Has your prior military service ever come across as negative as a civilian?

2014-12-20T14:29:42-05:00

Let's be real for a moment, when the USAF tells a Recon Marine they don't want them because they are too combat oriented....that has a ripple effect across the decades. A lesson learned early, although tough to stomach.

Example: I was long for applying for a Patrolman position with the Long Branch, NJ police. I had made all the cuts, I passed the PT test, background check (so I thought) and made the second interview. One of the sergeants asked me about my Marine Corps experience (with a very condescending tone, I might add) upon my exit, he saw a tattoo on my neck, he stopped me and asked if I was in a gang....I was floored. With that good ole Marine Corps wit, I quipped, "If you classify the US military as a gang, then yes, I am part of the world's largest gang". I may have blown my chances, but I feel If he had to ask if I was in a gang, my chances were already slim.

Another example: Working for the PO and I asked for Thanksgiving off months in advance, purchased my ticket, and waited. When TG came, the 30 Year retired USAF supervisor says I can't take leave, I asked him why? He said, this is just like the military, we own you. Needless to say, I turned in my resignation right then and there. And just to add fuel to the fire, when the Police Dept. called for a reference, he told them I abandoned my job.

Another example: I am pretty proud of my accomplishments...no kidding right? I build my business website and listed my schools and accomplishments on the 'Meet the doc' page...my wife with her degree in marketing tells me to remove it all. She said, working as a chiropractor, people may associate you as a killer, or something along those lines...I was like WTH? I never imagined my military service could possibly have a negative connotation on my civilian occupation.

If you have had similar expereinces, please share.

Have you had to tone it down to find work?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 5:00 PM

2014-12-20T17:00:34-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, I find this hard to believe. I guess I've lived a sheltered life. The deal about applying for a job with a police department and your military service being frowned upon. Maybe they have had problems with citizen Soldiers who have had to take time off the PD job to serve in the military? I would think police departments would want folks with military service.

As for your chiropractic web site ... I see your wife's point, I guess, but - again - don't most people embrace the military? I mean the average joes and janes of the USA. I get the deal about PTSD and the possible fears there. I just don't think that's what people think when they see or hear that a person has military experience. I admit I could be wrong about that.

I did not experience any negativity when I transitioned, but, then again, I transitioned to a civilian job with DoD (Army), so there would likely be very few negative feelings about my having been in the military when I'm continuing to work for the military. I guess it's the sheltered life deal.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 5:14 PM

2014-12-20T17:14:07-05:00

I have had it both ways. Some jobs have looked at the attention to detail and self discipline that they envision coming from a soldier as an asset. In those cases, my military experience helped me.

On the other hand, I had a potential employer tell me that he thought it was 'rare for someone in the military to be in the (veterinary) field' and that he was concerned how my annual training would be 'potentially detrimental to the clinic during the busier summer months'. I informed him that it was not an issue with the other clinics I had worked for, that they supported the military and were willing to work with me, regardless of the legal requirement to do so. I ended up taking a position elsewhere.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Dec 20 at 2014 5:33 PM

2014-12-20T17:33:41-05:00

It has. People have preconceived notions about what it means to be a veteran. When they find out I am a veteran, automatically I have to fit into that preconceived notion. Unfortunately for me, many times those are negative. "The military squelches your imagination," and many other similar statements have been said to me.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Dec 20 at 2014 5:57 PM

2014-12-20T17:57:34-05:00

You picked the wrong State........ The east coast is very liberal and has a biased attitude against Army - Marines - SpecOps. Western Rockies prefer soldiers or prior experience police. I went right from the Army into Idaho Law Enforcement for 20 years. Oregon used to be open to prior service. I don't know where they stand now.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 20 at 2014 7:12 PM

2014-12-20T19:12:57-05:00

In NJ the neck tattoo would have been enough to not get the job.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Dec 20 at 2014 7:54 PM

2014-12-20T19:54:03-05:00

Actually, it's helped and harmed. My experience with the PO is that my experience definitely helped. Rather than a condescending tone, they were extremely pleased that I had prior military experience. But then I guess it's who you interview with. If you got a second interview with a person who couldn't qualify for the military, then that person would probably be inclined to give you a hard time and a negative review. You should have checked out the department before hand to see if there were negative perceptions of the military. But I have to agree with MSgt Joshua Copeland, the neck tattoo probably didn't help your chances.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 10:00 PM

2014-12-20T22:00:43-05:00

One thing I've learned that in the NG is that no employer is 100% cool with the concept. Even with a supervisor that is understanding, it's tough to tell them that you need time off for drill, annual training, or schools. In a world where payroll has been slashed to a minimum in some cases, I've been told that it is a major inconvenience to accommodate my NG duty time and again. You can say that "it's the law" for them to comply, but in an at-will state such as mine... it gives them a reason to get rid of me in favor of someone with a more open and predictable schedule.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 11:44 PM

2014-12-20T23:44:10-05:00

I guess I should have picked up on it recently, as one of my Marines mentioned something on FB, a Killer turned Healer....sort of cool in the right circles but not to circle of influence. Again, another reason I may just fully transition to RP over FB...again, another example. My wife deletes herself from my friends list because of all my miltary - type posts. I clearly haven't transitioned well. Thank God you guys are here to talk me off the wall.

Response by SPC Leisel Luman made Dec 21 at 2014 12:22 PM

2014-12-21T12:22:07-05:00

Yes. When I initially got out I was outraged at how the American flag was rolled up in my college class room. I unrolled it and confronted the teacher who stared at me blankly. While driving through my home town I was the American flag tattered torn and hanging upside down at Mcdonalds. I complained to the manager who stated it's been like that for weeks. I informed him that it must be takes down. He said he was busy and didn't have the time. I told him there is a Veterans group down the street with lots of time if this does not get taken down now that's my next stop. I backed my truck up to the flag pole blocking the drive through lane and it was like magic. He suddenly found the time. My daughter was like " not again mom". I told her no matter how many times it takes. My patriotism and loyalty to the flag did not help me win friends and complicated school matters. Oh well... I do what I believe is right. I can tell you when you come into the civilian world of today it can be maddening. Good luck

Response by MSG Karl Arrington made Dec 21 at 2014 8:33 PM

2014-12-21T20:33:22-05:00

I must be lucky with my experiences, I haven't had anything close to that kind of resistance to my military background. I can kind of see the question about the tattoo, but that should have been one of the first questions asked. I've been through "adversarial interviews" before and they try to throw you off your game. All the candidates went through the same interviews and some of them had no military background. Your PO supervisor sounds like an ass (not mincing words), there was no reason to treat anyone like that. The chiropractic/killer connection is odd to me and the first comparison I've seen like that.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 22 at 2014 10:55 AM

2014-12-22T10:55:27-05:00

My resume used to have a pretty large chunk devoted to military service. I scrubbed it down and condensed it to the dates I served and something like "served in the United States Army as a professional soldier in the following MOSes. Please ask if you have further questions."

I'm getting to a point where I may drop that, as well. I got out ten years ago and have been gainfully employed (and also tragically unemployed), and as much as I loved my time in uniform, I have bills and kids just like everyone else. That comes first. And realistically speaking, at this point I think people nowadays see military service from 2001 onward as being a liability -- "this guy might have PTSD and shoot the place up if we tell him he can't have an off-day", for example.

Response by LtCol Matthew Rajkovich made Dec 24 at 2014 10:13 AM

2014-12-24T10:13:49-05:00

I was very surprised in my transition. I had to throttle back A LOT!. I stepped on a lot of toes and made some hurt feelings until I figured out which buttons to push. The tempo, sense of urgency and pride in the product of their work is vastly different from what I was conditioned to on active duty. Many won't perform simply because it's in their job description. Many more civilians need to be coaxed and swayed into doing their jobs. It's as if they're being paid just to "have a job", and you need to give them something more if you want them to actually "do the job". Now, this is a sweeping generalization and a little unfair. There are great civies out there that work like a fiend; they’re good people. But I was shocked to find out how just many terds there are out here. WOW!

Bottom line: Many are well aware of the level of performance you can bring. That can scare them. Often you are not being interviewed by a person with a stake in the success of the business. If you are being interviewed by a middle manager, he/she may instead see you as a threat. My advice, use only the elements of you military background that market you for the job you're seeking. Leave your resume "light" (it’s only a recon). It should hit key points only and draw their interest to want hear more. Save the rest of your ammo for the interview. If they don't like you after that, you probably won't enjoy working there.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Dec 24 at 2014 10:32 AM

2014-12-24T10:32:48-05:00

I had some issues at my last job. I got the job, and I was working a project, and I had to go on a trip for the Army. I asked what the procedure was if I had to take time off for the military.

My boss was a huge, class A, butthole. I sent an email with the dates I needed. He responded that we would need to discuss the days, and if I could be spared, I would be allowed to go.

I had a meeting with him, and at that point I told him... "I'm not asking for the time off, I'm telling you I won't be here."

I know we are supposed to be very accommodating to our civilian employer, but this guy was terrible. He was just a jackass. I ended up quitting not too long after that. The only job in my life that I've ever quit, and I felt glorious when I did.

I have my military service prominent on my resume, and if the company doesn't like it, they can roll it into a tight cylinder and file it... sideways.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Dec 24 at 2014 11:10 AM

2014-12-24T11:10:44-05:00

I had always intended to roll into an Air Force Civilian position upon retirement, but that wasn't meant to be. My resume was very Military concentric and was best suited for the intent of posting to USA Jobs. I was picked up by the Department of the Navy (SPAWAR) and I've been supporting the USMC mission for the past three years.

While I maybe a civilian, I'm a DOD Civilian and work with a bunch of hard chargers that I always have to stay sharp with. I do take the inter-service jabs and move on with the mission. I'm extremely thankful to still be in the Military Community, I don't know that I would be able to tone it down for the "other" civilian workplaces out there.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Dec 24 at 2014 12:17 PM

2014-12-24T12:17:00-05:00

Boy, howdy has it.

As a teacher, I tend to be pretty chill, while still upholding the standards of my classroom. In the past, simply my haircut (high-and-tight), my attire (button-down shirt, jacket and tie), and the fact tat I'm a veteran have led parents to the misconception that I was too "militaristic."

Giving little Johnny a lower grade because his homework was late and giving little Suzie a failing grade on a quiz because she neglected to study is not militaristic...it's upholding standards as a teacher.

The toughest teachers I have ever known, the ones who acted like Drill sergeant-wanna-bes, were among those who never served in the military.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 25 at 2014 11:30 AM

2014-12-25T11:30:56-05:00

No, I don't believe that my military service was ever an impediment to my civilian life in any way. It never contributed to my failures to get or keep a job. It never contributed to the failure of my first marriage. It never got in the way of my other relationships. It never caused me to be a bad parent. Nope. I did all those things on my own. No help needed, thank you very much.

Response by SFC Royce Williams made Dec 25 at 2014 11:38 AM

2014-12-25T11:38:04-05:00

All of my jobs post retirement were due to my military experience. As I was an Infantryman since I was 18 the only skills I had were attention to detail and discipline. However, I have to laugh with my newest job. Part of the reason I received it was due to my military but almost everyone I work with was scared of me for the first six months. They have since realized that even though I could kill them doesn't mean that I will lol.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2014 3:44 PM

2014-12-25T15:44:49-05:00

I can honestly say that my prior service Marine experience has had a negative impact on my Air Force career. Just a week ago I attended a board for an E-8 position. I was already selected for an E-9 position, I was just appeasing the boss at this point. After the board and after the Commander made his selection from the applicable candidates, I spoke to every person on the panel for feadback Of my performance. Everyone of them were AF their whole career and each one told me that I had too much snap and pop more or less, so I got dinged for being too military. I laughed and retorted with "the AF is still a military entity is it not?" You can take the The Marine out of the Corp, but you'll never take the Corp out of the Marine! Jealousy? Envious? You decide.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 25 at 2014 3:52 PM

2014-12-25T15:52:33-05:00

SSG Michael LoGiudice, I really enjoyed reading you post. It was very interesting to read about your experiences. I have had similar experiences but in a different light so to speak. I had a break in service from 04" to 07", and at some point in my break bouncing from job to job I was working in a McCall manufacturing plant in Manhattan, KS. By the way, McCall is a fabric pattern making company. Anyways, in the military or at least in the Army, I feel like I can sit down with anyone in the Army at a table and eat my food because we are all wearing the same uniform and those are my people; we are all Soldiers working for the same organization and under the same President. I sat down with a group of employees who were around my age group and apparently, they did not like me sitting there for some reason and they did not voice those feeling to me; they went directly to the floor supervisor. The floor supervisor told me they were there first, and I shouldn't sit there. He never told me I couldn't sit there so I kept on sitting there. I didn't really give it a hill of beans, and I was going to sit where ever I wanted to and I did. I continued to sit in the same place until they decided to move. On another note, many of the employees knew of my military history and they were sort of rude to me, and I took it in stride for a while but I refuse to be a push over unless its to my advantage and to someone else disadvantage. One day a young lady wanted to speak to me about where I sit during lunch and how many of the employees do not like me. I let her get out less than 10 words, and I quietly and tactful told her how pathetic she was how I did not care of what people here thought of me for I came here to earn a paycheck and not make any friends. Needless to say, she left my AO crying and she never spoke to me again.

Response by SPC Noah Jacobs made Dec 25 at 2014 11:08 PM

2014-12-25T23:08:35-05:00

Yes I have been discriminated against for my military service

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2014 12:34 AM

2014-12-26T00:34:03-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member I also was told by a Active duty Air Force recruiter no thank you. I was a corporal radio operator with 3/11 and he told me I was to Marine Corps NCO oriented to be any use to the Air Force. That is why I went Air Guard they didn't care they took all prior service.

And it really irks me when I relate a current story to something from the military and folks say, "enough with the military already, I don't want to hear about the military". "Is that all you know"?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2014 12:40 AM

2014-12-26T00:40:17-05:00

Let's be truthful Guard/Reserve is frowned upon my many employers. They would never tell you that but they don't want the hassles of you leaving for drills or deployments.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 26 at 2014 1:16 AM

2014-12-26T01:16:56-05:00

I have heard more than a few people say, "people who join the military don't know what they want in life"

Then I said, "people who go to college and study general studies and work a part job at minimum wage don't know what they want to do in life either".

An awkward stare ensues because I just stated something profound. I have heard people with lots of education state this. It was assumed by some people since I was in the military I was not college educated or smart enough to do that. My question to that was, "What is your highest achieved level of education?". I then say, "Well I have more education than you".

Response by SN Reece Russell made Dec 26 at 2014 2:42 AM

2014-12-26T02:42:09-05:00

Being a Navy Vet and moving back home to an Army base area has been the hardest part of finding a decent job. 5 years out and going from minimum wage to almost decent pay in the retail sector has been the best I was able to do. Most of the "Military Friendly" employers only want Army vets here and when I called one out at an interview I was escorted off the premises.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2014 3:47 AM

2014-12-26T03:47:21-05:00

I worked in Marketing in the Guard and I learned many things about Marketing. You really have to canvas the area first to get a feel of the atmosphere. If they were to post a statement supporting the troops I would litter my resume with military experience and skills. If they didn't and were displaying a CALEA logo I would boost of my academic experience and leadership skills more. The issue with military experience is there no one really knows what it means. Would telling a police department that I am ranger and airborne help me out. Not at all. They really don't know what it means or may even have a negative impression as they may think it is only a school to teach to kill.

I did have one experience after I got hired by a Sheriffs office. I was getting my physic eval and the Doc set down his files and asked me how I felt about the US invading Iraq. I tried to steer away from it but he wasn't having it. The report said I was "Bat shit crazy" but I was already a cop coming from another department so they really didn't think much of what was said.

Having military experience really helped me get my last job. It is pretty much a qualifier for it.

Response by PO2 Gerry Roberson made Dec 26 at 2014 7:11 AM

2014-12-26T07:11:14-05:00

All I can say is MIKE FOXTROT!

Response by 1LT David Moeglein made Dec 26 at 2014 10:09 AM

2014-12-26T10:09:45-05:00

I have worked in the mental health field for the past 15 years, with a heavy dose of working in government and non-profit organizations. I am amazed that of the managers I have had, how few of them were interested in pursuing excellence. I have a tendency of giving people honest feedback in the interest of trying to improve organizations, and keep people from getting hurt. I figure that when people hire me, they get leadership at no extra charge. In bureaucracies, this is not usually appreciated. I recently made the transition to the for profit world in private practice, where being proactive is considered a strength. Life is good!

Response by SPC Leisel Luman made Dec 26 at 2014 12:27 PM

2014-12-26T12:27:57-05:00

I commented previously on this topic but this wound I kept deep in my heart. When I got out I was also getting divorced and my Ex was using my PTSD as a weapon to take my child from me. At my VA C&P exam I pleaded not to service connect my "PTSD" because of the stigma associated with it will be used against me. Especially bc it was for postmortem care of infant. I did my job like a soldier but when I went home and pulled my daughter from her bath to try her little toes I saw dead baby toes and got sick . I got help for the flashbacks and nightmares. They service connected me for the symptoms without the label. Believe me in court my military medical record, diagnosed problems, traumatic event and medication was forced out of me on the stand . Because the VA Rater worded the document Service Connecting me without the label. Disgusting as it was I had to Recount the event.. I was honestly able to say yes I'm treated for anxiety and sleep problems. I have less money but I have my kid. If this helps even one person it was worth digging up this old bone.
Sincerely

Response by SGT Steve Smith made Dec 26 at 2014 4:12 PM

2014-12-26T16:12:59-05:00

"Feds hire vets" is "bull shit"

Response by SPC Eric Bailey made Dec 27 at 2014 12:18 AM

2014-12-27T00:18:49-05:00

Never been a disadvantage for me.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Dec 27 at 2014 1:22 AM

2014-12-27T01:22:26-05:00

I can't say my veteran status has been a help or a hindrance. I can say I've been turned down jobs due to excessive education. Police, 320ch at the time.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2014 1:35 PM

2014-12-27T13:35:15-05:00

I feel, as a 33 year old male who has been "over there" and included all my military experience on my resume, yes, yes, hell yes. Maybe it is the two visible tattoos I have on my arms, maybe I'm a jerk, I don't know but I've been told too many times I'm "overqualified" or "we'll get back to you." 1LT John Martin , I'm in the same boat!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2014 1:44 PM

2014-12-27T13:44:06-05:00

Oh, and as "veteran friendly" as an organization says they are, I feel strongly that civilian employers with no experience or knowledge of the military, regardless of branch, think we all have massive PTSD or PTS or whatever they call it now.

Response by PO3 Larry Payne made Dec 27 at 2014 5:42 PM

2014-12-27T17:42:49-05:00

I've never had a negative response from being a veteran. In fact, in my present job, the Banner Healthcare Administration sought out the veterans in their workforce for a Veteran's Welcome project they initiated for the veterans who come to their facilities for treatment.

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Dec 27 at 2014 6:14 PM

2014-12-27T18:14:17-05:00

I live in South Louisiana. No, it has not limited employment opportunities.

Response by SFC Mark Bailey made Dec 27 at 2014 6:16 PM

2014-12-27T18:16:32-05:00

Yes
As i went into my transitional period months before retirement not only did my Military background interfere, my MOS did as well. If that wasn't bad enough, being a retired E-7 actually came up twice. In each case the job went "to someone more deserving". Personally at least two of the interviews stopped within minutes of my MOS being asked for, so I will always believe it interfered.

My first job was actually delivering Military supplies north of the berm and quckly led to one job position after another further and fyrther away from the safety of a FOB. My current job required a security clearance but they were shocked to discover I was "just a simple Grunt..."

So yes, I agree
...and it will probaby never end....

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Dec 28 at 2014 3:11 AM

2014-12-28T03:11:39-05:00

*grin* Be glad you weren't in that position in '79. We learned quickly to minimize who knew we were ex-service. It wasn't an active hostility, it was more an attitude of them just wishing we would go away. We could embarrass them into giving us a chance, but it was an uphill fight. It gradually changed over time until Grenada and Panama gave the country a visible reason to be 'proud' of us again. Even then, you'd still run into the jerk who thought less of you because of your service. You still do and will continue to do so. There's always those who feel like they won't measure up to your example, so they'll block you when they can. Sometimes employers simply don't understand what you bring to the table in terms of discipline, professionalism, and sense of duty. The military IS popular now, but nobody is going to give you anything but "Thanks!" for free. You need to figure what they're looking for and then show them you have it, or you can learn it. The main thing you need to do is show them you can get the job done. In the end, that's what they're interested in.

Response by SGT Edward Valiket made Dec 28 at 2014 3:44 AM

2014-12-28T03:44:23-05:00

From a personal perspective the neck tattoo on a no no, don't get me wrong I have tattoos but they can be covered when necessary like a job interview young people these days do not think about how their actions will effect them in the future. I feel sorry for you that you are effected this way but in many ways it us your own doing so don't whine about it. Remember you thought it was pretty cool once

Response by SGT Jonathan Williams made Dec 28 at 2014 1:18 PM

2014-12-28T13:18:46-05:00

I am proud of my service. It has been the most rewarding experience I have ever had. That being said, I don't disclose as a matter of policy; with rare exception. For example, I find that while attending college classes, those veterans who disclose in the course of a instructional discussion get "those looks" and some disdain. It is not a fighting point for me. So I have early learned that disclosing at every point and turn is not the most advantageous for me and my desired outcomes. As for employment, I have been blessed enough to find employment via usajobs so during the interview it would not be an issue. Federal employment has a system to grant some preference to some veterans. So I think it is how one manages this. Not everyone everywhere, at all times need to know my prior military status. It does not do me any favors except in rare circumstances.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Dec 28 at 2014 1:46 PM

2014-12-28T13:46:42-05:00

Well my friend a visible tattoo on your neck, no matter what it said, will not do an applicant any justice either.

Response by SPC Ezequiel Cervantes made Dec 29 at 2014 12:32 AM

2014-12-29T00:32:12-05:00

Not at all. I think things like location, what branch of service, age, combat vs non combat experience, mos, and what career field you are marketing to would have too many variables to make a reasonable comparison that you could draw any conclusion from on employers and veteran hiring practices as a whole. Myself, being a 3 year vet, no combat experience have always had my military experience shine as a positive. Gov contractor, trades apprenticeship to journeyman mechanic, on to a very successful career as a pipeline operator on the trans Alaska pipeline, my military experience on my resume was always a big plus in the hiring process, and gave me the leadership tools and confidence to excel once I landed the job. Never had any employer view it as a negative. Maybe this is because of the fields I have works and maybe because of my location in Alaska.

Response by Cpl Christopher Peter made Dec 30 at 2014 12:39 AM

2014-12-30T00:39:25-05:00

I get drilled with questions about my Military service in job interviews. Soon as I bring up Infantry I can see an immediate change for the worse. I have a college degree, leadership experience, internships, freelance jobs and have critiqued my resume dozens of times with multiple professors.
I truly feel that I would have better luck leaving my Marine Corps experience off of my resume.

Makes me feel disappointed in our society.

I've tried telling the truth and even lying about my service. Every single job questions me about Iraq and my toughest experiences while in the service. I literally have to lie to not freak out the interviewer.

If you want a decent job never join the INFANTRY.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 1:15 AM

2014-12-30T01:15:38-05:00

I can't say it had an adverse impact but I have to wonder. I recently spent 3 years looking for work. I think age, military service, over education, and the economy were all factors.

I also understand that with less than 1% ever serving, the private sector doesn't understand how to use us and are insecure.

After reading this thread, it is quite discouraging.

Response by Cpl D. Blake Wilson made Jan 7 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-01-07T17:01:48-05:00

Response by Cpl Ryan Ortega made Jan 8 at 2015 11:25 AM

2015-01-08T11:25:57-05:00

So far no.

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Mar 2 at 2015 12:17 AM

2015-03-02T00:17:29-05:00

I haven't looked for civilian employment yet. So my experience is different, but similar.

Civilians have a hard time understanding my dark humor. They also don't understand the need to finish a task as soon as possible and correct the first time.

I'm really not looking forward to transitioning in seven years.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 1:49 PM

2015-06-03T13:49:05-04:00

Over 99% has no military affiliation. Many folks out there seem to misunderstand the true value of military service.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 19 at 2015 8:35 PM

2015-06-19T20:35:39-04:00

I have heard my son deployed and he had no PTSD, why do you have it? I was medically retired and was told I should get a job, and the obligatory the ME is no Vietnam.

Response by PV2 Abbott Shaull made Jun 25 at 2015 8:33 PM

2015-06-25T20:33:15-04:00

It doesn't come up unless they ask. Since for most jobs, being 11B who had year in doesn't help much who made only E-2 due to injury. Except for the fact that I was always on time, and pulled a lot of CQ duty and Battalion Duty in my Company and Battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division 2nd Brigade as E-2 I might add. The Lt. Colonel and the Majors as well the Sergeant Major always shook their heads when it was our Company turn to provide the duty personnel and we were out in the field. They knew damn well who the First Sergeant would try to send up to Battalion if 3rd Platoon wasn't pulling CQ duty at Company, or if we were pulling at Battalion I would be up there anyways. In order to keep another troop in the field. Ah the good old days, when the old timers could fuck with people for just general purposes....

Response by SPC Tim Richardson made Sep 22 at 2015 3:00 AM

2015-09-22T03:00:21-04:00

I've been told that my military training has made me a violent/unstable person with no remorse towards the general public......