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
A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
YUP Captain, "Being Away From Our Loved Ones"
Was Worse Than Being Away From Our Wives.
Was Worse Than Being Away From Our Wives.
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I read at least two posters that said they get upset or angry when they are told "Thank you for your service." by civilians. What should people say to you? I am not a Vietnam Vet but my father was. He would simply say 'Thank you' in response. But he always said he could not relate to them and felt like an outsider around them.
Based on my experience with civilians, some can be unappreciative or even jealous of your service. I also know that office politics can 'trigger" PTSD-like symptoms in a Veteran too.
Based on my experience with civilians, some can be unappreciative or even jealous of your service. I also know that office politics can 'trigger" PTSD-like symptoms in a Veteran too.
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Sgt Terry Rizzuti
I say “Thank you, and thank you for your service” back to them. That usually throws them for a loop until I explain that nearly everyone serves somehow. If they’re still confused, I rattle off two or three examples.
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Lt Col Flight Erdoc - I....THINK....what upsets some veterans when people / civilians say "Thank you for your service", is that sometimes we, (myself included), can tell that there's no sincerity behind it. That they're only saying it because they're programmed to say it. When I can detect sincere sentiments in the gratitude, I appreciate it a great deal. My own, personal reply is: "Thank you for your support." And yes, I say "thank you" to other veterans as well.
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CPT Angela Wilder - Hello Angela. I'm going to refer you to my reply to Lt Col Flight Erdoc. It might, possibly, answer your questions, and/or clear up your confusion. At least, I hop it does. I hope it helps. If not, please feel free to say so, and I'll do my best to try to find a better explanation.
SFC (Join to see)
Whenever someone has thanked me, it seemed without heart, rehearsed and condescending.
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Military--hurry up an wait; away from the family [BOREDOM]; pride in job accomplishment [ACHIEVEMENT]
Vet--alcoholism, [BOREDOM]
Vet with a non-government job--sense of accomplishment, ability to made recommendations for improving the process [in some instances] and knowing the job you are doing is the job you were hired to do [and not standing at the gate looking at ID cards or cutting the grass]. [PRIDE and RESPONSIBILITY]
Vet--alcoholism, [BOREDOM]
Vet with a non-government job--sense of accomplishment, ability to made recommendations for improving the process [in some instances] and knowing the job you are doing is the job you were hired to do [and not standing at the gate looking at ID cards or cutting the grass]. [PRIDE and RESPONSIBILITY]
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The worst part of being a Veteran no matter if you are a war time Veteran or peace time Veteran is having to deal with the Veterans Administration! And I mean any department of that organization.
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I didn't and still don't find the structure in civilian life that I so enjoyed in the Army. It's what I valued the most about the service.
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SMSgt Bob W.
Glen, Agreed. The old saying, "Life isn't fair." is very true. Some people can't cope with military or civilian life; whereas, some people can adapt to what is "thrown" their way. I found that you must find a job you enjoy. I did on both side of the scale--military and civilian. 22 years in maintenance putting aircraft into the air; 25 years in the EHS field. My easiest and worst job was delivering mail for the USPS. You could cut the tension between mail carriers, management, and each other with a knife. Horrible working conditions.
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Sgt Kenneth Garthee
We still can have structure in civilian life. Make your bed first thing in the morning. When I get dressed I still pleat my shirt and aline my shirt with my trousers. Get to work early. Be honest and help someone. Love your family and be there for them unconditionally.
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I was an airman assigned to a duty station 11 miles from my parents' home (Hanscom AFB, MA) in 1979. I had volunteered for assignment to bases on Okinawa, the Philippines, or any other Far Eastern duty station, but the Air Force, in its ultimate wisdom decided I'd be too much of a danger to U.S. prestige outside the country, and that I should be assigned to my own home state where I could do little as damage as possible. (Go figure!
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Being contaminated was worse part of my service and being a Veteran, i would suggest everyone is really careful with all chemicals they are asked to work with. Make sure the chemicals are safe for you and the environment. Trust nobody read the MSDS for yourself. try to make sure that Supply only orders safe chemicals. Watch what your cleaning weapons and motor pool equipment with. In war situation you must do what you must, but safety in peacetime is best practice to keep the military strong for years to come.
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There's a million and one examples of the consequences of people being careless in the military. Some more tragic than others.
Two quick examples:
1. An armorer for an aircraft squadron working on the gatling gun grabbed the muzzle to rotate the assembly, and discharged an unexpended round, a VERY loud "bang" that made everyone around him jump out of their skin, and his hand went "POOF"!!!!, and/or ceased to exist.
2. A guy working on the ejection seat of a jet fighter either started screwing around, or just, simply got careless, and set off the rocket powered seat, and shot himself through the roof of the hangar. Yes. He killed himself.
Two quick examples:
1. An armorer for an aircraft squadron working on the gatling gun grabbed the muzzle to rotate the assembly, and discharged an unexpended round, a VERY loud "bang" that made everyone around him jump out of their skin, and his hand went "POOF"!!!!, and/or ceased to exist.
2. A guy working on the ejection seat of a jet fighter either started screwing around, or just, simply got careless, and set off the rocket powered seat, and shot himself through the roof of the hangar. Yes. He killed himself.
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