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

I learned that I could do more things when I put my mind into it. Not giving up so easy and being resilient.

I enlisted in the Army on 6/1962. I had never been near or operated a firearm. In Basic Training, we trained on the M-1 Garand rifle. I loved the mechanics, ease of disassembly and assembly, and the precision of how it works. Later during my service, I qualified on the M-14 and the Colt 45 sidearm. I was surprised at how easily they worked and how deadly they can be. Being left-handed, I was surprised to learn that all those weapons and indeed I surmised all weapons are designed for "Right Hand Use". When fired the hot, oily spent cartridges are expelled to the right and if the weapon is fired "Lefty" the cartridges go right across your face! Also, the safety switch is activated by the right thumb. A "Lefty has to use two hands!!

After being raised in a rough and tumble but common sense household I learned I had patience to deal with an amazing amount of stupid and still stay calm.

I found out that I am stronger than I thought.

For me, I learned what patience, reality and what the real world was. Coming straight from high school you were on the high from graduating and doing all the graduating high school stuff. Getting awards and hearing what the CT National Guard was offering me. But when basic training hit thats when reality hit the fan.

I learned I'm too good for hard drugs and the ghetto mentality. Send my young white ass back to the Burbs for Christ;'s Sake.

I joined originally to follow in my fathers footsteps as he served 4 years in the US Navy himself long ago. I also was enamored with warships, their design, function and more. And I always had a love of the water and boats. And finally, I loved the history of our country, its founding and heritage and I badly wanted to do my part to keep that sacred and secure and safe.

My family was also patriotic and proud to be Americans and to uphold the Constitution and its words. And so I knew early on I wanted to do the same. I think what surprised me the most was two fold, first how different I looked at my service compared to others. I was there because I truly believed in this nation, our Constitution and defending it per my oath. And yet so many others were "just there for the school money". And second, the fact I excelled to a level even I did not realize I had in me. I actually graduated #1 for both my A School and BE/E schools for my training period and groups. I loved it and while I was a C student in high school because to me it was all boring, the Navy training and schooling fit me to a tee.

I retired in 2014 due to my military injuries, of which I have a few service connected that are pretty severe. But if asked, I would not hesitate to go back in uniform to serve the Constitution and our Republic if need be. I hope that day does not come where things get so bad, the need may be there for even those like me, but if that day does come, I will not hesitate to stand tall once again with pride and honor in uniform.

First thing i learned was i could push myself far beyond what i thought was my limit . And there was nothing i couldn't do if i worked at it and wanted to do it bad enough .

I was able to be able to learn of the differt cultures and views of the other soldiers. The change from civilan and the military life were so vastly different that ut takes a few days after entering the military life I saw that there was so much more to learn not only from the surrounding vibes that was able to start that change. Now only if they had away to help us to be able to adapt to this crazy Civilian life... be blessed

I learned that I have aphantasia thanks to a coworker talking about his wife having it.