If you had to choose 5 strengths all veterans possess, what would they be?

One of the biggest strengths we don't always talk about is the ability for service members and veterans to become excellent informal leaders. In the military, we have rank and authority appointed, but we also accomplish some of the largest missions by leading within our units and teams. I've seen veterans truly excel at this in the civilian sector.

Most folks gravitate towards leadership as a top strength--justified. For me, the top strength is Learning Agility! I would also include leadership, dedication, focus on taking on missions/projects bigger then yourself, and teamwork.

Those of us in Vietnam or Korea in an Haz Duty area say "We went there as strangers and came home brothers." This phrase may apply to many more wars before and/or after Vietnam but it is something as an old man veteran appreciate and fondly look back at. One big advantage for me was growing up, becoming a responsible adult, which I was not pre-Army. I also learned that I am not a coward because I experienced fear. As a person that enlisted in 1968 I was smack dap in the middle of the anti-war movement of the 60's and 70's. I attained a pride in self, and a new found love of country. I have an everlasting pride in my history as a veteran who served his country, took that oath and signed that blank check. Finally, I would do it all over again if the opportunity arose. I may change some of my choices of career field, etc.