How do I reconcile getting a medical retirement and having the feeling of being a failure?

2018-03-12T11:22:48-04:00

This is something that's been bothering me ever since I was discharged. I ended up have 2 severe heat strokes, that led into a full body exam and found I had asthma. I never had asthma in my life. My run time was 20:19 always. Well the main point I'm making is I was med boarded and gotten medically retired. I only served 3 years. I just feel I didn't do enough, like I don't "rate" to have what was given to me, I feel guilty for something, of what I don't know. I've always had a clean record, I always volunteered, i just feel like a failure and other veterans will hate me because of the benifits that follow a medical retirement.
I know it's not a serious question but I still feel like I'm not with my brotherhood anymore.

Response by SGT David T. made Mar 12 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-03-12T11:39:32-04:00

As long as you did nothing to intentionally cause it, you have nothing to feel like a failure about. You did your duty and they sent you home. That isn't on you. There are also other ways to serve. You could work on finding a civilian career with the military. It is different, but there are some similarities. I rather enjoy it personally.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-03-12T11:39:58-04:00

LCpl Brandon Joseph You were medically retired. This was not done as a gift. You were medically retired because you became unable to continue due to medical issues beyond your control and you service had been honorable.

While you may not be able to do what you had wanted, there is no avoidable failure on your part.

Enjoy the benefits you have earned.

Response by SPC Joseph Wojcik made Mar 12 at 2018 12:00 PM

2018-03-12T12:00:10-04:00

You're not a failure if the events were out of your controll, being medboarded isn't like flunking a test because you refused to study.
After getting medically retired, I found that having a hobby is a good way to refocus your energy on something positive.
What's this about "not doing enough", three years of military service is three years more than what most Americans serve (over 15% of the population isn't even fit to serve in the first place).

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 12:18 PM

2018-03-12T12:18:06-04:00

You earned your "EGA" and left honorably...as I understand it, that makes you a Marine, then and into eternity. You signed on the line, and did your best...that's more than many ever do. I understand losing the connection...there's not a day goes by that I don't miss aspects of my own service. However, I'd advise focusing on the community you've joined, rather than the one you've moved on from. As a veteran, you're in a position to do as much (in many ways, more) for your Brothers than ever before. Get involved in Veterans' groups, programs and outreach...make where you live your new posting; the people you share your life with, your new "unit". There's plenty of work needs done out here. As to the benefits, you'll always find those who'd rather throw stones than build with them. Use the opportunity to do something truly great for yourself, and for others. Welcome to a new and elite brotherhood, Brandon...where we go by first names, greet with a handshake, and have the rest of our lives to both enjoy and defend what we served to protect.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Mar 12 at 2018 9:00 PM

2018-03-12T21:00:07-04:00

If you didn't do anything to cause it, then pop to and stand tall, Marine.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 13 at 2018 3:00 AM

2018-03-13T03:00:28-04:00

The bottom line is that you were discharged through no fault of your own and you did your best while serving in uniform. I suggest you get involved with a quasi military volunteer program like the Marine Corps League, Junior Marines, Civil Air Patrol or Coast Guard Auxiliary to scratch your military itch. Remember - Once a Marine Always a Marine - even if you were med boarded. Don't compare yourself to the Marines who have been there and done that. Compare yourself to the 90+ percent of the population who have not done as much as you have for your country. You may have failed but at least you tried and that's more than most people have done.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Mar 13 at 2018 11:52 PM

2018-03-13T23:52:06-04:00

I understand your feelings. Trust me, I do. But, the way I look at it, you served, whether it is for a day after basic or 20 years. It is a lot more than many others, so hold your head high! You were awarded your EGA at the end of basic, because you passed. That made you a Marine. What happens after, through no fault of your own, is nothing to worry about. You served!