Posted on Jun 11, 2015
Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier. Is this true??
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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."
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."
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PO1 John Miller
Alexander Ingram, Dishonorable is actually worse (the worst in fact) than a Big Chicken Dinner. It is a very common misconception.
But yes, I agree with your statement. If a person gets a BCD or DD, they are "ex-military." One actually loses almost all VA benefits with a BCD, and ALL benefits with a DD.
But yes, I agree with your statement. If a person gets a BCD or DD, they are "ex-military." One actually loses almost all VA benefits with a BCD, and ALL benefits with a DD.
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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.
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SPC (Join to see)
CSM(R), with all due respect, the prupose of the CAC is to allow for common access to the portals and digits that we as a military rely on on a daily basis to complete our job. When you retire, you're generally given a Veteran's ID, which allows you access to post, and special privileges that most civilians dont have. But if you kept your CAC, there would be too much of a stink about retirees still being able to access materials they dont have reason to access. You can still have an active AKO as a retiree, so you can still connect with people, and keep updated on the goings on, but to retain a CAC, I think that's be over-stepping it.
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CSM William Johnson
I fully understand the CAC card and its functions, but when you retire your access to AKO becomes a lot more restricted then you think. The only thing I can do with AKO is read announcements. There is a way to restrict what we can or can't do with a CAC card. I'm only saying if you want the Soldier for life to mean something then treat us like we are Soldiers for life, otherwise these are just empty words!
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CSM William Johnson
SSgt Justyn, I couldn't agree more! My intent was to answer the stated question because this is the army's new theme. Great point, thank you.
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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.
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SPC Trish Sugas-Lopez
That describes me, as well. 4.0 through nursing BSN, show up 15-30 min early, disciplined, team mentality, and, the same/similar maturation process.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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SPC (Join to see)
Ya know, out of the four responses I've gotten so far, yours struck hardest. I was the statement "I dont strive to better myself or create a better world to live in" that caught me. My question to you then is, "Why?" Have you given up on your Country and it's people? or do you just feel that one person is too small to change so much? Not me being an ass, just honest questions.
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SSG Thomas Brousseau
No matter how you might view things right now just remember this, for the rest of your life your fellow Soldiers our going to view you as our BROTHER.
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LTC (Join to see)
Hello fellow medic soldier, Kyle, from your response and your profile you seem to reflect a positive experience in the past bit perhaps a bit disillusioned now. I dont know your situation, but I suggest use your education benefits, do volunteer work perhaps help your fellow veterans. Are you still in the National Guard? If you are talk to your commander or career counselor sbout future opportunites. If not and still medically qualified, consider returning to Guard or Army Resreve; look at different units a lot more medical slots on USAR side. Good luck, soldier!
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SGT William Howell
I did not have a choice when I left. I was medically discharged. I felt like I was just a bit lost. 2 things helped me. Join a VFW, Am-Vets or something like that. They will get what your are thinking and be able to relate. Also, find a group to volunteer with. It will give you a sense of creating a better world. I always feel better after I give back. Feel free to message me if you ever want to talk. I would be happy to share.
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