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

Booz Allen Hamilton — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 09:31:41 -0500

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Response by LT George Bernloehr made Mar 8 at 2017 10:15 AM

LT George Bernloehr — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 10:15:07 -0500

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.

Response by SFC George Smith made Mar 8 at 2017 1:49 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 13:49:24 -0500

Most Vets have Determination, Tenacity and a Good Grasp of Reality On their side...

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 8 at 2017 2:16 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 14:16:49 -0500

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.

Response by SPC John Parmenter made Mar 8 at 2017 7:42 PM

SPC John Parmenter — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 19:42:04 -0500

Veterans tend to be physically & mentally tougher than most civilians.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Mar 9 at 2017 12:47 AM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 00:47:34 -0500

Knowledge, influence, comprehending, motivation, reliability

Response by PO2 Katie Benson made Mar 9 at 2017 11:58 AM

PO2 Katie Benson — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 11:58:28 -0500

Resilience, dedication, confidence, punctuality

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 12:57 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 12:57:17 -0500

Leadership, Integrity, discipline, mentoring, and a never quit attitude.

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Mar 9 at 2017 4:24 PM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 16:24:07 -0500

All veterans have proven their ability to accomplish tasks. Beyond that, though, veterans are as varied as people can be, so I'm going to go against the grain here and say there are no other universal characteristics among veterans.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Mar 9 at 2017 4:37 PM

LCpl Cody Collins — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 16:37:11 -0500

Determination, Dependability, Decisive, Dedicated and accountable.

Response by CPT Jeff Harrod made Mar 10 at 2017 10:06 AM

CPT Jeff Harrod — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 10:06:08 -0500

Perseverance, Resolve, Trustworthiness, Compassion, Dedication.

Response by PVT Christopher Giles made Mar 10 at 2017 10:18 AM

PVT Christopher Giles — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 10:18:00 -0500

good article thanks for he share

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Mar 10 at 2017 2:57 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 14:57:19 -0500

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.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 10 at 2017 5:12 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 17:12:51 -0500

Have to limit it to 5!

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Mar 11 at 2017 7:20 PM

PFC Stephen Eric Serati — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 19:20:46 -0500

Sense of Loyalty,Leadership Training,unique Global experiences,self confidence,working in a team environment

Response by GySgt Michael Chapman made Mar 12 at 2017 10:44 AM

GySgt Michael Chapman — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 10:44:27 -0400

To be fair, I don't think there are any abilities that "all" veterans possess. However, I think there are a few things that apply to most veterans.
I think ingenuity would have to be at the top of the list. Rarely does a civilian career require the quick adaptation that the military does in varying circumstances.
Most veterans contain a heightened sense of awareness; the ability to notice more of what's going on in the world around them, even if they did not have the opportunity to serve in combat; it's something that comes with a little time, but seems to come to most who serve.
Of course I cannot leave out the veterans ability to put up with stupidity. If we are being honest, regardless of the reasons, there is an astounding amount of stupidity in the military. Mostly, no doubt, it is due to the size of the organizations and the ever changing missions. Sometimes it's due to poor leadership and sometimes, un-disciplined subordinates, but we have all dealt with vast amounts of stupidity and it has both scarred and strengthened us.
A sense of duty, commitment, or dedication to a mission. We all know the military is mission oriented, and it is drilled in early on that the mission, in nearly all instances, is the number one priority. This tends to carry over into our civilian lives and makes for some great comedy when dealing with non-veterans too.
Hard to argue against teamwork being on the list. Veterans are not only well versed in working in teams, but we are great at working with people we don't like.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 7:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 07:22:22 -0400

Trainability, Versatility, Resiliency, Managerial skills, Sociability, and one more, flexibility. Not in that order.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 7:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 07:31:56 -0400

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made Mar 13 at 2017 10:14 AM

SSgt Boyd Welch — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 10:14:41 -0400

Character, loyalty, persistence, integrity, strong moral compass

Response by 1SG James Matthews made Mar 13 at 2017 12:56 PM

1SG James Matthews — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 12:56:15 -0400

Desire to win, common sense, ability to listen, don't quit attitude and ability to face the unknown.

Response by SPC Kirby Rider made Mar 15 at 2017 10:26 AM

SPC Kirby Rider — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 10:26:36 -0400

Professional, Qualified, Confident, Practiced, Dedicated

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2017 8:54 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 08:54:21 -0400

Willingness to address the "elephant in the room," we will call bad ideas just that despite recourse. I believe this is necessary especially in business; because time doing something that doesn't work is money lost.

Oh and my personal favorite is higher than average Integrity.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Mar 17 at 2017 1:20 AM

SGT Michael Thorin — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 01:20:56 -0400

I would second these, but I believe two great assets we also have in our tool shed are flexibility and initiative.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2017 7:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 19:17:02 -0400

1. Personal initiative
2. Responsibility
3. Teamwork (the capacity and professional attitude for it)
4. Capacity to endure hardship willingly
5. Loyalty

Response by COL David Turk made Mar 18 at 2017 8:16 AM

COL David Turk — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 08:16:31 -0400

Most vets have been conditioned to expect "road blocks" in their life, and to deal with them, either alone, or with assistance. A "can do" attitude.

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Mar 19 at 2017 1:37 AM

SSgt Gary Andrews — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 01:37:19 -0400

Goal oriented......team player.....not afraid of challenges......handles stress well.

Response by PO1 Cynthia Arnold made Mar 22 at 2017 12:50 AM

PO1 Cynthia Arnold — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 00:50:29 -0400

I think Veterans share above all else the trait of Loyalty. To the Oath they took and to the bonds they make with their fellow Veterans. Followed by Honor, Integrity, Strength and Faith. Without these in any form, no leader can lead with the heart and mind of a true leader.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 22 at 2017 11:31 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:31:11 -0400

I'll add "Focus" to the mix. MILs hate extraneous BS and are keen to cut through it, preferably giving it enough toxic brew so it doesn't reappear. Amazing how the quicker, better, cheaper, more fun, etc. stuff comes out when an exMIL is involved.

Response by Cpl Tom Surdi made Mar 22 at 2017 11:49 AM

Cpl Tom Surdi — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:49:36 -0400

Funny thing, many of the traits/strengths listed I have seen be largely ignored by civilian employers. After I got out of college I applied for several jobs in various architectural firms, and while I had a more advanced degree than some of the others applying for the same position, not to mention my military background, and more experience than some, I didn't get the jobs. One guy actually told me they while I was a good candidate for the job they didn't want that "military attitude" in their work environment. I spent a good year looking for a "normal" job while I freelanced to pay the bills. I always encountered the same obstacles. It took me a bit, but I finally realized that if I was going to make it as an architect, I would have to start my own business, and really push forward with the whole freelance gig.

Now, those same traits and strengths that civilians didn't want, I used to start a very lucrative business and have no shortage of work to be completed. A few years after I really got my business of the ground, that same firm that the guy told me they didn't want the "military attitude" in their environment called me up to help with some excess work, and yes it was the same guy who interviewed me. I asked him if he remembered me and he said that he did. Then I proceeded to tell him if he had hired me in the first place, they wouldn't have needed to look for outside help on their project, and I rejected the job. I later found out that their project went 3 months over the time limit, costing their client thousands, and that they were being sued for breach of contract. I guess a "military attitude" is exactly what they needed. My point in all this is that those same traits and strengths that most veterans have can be a double edged sword and can work against us in a laid back civilian environment.

Response by CPT Earl George made Mar 25 at 2017 11:33 PM

CPT Earl George — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 23:33:19 -0400

Bottom line: If I need help, I look for a VET. If most cases, they have BEEN THERE and DONE THAT. enough said in 2 strengths.

Response by SSgt Thomas A Tullis Jr made Mar 26 at 2017 10:09 AM

SSgt Thomas A Tullis Jr — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 10:09:21 -0400

This should have been easy to answer, unfortunately it ISN'T. I have seen to many veterans, active duty personnel, and retirees ignoring what the strengths and values their respective services taught. For myself Honor, Integrity, Perseverance, Faithful and Dependable.

Response by SGT Todd Miller made Mar 27 at 2017 9:40 AM

SGT Todd Miller — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 09:40:56 -0400

Determination, Faithfulness, Leadership, Ingenuity, and Strength of mind and body. Unfortunately, some of these strengths do not mix well in the civilian corporate world of yes men, robot people, disorganization, no authority, too many bosses, firings and layoffs, desk jobs with no windows, etc.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 4:06 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 04:06:09 -0400

1. The ability to wait for nothing.
2. The ability to stand in formation and not know what was said.
3. The ability to sleep anywhere.
4. Loyalty
5. Personal Courage

Response by Cpl James Jenkins made Mar 29 at 2017 6:16 AM

Cpl James Jenkins — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 06:16:47 -0400

1) Ability to commit to something bigger than themselves
2) Ability to deal with the inefficiencies of bureaucracy
3) Understanding of chain of command/ leadership structure
4) Willingness to improve self( occupational and most often, educationally as well)
5) Ability to work/ interact with diverse personalities and ideas

Response by CPL Susannah Griffith made Mar 30 at 2017 9:57 AM

CPL Susannah Griffith — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 09:57:39 -0400

dedicated, on time, hard working, truthful and devoted