Posted on Apr 1, 2014
PV2 Greg Hitchcock
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Many people say, including our drill instructors and post commanders, that the military transforms confused teens in to mature adults able to handle any situation and willing to offer help at a moment's notice.
Do you believe we would have been different people today without the training the military offers? In what way?
What does it mean to be a veteran or on active duty compared with those who remained civilians?
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Responses: 5
LTC Jason Strickland
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The military definitely has a positive influence on youth-turned-adults in our society.  Look at the other options...
There are good people in all walks of life - whether they served in the military or not - but the discipline, sense of camaraderie, patriotism, leadership skills and ethics that come along with military training are key contributors to our culture.  Sure there are some bad apples, but the overwhelming majority of those who come through the service are of great benefit to this country. 
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PV2 Greg Hitchcock
PV2 Greg Hitchcock
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Not only that, I believe military training gives even those with limited means to achieve anything in their lives an opportunity to show their mettle, improve themselves and advance in the ranks. 
This often gives them courage to face the world post-military when achieving such as family life, career goals, and the like.
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PO1 Javid Benson
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without service I would be lost, I love my service will not change it for anything, wish I spent more time seeing my daughter grow up and my family more but at that time I was enjoying the service
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Cpl Ehr Specialist
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Several answers for the several questions:

I think that everyone of us have been affected in some way by our training. maturity, discipline, structure, family, everyone is touched.

To be a veteran or active duty, means we should have a better understanding of what it means to sacrifice. For many we sacrificed careers, money, standing, etc. What was gained, for most, is a deep abiding love and respect for our country and the rights we have because of people like us.

Many civilians I talk with, a) do not fully understand the rights they have b) do not fully understand how those rights are maintained. With that basic lack of understanding it is difficult to respect others opinions when they only see half an equation.

I like the idea of mandatory service, so that everyone gains some perspective. I know this is not possible in this country, however, I do believe some European countries do this to some success.

I was having an interesting conversation recently with another veteran, which centered around the movie "Star Ship Troopers". Before you laugh, what we were discussing was the concept of a global government where in order to be a citizen you had to have been in the military. Only citizens had certain rights. granted allot of that show looked like Eastern Europe circa 1939, but interesting concepts utilized there.
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