What's the most frustrating question you get asked by civilians?

SN Vivien Roman-Hampton — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 12:04:44 -0400

Share your experience and how you react to those questions.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 12:10 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 12:10:22 -0400

It's a tie between:

"Did you ever kill anyone?" and "Do you know (insert name)? He's in the Army, too."

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 12:19 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 12:19:35 -0400

You're in the Air Force? What plane do you fly?

I answer with a D35K

Response by MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 12:42 PM

MGySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 12:42:29 -0400

I'll mirror MSG Private RallyPoint Member :
Q1: "How many people have you killed?"
Q2: "Oh, my son's in the Marines, do you know Dave?"

The answers honestly depend on the demeanor of the person asking and my mood.

Professional responses:
A1: "None, and I hope I never have to."
A2: "No I don't know <insert random name here>, but he is very brave to be serving a grateful Nation."

Irritated Responses:
A1: "Lost count, and the day isn't over yet."
A2: "Sorry, no."

Response by PO3 Jacob Jenkins made Aug 1 at 2017 1:10 PM

PO3 Jacob Jenkins — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 13:10:29 -0400

The Do you know so and so question is definitely the most common to random people I talk to or family/friends. That one I just say no but then ask them where he/she is stationed and what he/she does and show interest in them then thank them for his/her service.

Another I have run into is in the job seeking world. I have been asked this on multiple interviews... "What's your real world experience?"

This one is difficult to answer because it left me dumbfounded. It was almost like everything I did in the military didn't matter. Has anyone else ever heard this or run into this kind of attitude?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 3:23 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 15:23:44 -0400

Other than how many people have you killed, which has been covered, I really hate these:

1. Do you think we're doing the right thing in Iraq/Afghanistan? Answer: I have no clue. I'm a lieutenant (at the time). I only see what's 100-500 meters in front of me at any given time. I don't even know what's going on in other parts of Iraq.
2. What do you think about the [insert foreign army]'s new rifle/tank/plane? Answer: I have no clue what you're talking about. I don't get briefed on foreign military equipment upgrades and I don't do personal research on it.
3. Do you think we'll go to war with [insert foreign country]? Answer: I have no clue. I see exactly the same thing you see on the news. I'm still waiting on the president to call me to personally give me the plan. :)
4. Do you like serving under President so-and-so better than President so-and-so? Answer: I'm so far down the totem pole it really doesn't make a difference. I go where I'm sent and once there, it's business as usual.
5. Do you think we should nuke [insert foreign country]? Answer: Holy crap. That's way above my pay grade.
6. Do you have PTSD/Did the war effect you? Answer: Not to the point where it is a disability, no. Thankfully.

The list could go on...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 4:54 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 16:54:14 -0400

I always answered "have you killed anyone?" with "no, but the day is still young."
I had a civilian boss start a conversation with "you had a top secret clearance, right?" That's always an interesting way to start.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 5:27 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 17:27:09 -0400

Hmmm..interesting responses. Many vets complain about the void between civilians and military, yet when civilians ask questions, it seems many get frustrated or give sarcastic answers, because it seems the civilians don't ask the "right" questions.

Response by SGT Harvey Watson made Aug 2 at 2017 3:05 AM

SGT Harvey Watson — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 03:05:04 -0400

Mine isn't a question as much as a statement uttered by civilians that always gets me. I love the, "I almost joined the *insert service branch here*". That is by far the most agitating comment any civilian can utter. The ensuing stare awaiting your approval afterwards or words of praise at said persons difficult sacrifice of not serving just drive me nuts. I always enjoy the vague excuse as to why they decided against it. Take a tip from thumper, if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2018 6:24 PM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 18:24:39 -0400

"Fire controlman? That means you're a firefighter, right?" Said by too many people back home