What is something that you wish that more people understood about the military?

I would second SFC Marcus Belt comments. I volunteered and served because it was the right thing to do. My experienced deeped my love for the country and strengthened my sense of duty.

One, just because I wear a uniform, do not expect me to be foul mouthed and vulgar. Some may be, but I am not. Speaking from my experience as a recruiter, do not assume that you know which branch of the service is best for your adult child (18 or older to join). That is his or her decision. Today's Army/Navy/Air Force/Marine Corps is not your__________________fill in branch.

I wish civilians could understand what we sacrificed when we put on our uniform, just to keep them and the country safe!! Also why our bond is so strong and cannot be broken!!

I used to hear how poor the military medical system was. Nothing could be further from the truth. I would try to explain, the military medical systems are essentially the same as in any community. Are there problems, yes, but not really any different from any community medical system.

I would think the greatest things most people who never served don’t understand is the brotherhood of all devices. It is something that can never be replaced. Also losing members of our “brotherhood” is extremely difficult to not only explain, but to tell those that never put boots on the ground in a combat zone the circumstances we faced after our military obligation was finished. The one thing that makes having served is when comes up tome and thanks me for my service. It’s hard to accept sometimes because the ones that should get the thanks are those who never made it home. I miss them all. Thanks.

That we miss being something greater than ourselves!

"How many enemy soldiers did you kill?" is usually asked by young children and young adults that should know better. It is true that all soldiers must be familiar with rifles and pistols during their Army tenure but that does not mark them as killers.
The Combat Arms share that distinction because of their MOSs but not necessarily by the support arms. To the best of my recollection, I've never killed an enemy and for that, I am blessed.

My response to such a question is: "No. Usually, the infantrymen are required to do so but cooks, supply and unit clerks, communications and military intelligence members do not."
Depending upon the age of the asker I might elaborate on the different support arms that are in the military.

I would love for the general public to understand that we in the military train hard for and prepare to fight in any war that may come, but, that doesn't mean we seek war, that we are NOT "warmongers" and that we in the military are subordinate to our elected officials. There are far too many non-military folks out there who believe that because we focus on the study the art and science of warfare we are eager to engage in it; they should understand we all recognize warfare as the very last resort to settle disputes and that our study and training makes it possible for us, if we must fight, to do it more effectively than any adversary and end it sooner with less loss of life and property.

Mine is that Its a way of Life and just not a job. You Live Fight and die with your brothers and sisters in Arms and you have their back as they have yours.

I wish people knew that infantry and the other combat arms are what the military really does. I am tired of hearing "what job skill didnyou learn?". I tell them in was a machineguner. They usually make a face and ask what I mean. Lol.