Cpl David Garcia 139033 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I remember when I was a “boot” a CPL told my team and me while during a positive reinforcement session that what was the big deal because it was only four years of our lives. This was a little less than a year before our tours in Iraq and for some Marines the four years in would never see completion. <br /><br />No one is a fortune teller and therefore most warriors live their lives as if four years will never see completion. I was no different and had my form of fun. However, I am no longer an early twenty-something living the life of a combat Marine. I live a daily routine of trying to be a professional within a company where the “college frat” people excel and old warriors are in the background. <br /><br />My suggestion to junior officers is to try and spend time with the junior enlisted and have life sessions. Certain warriors, me included could not understand college types and tend to ebb from scholastic settings or civilian gatherings because of exposures that either do not make sense or are just plain foreign from military settings. Sometimes having an idea of how “regular” people act will help with the transition of life after a four year contract. 2014-05-30T14:51:59-04:00 Cpl David Garcia 139033

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I remember when I was a “boot” a CPL told my team and me while during a positive reinforcement session that what was the big deal because it was only four years of our lives. This was a little less than a year before our tours in Iraq and for some Marines the four years in would never see completion. <br /><br />No one is a fortune teller and therefore most warriors live their lives as if four years will never see completion. I was no different and had my form of fun. However, I am no longer an early twenty-something living the life of a combat Marine. I live a daily routine of trying to be a professional within a company where the “college frat” people excel and old warriors are in the background. <br /><br />My suggestion to junior officers is to try and spend time with the junior enlisted and have life sessions. Certain warriors, me included could not understand college types and tend to ebb from scholastic settings or civilian gatherings because of exposures that either do not make sense or are just plain foreign from military settings. Sometimes having an idea of how “regular” people act will help with the transition of life after a four year contract.

2014-05-30T14:51:59-04:00 2014-05-30T14:51:59-04:00 SSgt Gregory Guina 139036

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Cpl Garcia I have never thought about this. It makes some sonse though. While the combat element is something that is forever going to change a person it is something that cannot be hidden away. I think it is necessary for everyone to come together and share life experiences so that we cna all understand each other.

2014-05-30T14:55:35-04:00 2014-05-30T14:55:35-04:00 MSG Brad Sand 238413

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><br />Excellent advice. Additionally, I actually think sites like this can be very helpful...if young soldiers are willing to help themselves.

2014-09-12T12:05:35-04:00 2014-09-12T12:05:35-04:00 2014-05-30T14:51:59-04:00