How has it made a difference in your life - good or bad? (Serious answers please - I just want real opinions)
2007-07-25 17:45:08 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
There is not a day goes by that I do not recall something from my past military service (27 years; Air Force and Army). I have had a wonderful life with a great family and outstanding friends. Some from my military past, many who also served in the military, most which did not. The military taught me patience; it taught me that everyone has a right to their opinion but to respect the need for unity and to accept what has to be. I learned early how to identify an honest person and how to pick friends. We all learned the value of leadership and the hazards of those who would make you think they are leaders. Today it is easy to see who is honest and worthy of my respect and the ones who specialize in "song and dance". I recently left a job where I worked for a college graduate who has a wall full of certificates but could not define leadership, honesty or integrity; he was never in the military. I firmly believe everyone one should spend at least one year in the military; partially for our country but more for the personal benefit of just being there!
2007-07-25 17:59:25 · answer #1 · answered by Dallen B 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They say the grass is always greener on the other side right? While I served in they Navy I hated every day. The dread of getting up before the sun even thought about coming out just to run around a circle in 40 degree weather. Pretending to do work while inport for 8hrs a day when everyone knew there was nothing to do. Really, this isn't just me complaining, I was told to pretend to do somthing. Well I now miss it. 5 yrs I thought wasted is now 5 yrs I cheerish. I don't think about all the bad things that happend, the length from family and friends I was seperated. I just remember the people. 5 yrs of a tightness that only those who served know and understand. It's our hidden bond that we share when we meet, no matter what branch.
2007-07-26 01:27:05 · answer #2 · answered by Jacob F 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
While I had a lot of bad experiences on active duty, overall, I would say being in the military affected me in a positive way. First, I got to visit a lot of places most Americans never will. Second, it taught me a lot about leadership, and finally, it increased my confidence 100%. I am a far better person for having been in.
2007-07-26 01:05:27 · answer #3 · answered by ladyinpurple 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Training resulting in 27 years in Avionics, Telephony, helped build 80-100KV Power Systems for laser excitement, Security Systems, Self Service Banking Equip., Data Comm., Tech Support, Training, Sales Support, became Certified Project Manager. Was able to work with several Banks on embezzlement issues resulting in stop loss. Acted as a consultant to the FBI on 1 case, 26 arrests on that one.
Traveled the country for 14 years. Those travel benefits got my kids to DC to see the Holocaust Museum (Their Grandfather was in a liberating unit), The Smithsonian, Fords Theater, The National Archives to see the Declaration, Constitution and the Magna Carta was on loan from Britain. One got to Florida with me and we went to The Everglades.
I would have to say if lead to a damned interesting life.
SSG US Army 73-82
2007-07-26 02:25:27 · answer #4 · answered by Stand-up philosopher. It's good to be the King 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I served during peacetime, so I was lucky. The best thing about the service was the fact that I got to travel to Australia, Africa, and Asia. I made some good friends too. Other than those aspects, the most positive thing it did was that it made me a very hard worker. I tend to endure monotony and difficult tasks more than most non-veterans I know.
2007-07-26 00:53:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Oh man, every time I look in the paper or see things on the Internet I find out more things I have been exposed to. I am a Vietnam Veteran and I have been exposed to Agent Orange and gave birth to three children after my Vietnam experience two of which have birth defects. Now I find out that when we were given our inoculations in Basic and thereafter we were exposed to HepC virus because they used the airguns on us over and over again without cleaning them properly. Then I find out that when I was in Basic we all were exposed to NBCs (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Agents), I am just waiting for the final ball to drop, it'll probably fall on my head hopefully killing me outright so I don't have to wait for all these other things to slowly kill me. Ain't life grand for us Vets?
All in all though, my military time was time well spent, it's just that I am angry that we were put in so much peril from our own government. I love my service in the Army, but it was a bad time for a woman to be in the military and in Vietnam. They killed us and we just didn't know it!
2007-07-26 01:57:21 · answer #6 · answered by Sgt Little Keefe 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I served proudly in the US Navy for 10 years. Even today, thirty years since my honorable discharge I still feel a certain pride in having served. I never miss a vote....I don't complain about my legitimate taxes and for the most part I attempt to stay 'squared away' in all things. I don't miss the 'hen-house' regulations, and if I never eat 'something-on-a-shingle' again it's too soon. Outside of that being an 'anchor-clanker' was one of the high points of my life.
2007-07-26 00:53:42 · answer #7 · answered by Noah H 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The best thing I got out of the Army is I learned a lot about human nature and how people are. Important to know no matter where I go in life.
2007-07-26 00:48:54 · answer #8 · answered by gotagetaweigh 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I grew up quicker. I became more mature. My military experience was something that you do just once, and you're proud forever to have been a part of it. It's helped me get good civilian jobs, and it's made me a better patriotic American. I wouldn't have traded that for the world.
2007-07-26 00:49:03 · answer #9 · answered by C J 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Best years of my life. Wouldnt trade them for anything, could be worse I could be a bum living under a bridge .
2007-07-26 02:13:23 · answer #10 · answered by acot_anthonym 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋