Posted on Nov 30, 2016
How did you adapt to the civilian life after leaving the military? Was there a part of you still in the military mindset?
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Posted in these groups: 
Retirement
Military Life
Retirement Military Life
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 34
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I've been out 23 years and I still have the military mindset. Friends, associates, and brief encounters often comment on it. Some like it, most don't. My tactful bluntness is appreciated but uncomfortable for those that have not served. But it is the reason people like to do business with me, even if they don't want to go fishing with me. You aren't supposed to talk when you're fishing anyways.
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MSgt John McGowan
I think it swinging back again. Lone military is getting beaten and in one case shot. I never caught the grief like some are writing about but I found out that a lot of the other side is not very unstanding and some cases not to bright.
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Always will have military mindset. After Vietnam, the military was treated poorly when returning home. I was actually spit on in San Francisco airport! Starting college was another event that burned me. We had to go through a "pre-college" course with other veterans to "assimilate" with the student mindset. It was very humiliating. Today, I see and hear from everyone their heartfelt thanks for my service. This makes me feel proud of the changes that have happened since Vietnam.
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Sgt (Join to see)
The memories are as vivid today as they were many years ago. At LAX, one woman asked me how many babies did I kill, and another told me to repent for my sins. It was a bad experience. I also like the changes that have taken place since Vietnam.
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Always will have that mindset. When I was a newly minted 2LT the Brigade CSM told me that if you have to tell someone that you are an Officer - you're not. That always stuck with me
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