How Has Serving Impacted You? US Army Receives a Flood of Painful Responses

Personally I had my own demons before I joined the Military and my length of service was short ,only a single three year enlistment many years ago,but I’ll also say serving had a profound effect on my later life mostly for the good.

I'm prior service, USAF, USAFR and ANG.. That being said, I initially joined the military due to my life turning into a country song. I lost my girl, lost my job, both of my cars died on me. Haha! I will say though, that joining was the best decision I had ever made! The only thing I would change, is that I would not have Palace Chased out of active duty when my Mom got sick. She healed up quickly after her surgery and went right back into the same hateful person she was beforehand. Lol!

Being a civilian is tough nowadays! Everything is online and impersonal, and all relies on your resume. I've been struggling in the civilian workforce for years now, and even the mentality is different from when I was younger (39yrs young).. I miss the comradery, the military family, the security, and doing something or going someplace new every couple/few years.

Every branch and base has their problems. It does seem like there are a LOT more... Whiney, complaining, change the rules and regs for just me people taking over though. If you don't like the rules say forth by the military, then don't join the military! Sorry about that.. I can get aggravated when it comes to some of the things I've seen and heard happening in the ranks anymore.

That's an interesting question.

There's the, "official" response: "Serving in the Military gave me vital skills that have aided me personally and professionally. I'm very grateful for the experience."

Then, there's the, "speaking with genuinely curious civilians" response: "Well, I'm glad I don't have the option of making the decision all over again... because it's complicated."

Or, the, "some senior officer looking for talking points just asked me" response: "Sir, if you really want to know, please tell me what you aim to do about it if you don't like my answer."

Next, the, "some potential recruit just asked me in order to score brownie points for no good reason." response: "Listen Kid, what is it you want... a good career, an adventure, or catharsis? The Military can offer you all three, just not always at the same time, hardly ever in the way you might expect, and never without big sacrifices on your part."

Finally, there's the, "what I tell myself when I'm struggling for the answer" response: "Brother, you know d@M# well there ain't no point in asking, 'what if?'!"