Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier. Is this true??

2015-06-11T10:24:00-04:00

So I came across a statement someone made. And it was "Once a soldier, always a soldier." Now, while I agree with that statement, I want some input from y'all. So do you believe it's true? Why or why not?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 11 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-06-11T10:24:51-04:00

Absolutely true SPC Private RallyPoint Member. We swear an oath to uphold and defend the constitution and against all enemies foreign and domestic. Once we go through initial entry training and move from being an individual to part of a team we are forever changed.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 11 at 2015 10:26 AM

2015-06-11T10:26:37-04:00

This also is true for Sailors. In the Navy we also have a saying "Once a Chief Always a Chief", meaning our training and mentoring never stops because we have retired.

"MY ENLISTMENT HAS NO EXPIRATION DATE"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 10:28 AM

2015-06-11T10:28:09-04:00

Well, I don't feel like a soldier. I'm sure I could still do the job, and I still try to live by the Army values, but now as I define them.

I empathize with soldiers as best I can, but I don't feel like one anymore. I don't strive to better myself or create a better world to live in, I don't live in service of the nation, and any personal sacrifice I make affects me, and me alone.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 10:28 AM

2015-06-11T10:28:22-04:00

Yes. We are all in this together and have to support each other. If you go through the day to day battles, Soldier issues then yes you're alway a Soldier in my book!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 10:31 AM

2015-06-11T10:31:53-04:00

Whether you're a Marine, Soldier, Sailor or Airman; the same holds true.

Response by CSM William Johnson made Jun 11 at 2015 10:35 AM

2015-06-11T10:35:59-04:00

I do agree exspecially if you have spent most of your adult life serving. The friends that I have made will be life long friends. Now for the other side of Soldier for life. I have been retired for about one year, and I have never felt more unplugged from the army then I do now. If we want to push Soldier for life then don't take our CAC cards! We lose all connectivity with the army when you ETS, retire, etc... One solution could be if you served 10 or more years you retain a CAC card. These are just my thoughts.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Jun 11 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-06-11T10:36:08-04:00

In my case yes.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 11 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-06-11T10:40:31-04:00

I've always heard it said "Once a Marine always a Marine" but the same can be said for ALL branches.

Just as there is no such thing as an ex-Marine, there is no such thing as an ex-Sailor/Soldier/Airman. I actually had an argument concerning this on Facebook the other day when a person referred to themselves as ex-Navy. I corrected him (respectfully) and said, "No such thing. Did you get an honorable discharge? Then you're former Navy." He said "Same thing." I said "No it's not and if you don't understand I can't explain it to you. I feel sorry for you and I'm glad we never served together with an attitude like that."

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 11 at 2015 10:47 AM

2015-06-11T10:47:14-04:00

I will say true, with the caveat if it has to be someone who actually made it through accession training. If you washed out in boot/tech/a-school, that doesn't really count.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jun 11 at 2015 10:51 AM

2015-06-11T10:51:54-04:00

I feel that it is true for a vast majority....however, I would say maybe not 100%. With that being said, those that don't fit that bill, they have probably been impacted.

Response by SSG Thomas Brousseau made Jun 11 at 2015 11:01 AM

2015-06-11T11:01:50-04:00

Once a Soldier always a Soldier. The title of "Soldier" is a hard earned title that is earned for life. One of the most profound aspects of being a Soldier is that you are willing to risk your life or possibly loose your life for your fellow Soldiers. Once you have achieved a bond or brotherhood at that extreme level it is a bond/ brotherhood for life. Yes, Once a Soldier Always a Soldier.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 11:02 AM

2015-06-11T11:02:28-04:00

I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I was never relieved of my duties under that oath.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 11 at 2015 11:05 AM

2015-06-11T11:05:51-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member once you are part of this brotherhood you will always be a part of that for the remainder of your life. I will never let that part of my life ever be forgotten. I spent most of my adult life up to this point serving in the military over the last 37 years! I will always try my best to be a mentor, coach, motivator, friend, and leader to all those Veterans, Active Duty members, Reservist, National Guard, and Retirees that have served and continue serve this great nation. I will always pay homage to those who have been severely wounded or given the ultimate sacrifice - their life in service of this country. I will be buried with my brothers and sisters in a National Cemetery when that time comes! I will always be a soldier in heart and mind!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 11 at 2015 11:15 AM

2015-06-11T11:15:41-04:00

I'm not a soldier, I'm an Airman. I no longer consider myself an Airman, but I will always consider myself an Air Force veteran. I do have pride of having served, and took the values that I need and threw away what I did not.

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made Jun 11 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-06-11T11:29:52-04:00

If you have pride in what you've become, then it better be. If not, go sweep streets.

Response by SFC(P) Aaron Fore made Jun 11 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-06-11T12:51:07-04:00

only if you continue to treat yourself and others with pride, integrity and honor.

Response by SSG Sean Thoman made Jun 11 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-06-11T13:15:45-04:00

Yep, that attitude never goes away. You become a Veteran and a Soldier (enter branch here), for better or worse.

Response by SPC Donald Tribble made Jun 11 at 2015 1:19 PM

2015-06-11T13:19:53-04:00

The oath I took had no expiration date. I may not be physically capable as I once was, but will defend the Constitution until Valhalla

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 11 at 2015 3:10 PM

2015-06-11T15:10:47-04:00

A soldier is a soldier... and always will be. I don't know why this bothers me but... Many veterans (not Marines) will say, "I was in the service." Well, fine. What service? The food service? The Secret Service? While I applaud the Corps for instilling this concept to their recruits, I wonder why the Navy, AF, and Army don't do the same. I love it when a veteran says something like "I was an Air Force Tech Sergeant!" Damn! I know where I stand with that guy: Shoulder to Shoulder!

As for Marines, we've embraced this. And we get to take the "title" to our grave.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Jun 11 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-06-11T17:42:41-04:00

I feel it is true for me. I still have saying, thoughts and sometimes still act like 1

Response by 1SG Jason Smith made Jun 11 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-06-11T17:42:53-04:00

Being a Soldier will always be a huge part of who I am. So for me yes...yes that statement is Absolutley true

Response by Sgt Brad Bailey made Jun 11 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-06-11T17:44:19-04:00

Once again the army trying to be a marine

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Jun 11 at 2015 8:24 PM

2015-06-11T20:24:47-04:00

I consider myself a veteran. A Soldier, in my mind at least, is a person that still puts their boots on every morning to face the day. In my heart I know the Soldier still proudly resides there, as I see signs of him every day. But I feel that title belongs to those that are still serving.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 11 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-06-11T22:31:13-04:00

once a Marine, always a Marine.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Jun 11 at 2015 10:32 PM

2015-06-11T22:32:01-04:00

With certain caveats, I can see that. If you do something to bring discredit upon yourself or your service however, you loose that privilege

Response by PO2 Nathan Meyer made Jun 11 at 2015 10:32 PM

2015-06-11T22:32:36-04:00

No. The Army for better or for worse shapes every outlook or opinion on life. When you leave, you aren't viewed by your peers as a soldier, you're viewed as "joe whatever". The army shapes us, but once we take off the hat we are just human with a DD214.

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Jun 12 at 2015 12:30 AM

2015-06-12T00:30:41-04:00

It is impossible for me to erase that experience from my life.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Jun 12 at 2015 12:47 AM

2015-06-12T00:47:45-04:00

I'd say that the statement is true.

You join up, get into basic and your whole mindset changes.

And it follows you throughout your entire life.

When I joined the Army I was a slob. A duffle bag hit by a wrinkle grenade held nothing on me!

Today, I'm a clean freak. I get laughed at a lot at the house because I can't leave a dirty dish in the sink! Lol

I still check my gig line before leaving the house...

I do PMCS on my Jeep...

My closet is organized....

Jeez! It's really true!! Run for your life!

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jun 12 at 2015 3:56 AM

2015-06-12T03:56:45-04:00

I believe that it is true for some, even most, but not all. Even if you take away those that get BCD, Dishonorable , or OTH, there are those that have distanced themselves from their time in the service. They are ex-(enter branch here). The rest are former.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 5:43 AM

2015-06-12T05:43:58-04:00

And when I say I'm not sure, I mean I'm not sure anymore. Things are very different from when I first joined the ranks. I am a Senior NCO and proud of where I came from and the leaders that have brought me this far. And of those leader I can surely say that they will always be soldiers till the day they die. But my year group is among the last few year groups, or so it seems, that Soldiers have come in the military with that mentality. Even if they didn't come in with that mentality they soon learned to respect and honor it. Something that I think may have been lost along the way. As for me, it's a no brain er I will me a Soldier till the day I die. For the new generation of Soldiers coming in, I really don't know.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 12 at 2015 5:53 AM

2015-06-12T05:53:57-04:00

An interesting (and true in my opinion) point I just read in another thread: If you get out of the Army and join a different branch, you are (again in my opinion) no longer a Soldier, but now a Sailor/Marine/Airman who used to be a Soldier.

That in no way takes away from what you accomplished in the Army (or whichever branch you used to be in before getting out and joining a different branch).

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made Jun 12 at 2015 8:06 AM

2015-06-12T08:06:20-04:00

I took the Oath 5 years ago. I didn't say at the end of my Contract I'll no longer protect and defend the constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic.

Response by SSG Eric Eck made Jun 14 at 2015 7:46 AM

2015-06-14T07:46:32-04:00

You may leave the Army, but the Army will never leave you, unless you're a shitbag, then you were never really in.

Response by SGT Matt Suckow made Jun 14 at 2015 6:52 PM

2015-06-14T18:52:35-04:00

Yes. I believe this is true, as long as the soldier uphold his military values throughout their life. Many veterans get into trouble when they lose that mentality but still have the strength to overcome, and get back on track.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2015 8:48 AM

2015-06-20T08:48:10-04:00

Let's face it. There are people in every service who shouldn't have been there, or who got in because they think it's a job training program. But even if it's not true for everyone, it's true for me.

I will always be a paratrooper and a soldier.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-06-22T17:44:26-04:00

Anyone willing to adopt military ideals and take up arms in defence of his country is a soldier. While the requirements of being labelled a soldier are easily met, being labelled a good one is far more difficult.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 23 at 2015 3:21 AM

2015-06-23T03:21:43-04:00

can't say for the army, but it is for Marines.

Response by SFC Jeff Stevenson made Jun 23 at 2015 8:43 AM

2015-06-23T08:43:30-04:00

Do you arrive at a meeting promptly?
Do you pick up after yourself? Do you organize your clothes, and prepare for the next day the night prior? Do you get up early enough to get your planned activities completed? Do you speak your mind, while being respectful to the opinions of others? Then I guess you might still be a soldier...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-06-23T18:09:50-04:00

Of course! We are part of a small group that said we would defend the country, this is something that can never be taken away from us.

Response by SPC Ryan Su made Jun 23 at 2015 7:05 PM

2015-06-23T19:05:08-04:00

If you are infantry........answer (HELL YEAH)

Response by PFC Bruce Lawrence made Jun 23 at 2015 9:09 PM

2015-06-23T21:09:14-04:00

Yes you are changed once you make it through your Basic and AIT. To this day I still show up to everything 15 minutes early, in the fire service and EMT field I practice controlled aggression to help the team achieve our goal...what ever that may be with the many fluid life threats both of those present. When I did my education it was full throttle and graduated with 4.0 for my BS and MS degrees. I learned all of these ideas, concepts, and life lessons starting out at basic. I think the Army served me well in the maturation process and that was a blessing. Just look around at how some of your peers are moving on with their lives now.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 23 at 2015 9:56 PM

2015-06-23T21:56:43-04:00

Soldiering leaves a mark, an indelible mark. We wear it all our lives. It's evident in our posture. In our attitude. In countless ways we aren't even aware of. We develop a soldier's habits and never really lose them. Then there's the oath. It is fresh in the minds of most soldiers I know. They may discharge us from active duty but most rarely consider themselves discharged from their obligation to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. Few Americans who have never served understand it. They think we serve a President or a Congress or the Department of the Army. No, they too are sworn to the same oath. Regrettably few politicians take their oaths as seriously as soldiers take theirs. I guess there's a difference when one swears to defend it in practice, with their lives, and the other swears to defend it in theory, with their words. Words are cheap. Lives aren't...

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 23 at 2015 10:02 PM

2015-06-23T22:02:00-04:00

Yep, once you make it through BCT, you are forever a soldier. Can't be changed back easily, if at all.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 23 at 2015 10:40 PM

2015-06-23T22:40:55-04:00

When I complete my service in the Army, I plan to return home and become a citizen. I wish not to be recognize as a Soldier anymore but the habits of a being a Soldier will be there.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Jun 23 at 2015 10:58 PM

2015-06-23T22:58:20-04:00

No, Are you out of your mind? this may be true for the Marines but not Soldiers. Some give up the title of a Soldier when they get away from exhibiting the Army Values. I would give the Chelsea Mannings', Berdahl's, and Hassans' the privilege of ever being called Soldier again!

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 23 at 2015 11:52 PM

2015-06-23T23:52:05-04:00

True, until the end of time, its priceless. Duty Honor Country!

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 24 at 2015 12:21 AM

2015-06-24T00:21:14-04:00

Always, and Always Forevermore!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 8:05 AM

2015-06-24T08:05:40-04:00

No, it is not necessarily true. There are people who join who never quit fit in, adapt, and for whom the life just isn't for them. Or they had their sights set on other goals to begin with (college money, for example) and the military is just a step in that path, a ticket to punch. They get their DD-214 and they check out, and if that is the case, everyone is better off.

It is unrealistic to expect everyone to have the same level of deep dedication, and you can't force it if it just isn't there.

Response by SSG Sean Thoman made Jun 26 at 2015 11:06 AM

2015-06-26T11:06:51-04:00

The "military attitude" never leaves anybody who served with pride, regardless of their individual branch of service and MOS. Your BS Detector Skills are extremely powerful, and when somebody says some BS, you will roll your eyes in total disbelief, because your mouth wants to say something. There was a book in the 80's "Your Jump Boots or was it Your Parachute is Showing. It is about transition to the civilian life...you will never transit to it.

Response by PFC Jeremy Wetzel made Jul 17 at 2015 10:53 PM

2015-07-17T22:53:04-04:00

Yes, even though, I've been out just about forever, I still consider myself a soldier at heart, the military really will break down what you were...and build you into something more.
you'll find that you'll retain military habits for life.
I still wear my army ring everyday.
on memorial day, my family and I go to the memorial day parade while others are wearing marine, navy & army t-shirts...I proudly wear my battalion t-shirt...it's the only time I wear that.
meanwhile, back at the house...my flag flies proudly at half mast on that day.
There's not a day that I wouldn't pick up a rifle again in defense of the greatest country on earth...or for my brothers at arms.
when you take the oath & join...especially the infantry, you join the greatest fraternity on earth.
an enlistment may end...but an oath is forever.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 30 at 2018 10:44 AM

2018-04-30T10:44:55-04:00

Yes, we act different, normally more responsible, more mission driven- less likely to take excuses for failures, give a days pay for a days job, etc.

Response by SPC Kenneth Newman made Jun 12 at 2018 12:50 PM

2018-06-12T12:50:02-04:00

It might not be what I would have chosen, but for better or worse, there is no going back, once you think like a soldier, respond like a soldier, it is almost impossible not to. You can hide it, soldiers do, but you can't stop it.

Response by Ahmed Alzayeem made Jul 24 at 2018 4:46 PM

2018-07-24T16:46:48-04:00

When we hear the word soldier! We always refer to someone that's in the army....but from my personal experience I figured that The word soldier itself it's a title thats amended by many experiencestudents that we come across on a daily basis....
If you speak the truth! You're a soldier
If you provide for your family! You're a soldier.
It's all in the character of the person simultaneously with action done efficiently!

Response by SPC Trish Sugas-Lopez made Jul 28 at 2018 2:11 PM

2018-07-28T14:11:23-04:00

So many good comments that brought a feeling of "yeah--me, too" camaraderie and a smile to my face while reading through them. I got out at age 30 when my MOS was civilianized, and for the first 10 years, I didn't give it much thought. I was busy going to school and figuring out "life." But then 30 gave way to 40, which later gave way to 55, and in retrospect, I must say that it impacted me much more than I knew. In these ever changing times, when this country is starting to look unrecognizable from the country I so proudly served, it is with pride that I look back on my time as a Soldier. It was such a long time ago, but it shaped me, molded my character, and I have become one among many who would pick up a weapon again today, even at my age, and be willing to still lay it on the line for our Freedom today. When I hear the Star Spangled Banner, taps, God Bless the USA...it all comes rushing back.

I am part of an elite group of men and women who were willing to sacrifice for my country, and I feel it is disrespectful to trivialize that, as the rest of the civilian population likes to do. I think (if you didn't join with an ulterior goal to "change" or "challenge" things) that it says something about the person inside. About their heart. About their sense of loyalty, about their strength as a person, about their willingness to put others over themselves/selflessness, and their commitment, to each other, to the highest good, and about the love we have for this nation--a nation that the rest of the world seems eager to see torn apart.

While many in this nation like to paint veterans as crazed lunatics with guns, the truth is, we are the protectors, the defenders, the misunderstood and undervalued. The only ones who will ever truly "get" us...are our brothers. Yes, Once a Soldier, ALWAYS a Soldier.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 10 at 2021 9:14 AM

2021-05-10T09:14:58-04:00

Not at all. I'd argue that most who wear the uniform never become Soldiers. Merely servicemembers. Being a Soldier takes more than just signing a contract.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made May 10 at 2021 9:42 AM

2021-05-10T09:42:45-04:00

I am retired. While some of the things I learned in the service will forever be part of me, I no longer stand ready to fight and win wars. If called upon, I will do my best. But I am old, fat, and my bones creak. I still love my country. But am I ready to go defend her? Not so much.

The job of the Army is to fight and win our nation's wars. At this point, I would be ALMOST as much of a liability as a benefit. Can I realistically still call myself a Soldier? No.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made May 10 at 2021 7:46 PM

2021-05-10T19:46:43-04:00

You keep certain habits. I'm still a fast eater, center my gig line, and still use 2 fingers to set the angle of my hat.