What have you learned about the military that surprised you?

I learned what the Coast Guard does. As a USAF C-130 pilot I learned about the Army and Marines "up close and personal" hauling their people and stuff around for years. AF officer education taught us about the Army, Navy, and Marines also. The Coasties were seldom mentioned. My Coast Guard education started with a USCG exchange pilot in a C-130 qualification course. He was my flying partner as we both qualified as C-130 pilots (my second time through the course). Later on I served on Unified Command Staffs with USCG officers. The multifaceted mission capabilities of this small military service are very interesting. They fly reconnaissance and rescue missions using fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft; they patrol the US Coast Lines; they inspect all types of boats and ships for Marine Safety and compliance with Federal Law; they have arrest powers to enforce Federal Law; they are often responsible for water-side security at military ports or when military operations are taking place at civilian ports; they sail ice breakers, cutters, and many types of smaller boats; they provide emergency evacuation for civilians during and after natural disasters; they deploy with other US military forces to provide their unique expertise and to enforce US law and international agreements.

I remember this article about SGT Johnsen in those old Soldiers Magazines.