What military lessons did you have to unlearn to be successful in civilian life after service?

SN Timothy Ehrenhaft — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 10:07:00 -0500

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 25 at 2016 10:09 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 10:09:43 -0500

To be honest I did not have to unlearn anything SN Timothy Ehrenhaft. I expect that is because I unlearned various things during the 34 years I was in the military. One thing I unlearned early on was the expectation that what I experienced was the typical experience of all soldiers. This was in 1974-1976 when the Army was changing from a heavily draftee army to the voluntary army of VOLAR.
many things I learned helped me in civilian life and life in general.
Being able to respect all people regardless of rank, color, ethnicity, social status or background helped me tremendously in civilian life.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Feb 25 at 2016 10:14 AM

SGT Scott Bell — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 10:14:03 -0500

To be honest I did not have to unlearn anything.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Feb 25 at 2016 10:15 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 10:15:16 -0500

Had to drop the 'yes sir' 'no sir' super enthusiastic, affected or ingratiating regard toward them. Civilian bosses like to be deferred to and shown oodles of respect, but don't care for the military approach, it makes them feel a bit uncomfortable if you make it too obvious.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 10:22 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 10:22:20 -0500

Topic of discussions that would offend an individual with zero military service.

Response by SPC Michael Mandzi made Feb 25 at 2016 10:28 AM

SPC Michael Mandzi — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 10:28:43 -0500

Everyone is not held accountable.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 25 at 2016 10:30 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 10:30:49 -0500

That I am not in charge lol. A very humbling experience.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 25 at 2016 10:37 AM

Capt Brandon Charters — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 10:37:49 -0500

I had to learn that civilian team dynamics are much different than I was used to in the military. There is no company mission that's stronger than what we had on our plates: defending the US from all enemies. As such, a team's resolve is directly impacted by how much they care about the company mission. In the civilian workforce, there are a lot of people that don't really care about their job and it becomes a real leadership challenge for us to break through to these folks on a personal level and motivate them to get the job done.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Feb 25 at 2016 10:54 AM

PO1 Brian Austin — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 10:54:20 -0500

Language, jargon. I found out "need to make a head call" or "time to turn to" brought raised eyebrows and quizzical looks. I called my new PM "sir". He said "that's the first and last time, my name is Bob not "sir". Also had to tone down the "colorful metaphors".

Also lack of accountability was/is/has been very noticeable.

Response by MSG Wally Carmichael made Feb 25 at 2016 3:05 PM

MSG Wally Carmichael — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 15:05:53 -0500

Since I mostly do my own thing, and I work around military, I just do me. 25 years of culture does not go away quickly, and I don't want it to. It's who I am. I did not have to learn to control the jargon and acronyms because I've worked around many civilians in my career and that was always one of my pet peeves, don't use acronyms if you don't know what they mean. Many just repeat and don't really know.

Response by SGT Larry Prentice made Feb 25 at 2016 3:50 PM

SGT Larry Prentice — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 15:50:18 -0500

Swearing. That was my biggest challenge. I have been using the F bomb since I was about 12 so it was easy for me to throw it out there and not think anything about it. In business that word is not accepted in most areas.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 25 at 2016 5:36 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 17:36:46 -0500

That can't pack a weapon to work.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 6:34 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 18:34:17 -0500

In Navy Boot Camp, the first lesson we were taught was: "If it moves, salute it. If it doesn't, paint it." I had to unlearn carrying a gallon of Haze Grey around with me everywhere!!!