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

I learned to trust in others and to work as a team. We work together. I learned to believe in myself, that I can shoot the weapon that I have never shot before (I shot expert). That I can run, do push-ups and be physically fit. I wasn't when I went in. I had no idea what to expect when I went in. I just got tired of being robbed when I enlisted. I enjoyed my time in service.

SO much stronger and more capable of real world growth and accomplishments!

I found out I was not as dumb as I had been made out to be, before entering the Navy..

I learned leadership is gained through mentorship.

regardless about how squared away I thought I was prior to the military... the military and my time in, helped to sharpen the sword, focus, and work to better understand leadership/management... and try to learn more each and every day

I learned that my life is always in the hands of our Lord. I should have been killed 13 times that I remember vividly (unknown how many others) but the Lord miraculously saved my life everytime. Not knowing how or why at that time, and they play over and over a million times in my mind, I now realize the Lord has a plan for each of us and as I now realize what the plan was for me as I look at my loving wife of 53 years, our 3 beautiful children and our 7 grandchildren and say thank you Almighty Lord for I have now realized and fulfilled the plan you had for me.

I learned that the desire to achieve is greater than the limitations you think are in your way - and often, you have to get out of your head, and out of your own way, to succeed. I learned that the journey toward this is worth the pain, and through it all, you have the opportunity and responsibility to help lift others with you.

I learned that I could do anything I set my mind to. Physical limitations are mental limitations, you must tell yourself you can accomplish anything. Results don’t happen overnight. I’ve taken that into my civilian life, ran a successful business for 20 years and been a single dad of 4 magnificent kids. A couple tragic incidents in the Army have weighed me down Through the years but didn’t hold me back from achieving goals. The military separated us from the mentality that serves self and held us to a standard of camaraderie. I miss that the most and it simply isn’t available too much in the civilian platform. The closest I can get to that is serving veterans and being plugged in to groups like this. Thank you to all that have served this great country. Keep your head forward and your elbows and a**holes backwards! Oh… one more thing I learned. You know the old saying “watch pot, never boil?” Well… fire watch, never fire!

I learned that I don't have to be dependent on anyone. I learned to drive a 2 ton truck, shoot a rifle, be yelled at by Drill Sargeants, when they told me to put my face in the mud and crawl. I knew it was their way, of thinking I was going to give in and give up. Not!! I became a stronger person, and when I got out of training it stayed with me in my military days in my job. I truly am a Stro g person to this Day.

I learned I could handle unpleasant or even dangerous situations, Communicate well and lead without stress taking over. I was able to react quickly just on instinct. I do credit some very good in service training however for those abilities not all of which I had before. Confidence in Myself to accomplish anything I needed to do developed with the experience gained during my Military service. That I feel served Me well for the rest of My life.