Help working on a quote?

Question

There's not suppose to be a question mark after that.

"20 years of darkness, 7 days of hell, a lifetime of....."

This is a quote on the Navy SEALs. 20 years is the average age of a SEAL candidate who goes in not knowing much about himself (darkness), 7 days of hell is the famous "hell week" (google it), and a lifetime of... what? I was sort of thinking "enlightenment", but it doesn't quite cover all the bases like I would want it to. It's generally a word based on being more wise, not just mentally but physically too. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

What do you guys think of Achievement?

There's no need to make an anti-war sentiment point in a military related post. But because I am a SEAL candidate myself, I feel I should say something in reply. The SEALs volunteered knowing good and well what they could / will be doing. They are highly trained professionals and prepared for what they are put into and likely more so than any other unit out there. Most would be proud to die a heroic death as a Navy SEAL in war, rather than of old age in a bed. Don't feel sorry for them, they wouldn't want you to. They are out there fighting so you can be happy at home, warm in your bed watching your favorite TV show, enjoying life. Not complaining on a Yahoo web-site about what you think they feel. If you do care, you could do something beneficial to their effort in the war. You can go here http://www.blackfive.net/main/2006/09/help_a_navy_sea.html and donate blood to a Navy SEAL, or if you can't donate blood you can be eligible for the bone marrow program.

Answer 1

Knowledge....

Answer 2

how about dedication, Honor, and/or loyalty? What have you learned from being a SEAL candidate? Try describing what make a SEAL a SEAL and use that. And instead of 20 years of darkness, how about after 20 years of innocence, blindness, or naivety since you don't have any idea what is REALLY out there or what you are made of until you test it and yourself

After 20 years of innocence comes 7 days of hell to achieve a lifetime of brotherhood

Answer 3

I'd choose the word "grief" - though there's those out there that would probably think "glory" is more apt. So many buddies get killed; so much gore; so much not knowing wot the hell you're doing; being told to do things that in your heart of hearts you know just aren't right. They give medals to the dead too I guess....

Answer 4

Refinement

Answer 5

professionalism

Answer 6

joy