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

That I can keep control under fire and use my military training to defeat the enemy.

I learned to love to learn and that I could learn anything

I discovered an inner resolve, a dedication to something I never knew I had

We were ambushed on Thunder Road about 2 weeks after I arrived in country. Everything unfolded in slow motion. The jets were screaming overhead dropping about 100 yards in front of us. I looked over to my left ( I was in a VTR…M88 tank retriever) and saw 3 VC staring at us. Their AK’s were at port arms, neither threatening nor surrendering. I deferred to my driver (6 months in country) and said what do we do now. He replied,”You’re the Lieutenant!”. That motivated me to dismount and capture them with my .45. More importantly, I never forgot his words. To this day. Applicable in every way.

I learned that I could run, and that I liked it. Something that was not previously on my to do list.

My ability to persevere through adverse situation, my ability to lead as well as my capacity to care for all my Airmen.

During my time in the National Guard I was at a seminar and learned some new things that were about to be implemented to the Guard. I was asked by the Logistics Officer of the state to give a briefing to a few people, and when I went to the podium I was in front of well over 250 individuals, to include some high ranking National Guard Officers. My time in the military had given me the confidence to speak to anyone, anywhere at any time about what I knew and what my opinion was concerning current operations. From a young man who jumped when someone said boo, to a seasoned Warrant Officer who was confident in what he knew is the main thing that the military taught me during my tenure. Till this day I still have that ability to write and talk with confidence and that is still surprising to me.

What I most found surprising about myself is the sense of independence. I was 18 leaving home for the first time from under my parents support. I was becoming a Marine and what I learned at Parris Island changed my life and I became an independent thinker. Improvise adapt and overcome became my future and thats how I live my life. But at 18 I couldnt see myself like this before the military

I entered the Service at a later age than most. Never in my life did I think I would do this. I was a military wife, for years, but signing up is different. I learned (lol) if yiu are td to do something it's do it. The only thing I am afraid of is Heights. So when we did the Repelling off the tower, I was so nervous, Inknow the Drill Sergeant knew it. So it was my turn to climb up. Up I went. I was fine. Whew, they buckled me in, and told me how to go down the wall. Well half way down my rope slipped a little, and my knees buckled and scraped the wall big time. I got down and was done!! Not. Drill Sergeant says "BLANKENBECKLER" GOOD JOB, now let's do it again. I was strong inside me and upnI went and this time NO issues. I learned to take control of my Fears thank you

I learned that I am strong, determined and loyal. I always did what it takes to accomplish the mission.