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

i learned i have more strength when I need to make difficult decisions, I like to help others in need and that I will protrct my family not matter what

I learned to be on time, my can do attitude, that I could enter civilian life again after being a combat infantryman in Vietnam, etc.

It took some time, but I learned that I could think on my feet, resolve problems quickly, and make decisions in adverse situations. I also learned that there was something bigger than me, and that people are more alike than different. I also discovered that I liked being a soldier, and I got pretty good at it. Still screwed up from time to time, but got past it.

I learned trust, confidence in myself, learned to ASK for help, and give help to my comrades, learned that I can count on them and myself when all else fails...I learned that I am stronger than I realize, it's OK to ask for help, but at times, being proactive is good too...Even if you fail and fall, AT LEAST you tried. Plus, when I tried, and inevitably failed, my senior leaders didn't always write me up, they helped me up, and explained how to do it better, so I didn't fail at it the next time. A very good learning tool. I tried to do this in the civilian sector, but alas, it doesn't always work out well...

I learned I excel when I stop caring what others think or say about me and just do my job and be my own person.
I also learned to look around and put myself in other's shoes but maintain who I am.
Both part of growing up.

I learned that I could depend on others to do their part , and know that I was expected to do mine.
then just getting the job done right and on time was all that was expected. I learned that doing your part was the best reward.

I learned I was recognized as a leader. Every promotion in enlisted rank was a surprise to me.

1965 On the DMZ in Korea, The most surprising thing for me was how fast the ground could come up and hit me in the face when machine guns started going off in the middle of the night shooting Green tracers that are ricocheting everywhere when they hit the ground & rocks about 100 yards from me. I was on guard duty in the Motor pool. I never seen green tracers before in my life, only Red. So I was sure it was North Koreans. I radioed for back-up at our head quarters about a quarter of a mile away. The guy on duty in the office on the radio with me says. Well I didn't hear anything, I can't leave my desk. I'm here alone, besides everyone is sleeping. I couldn't believe what I was hearing from this guy that is now questioning me like I'm lying. I see he's going to do nothing. I hang up, I'm on my own. I don't hear anything after that so I assume they moved on. After I get off duty I go in the office & this guy is off duty & gone. The next day I report what happened & after checking around. They found out another company was returning from patrol out on the zone that night an they all decided for fun to unload their M-14's before they got back to there company. They had their rifles turned to AR or Automatic just out from the motor pool. They were just screwing around before they got home. They got my attention big time.

I've learned to become a much stronger person than I realized, and maintain disciplined when in difficult situations. Now that I'm retired, I see where all that I have learned, fits right into place. I'm financially stable and looking upwards to a better life for me and my spouse. I have also put to use all that I've learned from being in a leadership position.

I was adamant that I would never join the military but I ended up joining and I learned that even though I am an introvert, I enjoyed the comradery and the family in the military.