How has the military impacted your lifestyle?

2016-01-17T19:20:41-05:00

Well, first and foremost it is an honor to serve DUTY HONOR COUNTRY! The military has brought the best out of me. Here is a list (inclusive):

1. I am very patriotic
2. Live my life according to the Army Values
3. I am very grateful for all the amenities the military has provided
4. It taught me teamwork and camaraderie
5. Being responsible and accountable i,e: dependable/reliable
6. It taught me to be all I can be and reach my goal i.e, education
7. M vision goes global, I think out side the box
8. Love to travel
9. Love to interact with the Armed Forces
10. Love to help/assist pupil to make a difference
11. I love Military History
12. Being closer to God, I survived 5 combat and 1 peacetime deployments
The list goes on_________________

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 17 at 2016 7:23 PM

2016-01-17T19:23:25-05:00

The military shaped me long before I enlisted SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL.
1. My love of military history as a youngster combined with a faulty yet determined sense of youthful justice was molded into an understanding of just war and how and when it can and should be applied.
2. The military shaped my sense of loyalty to my soldiers, peers and superiors because i knew we were part of a team which could be called upon to defend this nation.
3. The military taught me the wisdom of following through to the best of my ability each assignment I received. While I was saddened by some assignment rejections I understand that there is a well-honed process of determining who goes where.
4. I learned to love living in places where I was sent to that I would never have gone to on my own.
5. I learned to enjoy food I never would have tasted and to drink and enjoy coffee - drinking Army coffee to keep me warm gave me an appreciation for good coffee.
6. Most importantly, military life and the challenges associated it prepared my heart to recognize my need for the atonement of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jan 17 at 2016 7:30 PM

2016-01-17T19:30:27-05:00

The military taught me to be a leader. I am very patriotic. I try to do the honorable thing. I have a sense of duty to my fellow man.
I am (can be) very disciplined; and I know how to persevere.
It taught me problem solving.
It taught me self-pride; and how to be proud of others.
It taught me to have a career; instead of just a job.

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Jan 17 at 2016 7:40 PM

2016-01-17T19:40:39-05:00

1. Patriotism
2. Attention to detail
3. Follow-through
4. Citizenship
5. Public-service and desire to help others
6. Conservative/professional attire
7. Professionalism
8. Comfortable around other cultures

And on and on...

Response by SGT Brian Nile made Jan 17 at 2016 8:01 PM

2016-01-17T20:01:23-05:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL it taught me how to be great battle buddy! You are stellar Sarge! I am glad to know you!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2016 8:04 PM

2016-01-17T20:04:14-05:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, I'll admit,I was a young punk with not much direction before I was drafted. Little did I know how much I would change.
1. I learned how to grow up and be a man.
2. I learned to follow directions and orders.
3. I learned that I was meant to be in the Army. I loved it.
4. I learned camaraderie and that friends are more important than anything else.
5. I learned how to be a leader, and if I acted like a leader, I would earn respect.
6. I learned that I was important and lives depended on me.
7. I learned how to jump out of an airplane safely and land safely.
8. I learned how much I love my country and I will defend it to death.
9. I learned I became a responsible member of the military I loved so much, and still do.
10. I learned I wasn't a coward and that I will defend anyone who needs defending.
11. I learned and remembered how important God is to me and my life.
12. I learned how precious life and loved ones are.
To this day I wish I would have remained in the Army, but, I had seen so much death and destruction of human beings, friend and foe, I didnt want to see it anymore. Yet, here I am, reliving almost everything I saw over and over. But, I have learned how to control that as much as possible.

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Jan 17 at 2016 8:26 PM

2016-01-17T20:26:11-05:00

Not all of my "lessons" were positive.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2016 8:29 PM

2016-01-17T20:29:31-05:00

I only served four years, but they were an important four years.
1. I was serious before the military, and even more so after. I have a hard time putting up with B.S.
2. The military taught me to be a leader which helped in my civilian career.
3. I learned in the military that traveling is fun, for the most part.
4. I was patriotic before the service, and even more after serving.
5. I love to mentor whenever I can.
6. I have always liked history, and now I focus on military history.
7. I have a strong sense of justice and right and wrong.
8. I will keep going until I accomplish the mission.
9. Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Jan 17 at 2016 8:29 PM

2016-01-17T20:29:47-05:00

I am someone who nowadays would be diagnosed as High-Functioning Autistic.

The Army succeeded in socializing me in ways that nothing before or since has managed to do. This was the luck of the draw -- lots of others in my boots had less positive outcomes.

At age 69 I believe that I largely owe the fact that I am still able to earn a living to what the Army instilled Way Back When.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2016 8:59 PM

2016-01-17T20:59:34-05:00

Amen, SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL. That's an excellent question and a great list to get us started. My life is so different from what it might have been, had I not joined the military. One of the big ones for me is discipline. I was raised (at home) in a disciplined environment, but 30 years in the military caused me to live a disciplined life as an adult, and that - I think, at least - has made a huge difference.

Another point for me is patriotism. I remember as a young troop in the Old Guard getting chills and actually shedding tears at some of the patriotic things I saw and participated in. I'm sure I would not be as patriotic as I am, had I not served in the Army.

Finally, gratitude. I was able to travel the world while in the military, and I saw some places that were extremely poor. In Cairo, Egypt (I will never forget this), I saw a little boy begging in the gutter, a nasty gutter. He was disabled. My experiences with that level of poverty have made me ever so grateful to be blessed the way I am, and to have had the great luck to have been born an American.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jan 17 at 2016 11:43 PM

2016-01-17T23:43:00-05:00

The Military has been teaching me since the day I was born. I believe I am a much better person, more well rounded and better educated in many things, not just through books.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2016 11:46 PM

2016-01-17T23:46:17-05:00

The military has quite literally shaped my entire life.
1. My concept of home is fluid with home being where my family is
2. I lived overseas for half my life
3. The military made it possible for me to go to college.
4. I grew up more independent than my civilian peers
5. I learned right from wrong very quickly
6. I've always known and understood what I was doing with my life
7. I learned loyalty to my friends

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2016 12:59 AM

2016-01-18T00:59:07-05:00

To really lead by example but first follow to be a great leader! To be patient , like those hurry up and wait moments! To observe and analyze every situation before making a decision. To motivate others when they can't think straight or basically be a mentor! To analyze all walks of life from different races! Never be too cocky or hunk I'm better than someone else.

I had it in me all along but "The Mighty Army" brought it out!
#goarmy
#8andcountin

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 18 at 2016 2:24 AM

2016-01-18T02:24:35-05:00

I got values and the ability to direct organization.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2016 2:34 AM

2016-01-18T02:34:08-05:00

I would say for me it has been an exercise in navigating through large bureaucracies and figure out how to get the job done. Being in an organization with tons of regulations and policies, sometimes can create barriers to accomplish a mission. I learned early on to be a subject matter expert in the rues and regs and use those to find the gaps that you can use to get through the process to get things done. I find that this is an imperative skill to have in civilian life, especially when running a business.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 18 at 2016 7:01 AM

2016-01-18T07:01:57-05:00

It gave me a better appreciation for my country. It has provided the chances to travel to may different countries I'd never have gone to, met people, learned different cultures, and allowed me to be a member of the largest brotherhood in the world - The Brotherhood of Arms which encompasses soldiers from all over the world. I've met soldiers/vets from so many different countries and just because of the military experience I made a friend/contact, enabled me to travel or get something done I wouldn't have had the chance if not in this Brotherhood.

Response by Craig Hatch made Jan 18 at 2016 11:14 AM

2016-01-18T11:14:08-05:00

Well, I could never join the military because of my ears. However, working to serve the men and women of the United States Armed Services. Through AAFES has taught me the valor of serving those; whom serve. There is not a true word that can define, the unique unity; within the United States Military. It has been a great honor to be a civilian supporter, whom is willing to treat every officer. Whether past, present or future; with the same dignity, honor and respect they so deserve. I wake up every morning eager to serve those whom serve this nation, and I am proud of every man, women in uniform. I give all that I can be to them, their families and those whom have faithfully served our nation. Thank you, to all of you for allowing me the privilege to be a part of a Unique family unit. To which no other nation in the world, holds a light too!

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 18 at 2016 11:32 AM

2016-01-18T11:32:08-05:00

Even though you know a task is going to be hard, either metal or physical, you plow full speed ahead. I'm not afraid of hard work - kind of actually enjoy it. As well I'm able to stay calm in very chaotic environments.

Response by Sarah White made Jan 21 at 2016 1:04 PM

2016-01-21T13:04:43-05:00

I am more disciplined. With work, relationships, personal goals. I was that painfully shy kid when I was younger. Working for the military taught me to speak up for myself and for what was right. I will forever be honored my final TAPES said "has the personal courage to speak up and do the right thing."