What Things Were Difficult to Communicate to Family and Friends About Your Military Service? Login & Share to Win!

I had difficulty at times convincing my family that my job in the Navy comes first. If the Navy needs me 24/7 That should be my priority; and it was. I worked an average of 12 hours a day. America was
nice enough to let many of my relatives come here; therefore this writer should serve her!

Trying to explain why I have to check my house is secured multiple times at night before I can get in bed, why i sleep lightly, dont do well with surprises, and why i eat so fast...too name a few.

On the job training. How do you explain to anyone the process of learning complex skills in a very short time, then being expected, and trusted, to perform them on your own.

Our jargon usually leaves them gobsmacked, also the camaraderie, mateship usually not understood by non service people

The thing I saw and did While TDY to Honduras in 1981

The things I saw and did while TDY to Honduras

Three days ago, SSG Gotz hit the nail on the head for me - camaraderie. I have felt camaraderie within many of my civilian social and professional groups as have my civilian friends and my family. But shared experiences of basic training, of working together as a team to achieve the unit goals, of belonging to something bigger than myself is lost on someone who has not been there. I have felt a similar level of camaraderie in my civilian life during my stint in law enforcement. And that is equally difficult to communicate.

The concept of "moving with purpose". Always leaving coworkers and senior leaders behind as they amble A to B. Unless there is an emergency, they amble. Never got the concept across to them that moving with a purpose is desirable for getting the job done on time, showing the workforce that you are dedicated and serious, and just plain burning calories.

My combat service...unless you've been there, done that, "they" don't understand. Too many just want to know how many bad guys you killed.....no clue about what you went thru or what happened even when you explain it to them....frustrating.

the camaraderie and the experiences we went through