Posted on May 11, 2018
What is the worst part about being a service member or veteran?
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I know that we are (or should be) proud of our service. I, like many, believe that my experience in the military made me a better person and is definitely something that I am glad to say that I had the opportunity to be a part of. That being said, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Although there are various positives that go along with having served, the world is not perfect and because of this, there are always negatives that come along with things. What is the worst part about having served or presently serving in the United States military?
Experience
Military Career
Combat
Relationships
Resiliency
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 188
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Remote tours away from family.Other then that the military took great care of us.Retirement was hard at first as I missed it plus did not have a job to step into.I live very close to a USAF base and go there often.Very proud to be called a Vet
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"What is the worst part about having served or presently serving in the United States military?"...IT went by too damn quick! I served twenty-five years in the military and it blew by like being on leave for a week! To those that are currently serving,...don't take it for granted...it'll be over before you know it! I'd do it again.
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SCPO (Join to see)
I served a total of 33 years. Today, my knees and right shoulder are severely arthritic; I wear hearing aids occasionally; My eyes are lightyears from 20/20; I'm pleasantly portly; And I'm in my seventies!!! But, if this country is attacked and the DoD needs my skills and expertise, you best NOT be in front of me in the recruiting line.
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My main gripe has always been...Different rules for Different people. That’s Bullshit!!!
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In the military for the most part NCO's earned their rank, so you always knew they knew what they were doing. In civvy street you never know how the Boss got to be Bboss
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SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott
I agree!11 Sometimes I wonder how these people who are supposed to be the boss manage to tie their own shoes!!
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Suspended Profile
It's all politics...especially in the civilian world, and especially in the society we live in today.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
Luckily, I got to come back in the middle of a deployment to see my daughter born, but this is definitely a drawback to the profession.
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MAJ Doug Mattox
I got called in one afternoon while I was going to my daughter's recital. (we were getting ready to leave on a NTC rotation. As I got up to leave I gave my wife some money and told her to stop and get her an ice cream and tell her it was from me and I am sorry I had to go. When I got back later that day my wife handed me the money back and told me my daughter said to keep the money and give it to my boss so I did not have to go. Hard time not tearing up on that one. I tried to give the money to my commander but he still made me go. LOL
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MAJ Doug Mattox
SGT Joseph Gunderson - I missed my daughter's first steps and first words because of a deployment. I was lucky to be there for the birth.
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CPT Richard Surface
I had been in Vietnam about a month when my son was born. I first met him when I came home on a two-week leave; he was six months old. After my return, at the end of the tour, we bonded quickly. But the poignancy of that soon faded. I see no downside to being a veteran. There were difficult times in the Army, but I have trouble remembering them. I am proud of my service, and I feel quite at home here in the Killeen-Fort Hood area among so many veterans and active duty soldiers.
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I loved being in military as it was my life until it came to a head where I was forced out after 16.5 years now that I am a veteran I have been dealing with a lot I have PTSD and it is no Fun. why were you asking about it?
SSG MARK A FRANZEN
USA VET
SSG MARK A FRANZEN
USA VET
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When you leave the military you have to grow a whole new circle of friends and comrades. Somehow that didn't work out so well with me when I left and I never fully got to the point with more than a couple guys that I felt comfortable with like I did with my circle in the Marines. The bond just wasn't there.
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CPO Arthur Weinberger
A great leader like yourself should have earthlings standing in line to be your friend and for guidance.
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SrA Ronald Moore
True, you must find a concentric circle of friends, So get the word out, RallyPoint is here, and let’s connect
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Suspended Profile
I just don't fit in, in civilian life. I never have. The Marines weren't a perfect fit for me, personally, but I was a lot better at being a Marine, than I have ever been at being a civilian. I could give an explanation, but then this would turn into the proverbial novel. I also don't want to divulge that much of me to the general public.
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The honor of serving our country is indeed some thing to be proud of and at the same time being giving numerous opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve with is "Awesome" . Thoughts of a very old soldier.(93 years young)
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The worst part was staying deployed too long and developing PTSD as a result. I was put out for that reason and have fought the VA for many years to even get a respectable "Hello" out of anyone there. If my country asked me to do it again, I'd say no.
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SPC Les Darbison
SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM - Isn't it better know in 1975 I didn't think much of the VA. in the 90s I thought why aren't there Ppl waiting in the waiting room like regular office visits at a civilian doctors office. You know so they could see more Ppl in a day. In 2002 I called the VA having chest pains I was treated like a millionaire and it didn't cost me a dime. I felt like a celebrity those young nurses checking in on me so often it really lifted my spirits. I really thought they did right by my friends and me in recent years. Quality treatment and quality staff.
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