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

I learned a lot of things while in the Army. Mainly don't the simple things for granted and be flexible. Things always changes.

you cannot always wait for something to be done by others. self help projects takes paper work with too many explanations of what, why and where. some projects can be accomplished out of special funds within your own unit.

The biggest thing I learned (that I can remember because I'm old now) is that whatever I thought my limit was, it's not. I can do more than I thought, I could, both physically and mentally.

I held life in my hands everyday I worked on Aircraft Systems. Quality Assurance - Safety for everyone became my mission. The NAVAIR really pressed this home. Look for "Man from LOX" and
"Trial by Fire: The Disaster on USS Forrestal" on internet for example. I stood on decks of a "Man of War" at the "Tip of the Spear" and our mantra was "Complacency Kills !!"

Three things:
1. I can do things I could hardly imagine with the right training and effort.
2. Teamwork is not only the way to accomplish the mission. When it works, it is a source of great happiness.
3. A skinny white kid from the suburbs of California can be friends with people of any color and from any background as long as we share similar core values and are working towards a common goal.