What Things Did You Learn About Yourself That Were Unexpected or Surprising During Your Military Service? Login & Share to Win!

To believe in myself. I learned how to push my limits

I learned that I could handle more heat than I thought I could and that I had more guts than I ever imagined I had.

I was surprised to find out how well I could adapt to different situations; physical, mental, and emotional.

I started when I was 17. I had no idea how disciplined I could be.

I really enjoyed learning. I thrived in the training, trying to suck as much information as I could, even the more in-depth self learning as I dove into how a ship runs. I achieved a qualification the month before I retired, because I wanted to learn more even as I was leaving.

I learned a lot about the power of working together/teamwork. For so long in my life, “teamwork”, was lumped in with social status or some people were just not team members. That made me a lot more independent. However, in the military, you are pushed past those limitations and those that stay away from working with others find themselves forced to get the job done. A lot of friendships are made this way. Alternatively, sometimes people learn to stay away from certain ones but, you begin to find your people. “Your people” are the ones that you share a lot in common with and are able to foster some great relationships with others.

Looking back over my 24-year military career, it struck me that I may have been more capable than I initially realized. My intent was not to stay in the service after my initial commitment (4 years). At the time, the Air Force was desperate to retain engineers so we bargained for the assignment after my initial tour was completed. That assignment led to me gaining expertise on special weapon security, which led to other related assignments (INF Treaty). In the end, I had two assignments as a commander and other roles that were out of the ordinary. Two factors may have played a part in my career - I was in the right place at the right time for certain assignments, or others smarter than me (there are a lot of these sort of people) saw something that I didn't. That said, I give credit for most of any success that I had to the NCOs who helped me develop as a young officer during my first assignment.

I am very tough both physically and mentally. Tougher than I thought...stronger than I thought. I never knew this before I joined the Army. I discovered these things while working alongside people of all sorts, all backgrounds. They challenged me (and not just Drill SGTs) to do things I didn't think I could do...andi saw success, even at getting others to work with me! The military is a very fine start for any youngster...a very fine start!

The quiet leader in me. Yes, the leadership training I received in both my military and civilian career was beneficial, but was still sort of surprised how "normal" it is for me. Feel very blessed for all my experiences and opportunities.

I learned that I can handle more than I thought! I learned so many leadership skills and enjoyed leading! I also learned a lot about teamwork!

That there was more there than you might have thought there was and circumstances and people that you might not have imagined brought it all out. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

I never thought I could push my body as hard a I did or the mind.

I learned to keep my mouth shut, possibly a little too late I'm sure. I learned that I could be useful, I learned I had a talent for numbers and parts. I learned to live a solitary life and be okay with that. I learned that I could do a lot more things than people thought I could. I learned how to run my job even when there wasn't anyone supervising me, and I was good at it. I learned how to take care of myself because no one else was going to take care of me but me. I learned that despite what people said I had worth, and value to the team I was with. I learned how to be resilient and roll with the punches. I got to see and live with people in every walk of life and I loved the wide variety of people that broadened my horizons in life. I learned tolerance, acceptance, and joy in becoming more than I was by knowing so many different cultures and persons from every walk of life. I wish I could have stayed a lot longer but I loved what I did and would do it again in a heartbeat if I could.

I Was Not The Most Physically Aped Kid Growing Up But The Army Tought That As Long As I Gave It My All And Never Gave Up I Could Do Almost Anything Somthing That Has Helped Me My Whole Life

RallyPoint News: In the Army, I learned how to be a great Squad Leader. I led my Squad members with: Honor; Respect; Love; and, with Compassion.
In the Army I was; a Squad Leader; a Graduate-with-Honor; a Sports Director; and, I was a Sports Director for Dependent Youths.

Learning I could run 2 miles was a HUGE surprise to me! I've never been a runner. I hate running. It was the only thing I didn't think I could do.

That even a guy from a small town and just a High School diploma could use the military as a path to multiple degrees, advancement in service to flag rank, serve with and meet people from across the planet, and still love going to work every day. And then, upon retirement, be welcomed into a new, entirely different career in the civilian world.

I learned that I while I loved the honor of serving and the sense of duty,
I could not STAND the politics.

One of the most important things that I learned about myself in the military are that combat troops also serve on humanitarian missions and this role opened my eyes to a career that I had never considered for myself prior to the military. At this point in my life I have almost completed a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling at a private university and I am working with veterans as part of my caseload. In the future, I plan on providing a certain number of hours per week of pro-bono work counseling veterans who need mental health counseling services. The military experience has also opened so many doors and provided experiences that I could have never gotten without the serving in the Seabees, so many skills are transferable to many different occupations. Lastly, I have no regrets and I am proud to have served my country.

I learned a lot but key among them was just how much sacrifice is truly required to be in the service and how many don't appreciate it until they've done it. My father was a Chief and was constantly out to sea and until I served I thought he had a choice and always made the one to work on Christmas when in fact it was his ship, boss, etc.