How has life changed since leaving active duty?

Lauren Marsh — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 12:40:13 -0500

Whether it’s finding a sense of belonging and purpose, or facing challenges returning from service, PatientsLikeMe members are sharing how life has changed for them. Jump into the conversation and share your story on PatientsLikeMe. Join in today at http://www.patientslikeme.com/join/rallypoint (it’s free)!

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Response by TSgt David L. made Nov 15 at 2016 12:48 PM

TSgt David L. — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 12:48:48 -0500

I miss my guys, the TDYs and blowing stuff up. I don't miss the 0300 command post calls or the exercise/inspection though.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Nov 15 at 2016 1:02 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 13:02:35 -0500

Hello, I was a lot healthier and more in shape when I was active duty but I'm doing ok for 47 years old, I think the thing I suffer the most is my PTSD because when I get around my wife, we are separated, I'm a different person at times, I don't think that is from combat, she just treats me like a patient because she works with people who have disabilities. I'm not down with that. Now that I work in the civilian sector and I work in security my life is going in a whole different direction. I am on social media to benefit other veterans who need help with resume writing and trying to set up RP accounts or better their accounts as well.

Since my daughter has come into this world 9 years ago being father has really changed my life because I only knew one thing and that was the ARMY for 19 years. I never had a family until I basically retired from my life in the military.

Not much else to say , I think I'm a better person today because I read more and write more with RALLY POINT and I do a daily Blog as well. I enjoy talking to the people on here and doing QAs. I will say the military has done a lot for me, made me see myself as a better person and stronger person, see the world, see the true meaning to be an American and to understand American History because I never listened in school about crap. I've tried to influence other people that there is life after high school or college, life after drugs. nothing on the streets or living with your parents until you are 30 years old, because that what our world is turning into these days. I don't want my kid to grow up in a world like that. Last thing I learn was Goal making Short and Long term goals, they are must and I will push my kid to do these until she reaches her just like I'm doing today. Not there yet but almost.

STEPHENS'

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Nov 15 at 2016 2:03 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 14:03:41 -0500

Not as much as the uniforms have changed. Seriously, woodland cammo BDU's went out over 10 years ago

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2016 2:20 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 14:20:51 -0500

Leaving active duty was weird. I felt sad really. Going into the civilian sector again it was waaay relaxed. I didn't have that structure anymore. Yes, I got to be a bit more freer in my choices but I felt so disorganized, overwhelmed with the amount of freedom I had again. It sounds off when I say but it's the way I can describe it (wearing my hair down for example, did I want it half up, straightened, braided; so many choices that I just went for what I was use to; leaving it up).

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Nov 15 at 2016 3:41 PM

SSG Stephan Pendarvis — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 15:41:09 -0500

Great transition. Embraced civilian life pretty good. I was ready to go about 5 years out anyway. Did my time...realized that the uniform os not forever. Change is awesome!

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Nov 15 at 2016 7:38 PM

SSG Jeremy Sharp — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 19:38:51 -0500

When I left active duty one of my biggest adjustments was leaving a position of great responsibility working at the upper echelon of my career management field and far above my paygrade/rank only to come to the realization that no employer in the civilian sector, no matter how closely the job duties were, gave a hoot in hell about my past accomplishments. I was starting over from scratch and it took me almost eighty application processes for me to see any benefit from my prior service. Perseverance led to an opportunity that helped create the career that I now enjoy. I was determined to make a comfortable living and continue my public safety service career upon leaving the military and through the grace of god I was able to realize my ambitions and goals without compromising my dreams.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 15 at 2016 7:59 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 19:59:13 -0500

total 180... but i do get to sleep Late...

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jan 12 at 2017 10:02 AM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 10:02:12 -0500

Less relaxed more stress.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jan 12 at 2017 11:24 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 11:24:24 -0500

There isn't enough space here to list everything. A few of the more obvious are a bigger belt, more gray hair, more facial hair, and a sense of just not belonging any more.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2017 12:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 12:03:25 -0500

Mine sucked I left AD in order to change MOS and have been stuck in the Reserves for the Past 14 yrs. Civilian have a hard time understanding military duties and responsibilities. Some civilians have a difficult time grasping the concept of discipline. Not all are like that but a good portion of the ones I have run into do.

Response by Capt Tim Leno made Jan 12 at 2017 12:26 PM

Capt Tim Leno — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 12:26:27 -0500

"What's the magic word?" "NOW!"

Response by CPT Earl George made Jan 12 at 2017 12:50 PM

CPT Earl George — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 12:50:47 -0500

one of the biggest things I learned in the service that I have applied in civilian life is looking at more than 1 way to accomplish a task. During tactics instruction at Ft Benning you always had to look for 2 or3 avenues of approach in the attack and more than 1 plan for any defense.

Response by SSgt M. B. Ingersoll made Jan 13 at 2017 11:35 AM

SSgt M. B. Ingersoll — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 11:35:57 -0500

Seems to me that what you did in the military has a lot to do with how your transition goes (at least, assuming you'd like to press on in the same career field). My "transition" (we didn't have that term back then) was MANY years ago - went from being a USAF ATC to an FAA ATC. The most noticeable differences were that I made a LOT more money for less responsibility and I didn't have to wear blue every day. But, as mentioned by SSG Jeremy Sharp, after ten years of service including being a crew chief and the NCOIC of Training for a large approach control, being treated like a no-nothing dirtbag by "professional" FAA Controllers was a bit hard to deal with - especially when I knew more about some aspects of the job (aircraft types, being a very noticeable one) then they did.

But my son is now going through the same thing after ten years of Army service, including two combat deployments). Unlike my career field, he's having to start all over at almost thirty years of age and with a son to raise by himself. He is fortunate that his new employer is also former Army who hired him at the highest pay he could for a zero-experience guy. Why? Because, in his words, "I know what I'm getting when I hire a Veteran." I wish the rest of corporate America would know that.

Response by SPC James Jones made Jun 29 at 2018 10:28 AM

SPC James Jones — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:28:37 -0400

In the Army we had a sense of brotherhood and "you watch my back and I'll watch your's" ant so out in the real world. When I got out I was screwed up mentally. Back then there was no such thing as PTSD but I had it and still do. I don't know how many good jobs and opportunity I lost because I couldn't adjust to civilian life. I drink a lot to ease the pain. Now I went though the PTSD program at the VA Hospital and am doing a lot better. I wished they had that back in the 70's. Anyway any of you troops have that problem check out your VA rep and get so help.