How do you respond when civilians question you about your military service and don't like your answer

I play it by ear. I can understand it, I suppose. Whenever someone unknowingly engages a soldier in conversation, maybe the naive or un-knowledgeable are hoping they're speaking to Master Chief from 'Halo' or something. As a child, who didn't understand the world or the amazing non-combat roles the military requires of service members, I imagine I was disappointed my grandfather, a naval aviator, was not a fighter pilot. I was young, what can I say.

But typically, it pisses me off and I have to immediately disengage before I do something I regret. Probably an insecurity, because when I converse with SMs and Veterans, I feel pretty disappointed in my service, too.

Never had my service called in to question. Not quite sure how I would react. Would problem just laugh at them.

I do my best to treat everyone with respect, but if you are questioning my service for some reason, then we might be at an impasse. I know there are those who say "your Airforce... you never saw combat", I tell them, "No, someone had to be there to save lives and ease suffering after the fire fights..." If they don't like that answer, I'm done, and walk away.

I am waiting on a civilian to demand my CoC's contact information, and I will give them the number to the Provost Marshal Office on Fort Bliss, TX.

Interesting question. You're right! This time of year brings out the questions. Honestly, I try not to talk about being a vet and when the subject comes up, I downplay my service.

My dad is a retired CMSgt with 29 years of service. He started his career in Vietnam as a door gunner on Hueys. He was shot down twice and went through a lot of bad $h1t. He has multiple Purple Hearts, scars - both physical and mental - and still carries shrapnel in his body.

I never went to war. I never shot anyone or was shot or even shot at. Didn't lose a limb or limbs or eyesight. Never suffered from PTSD. But, I did get money for college! You see my point?

There are a lot of people like my father who deserve to be recognized for their service. I'm not one of them. When I attend events, say a hokey game, where they want all vets to stand up so the crowd can applaud for them, I do not stand. I don't feel it's appropriate. Inevitably there are times when my service comes up and the response above is what I say when people are like, "Oh! Thank you for your service!"

I'm not ragging on anyone who is like me, but does accept praise or benefits for being a vet. I just cannot do it with a clear conscience.

Generally, my response would be along the lines of "kiss my ass", emphasized with a strong southern accent. Since I've practically lost said accent, it usually comes put when I'm highly upset.

The military was a big part of my life. It consumed over 10 of 16 adult years on this planet and I loved every minute of it (even the days I wasn't feeling well).

For the most part, anyone I've encountered have had nothing but positive things to say regarding my service. Some of it has led to questions about serving and even advice before leaving for their own tour of duty.

I have never run into this myself. BUT, should I ever run into this, I will beat their head in with a ballpeen hammer, starting at their ass! No, not really. I don't care WHAT they think of my assignments. I have received orders, Army, Army Guard, Air Guard, and Air Force. I have met all requirements of said orders to the best of my ability, done my duty, and pressed on as needed. I really don't care WHAT they think about where I have been and/or what I have done...that is for ME to evaluate after the fact. I will treat them with respect, allow them to voice their opinion, maybe/maybe not respond to this, but always in a respectful manner, and just understand they don't know the system and how it works. Press on peacefully if possible.

LTC Stephen F., I'm bordering on a very similar response to TSgt Hunter Logan's response. I do my best to treat everyone with respect, irregardless of their military status (or lack thereof). Civilians largely just don't understand us - where we've been or what we have been required to perform/endure. As the old saying goes, "It takes one to know one." This fits our veteran status perfectly. I treat civilian ignorance as a genuine opportunity to assist them in understanding one of our own.

Sir civilians are certainly on an entirely different plain. I have gone to schools in my early time in the Army 82nd airborne. I was sent home to do Hometown recruiting for the most part these kids were no younger than I. So to talk to them on a level of crucial maturity, meaning i had just returned from combat and i was probably more eager to defend the Colors than to talk. One young man challenged me saying all the things a at home go to school pampered little boy would say in opposing the Operation. But what got me the most is when he said i was wrong like the guys that went to Vietnam. Saying i had no business there killing people. All though what i done was probably wrong. I with force snatched by beret off took off my class A jacket off and all hell was about to break loose. Now Someone question me, well I don't have much to say to anyone that wants to down play what the American Servicemen and Women do or have done. They weren't there, any where peace time or not. They have no right to to remotely judge us. Peace.

At one point very early in my career, I was assigned to work at the base recycling center. Some civilians upon hearing this said "You joined the Navy to work at a recycling plant? You didn't have to do that!" To which I would explain "The Navy assigns me where I am most needed, and I bet I make more money than any civilian counterparts do." That normally shut them up.

Other people upon hearing what I did acted like I had the coolest job in the world, to which I would reply "Go speak to your nearest Navy recruiter and see if it's something you're interested in."