. I'm lost, emotionally dead, but mentally stable. It sucks, there's not much you can do but sit down, consider you're options, and rethink your life. Enlisting was my dream, and being one of the fee elite was my goal, I had the drive to train till I dropped at every push up, but get back up and keep going till I succeed, think of it like a push up. Dont quit, your going to fall and break, but pick yourself up, and do it again till you get it right and figure out your new dream. I'm 18 and I got nothing going for me, I have friends and family to support me but I dont have a plan B or a general area of interest. Just know you're not alone.