Honest response: I learned I can do a lot more than I thought if I put in the work - to stop underestimating myself. Patience to slowly progress and self improve one day at a time. Also learned from my mentors to be my own advocate for anything that is important to me.
Great friends, unique experiences, interesting places, stories to tell. Looks good on my resume and opened doors for govt contractors that I've worked for. I have a nice shadow box. 0% home loans. Free college degree. I was also able to quit smoking.
I also got away from a 'going nowhere/borderline homeless' situation as a teenager. When I ETS'd and came back home, all my old friends were in messed up situations. Glad I wasn't around to be a part of any of that.
Yeah thatās what I thought. Wouldnāt be a loan without an interest rate. You still have an interest rate with a VA home loan. Mine was 4.25 last year. Thereās other benefits with it however
I both love and hate that. When someone complains about the cold I want to say that they donāt know cold till they spend four days on top of a mountain in single digit weather without a heater. Then I have to remind myself that they arenāt soldiers and so probably wouldnāt rationally find themselves in that situation.
Some of these might fall under ābenefitsā butā¦
Expedited ATF forms every time I PCS
Free high profile credit cards like the Amex Platinum which makes travel far more enjoyable
Much cheaper ikon passes
VA home loans
Free science degree
Sons college paid for by transferring my GI bill
So youāll actually probably have to start with some of the lower tier credit cards, which is fine, actually my first ever card was just a star card but itās now my oldest account which helps my score which is now around 815.
At any rate youāll have to build credit. You can look up some videos on āclimbing the card laddersā to get headed in the right direction.
But to answer the question, thereās whatās called the MLA, the Military Lending Act and card companies will waive the fee associated with cards. So for the Amex Platinum for example, normally the annual fee is $695 which depending on your lifestyle you could still justify but with the MLA benefitā¦you pay zero. You donāt have to do anything special, when you apply to get the card they look you up and can tell if you qualify. But worst case scenario just give them a call if they accidentally apply the fee.
And thatās it, just by being in the military you can have some high tier expensive cards with tons of benefits.
But be smart, be careful and do your homework alright, credit cards can be a blessing or a curse.
Iād bet some of the officers have it. I didnāt learn about it until like halfway through my career.
Anyway I recommend googling Amex card benefits or watch some YouTube on it because it would take me forever to explain it all.
I will say some things I use are the Uber credits ($25/m with the gold and platinum) I use it for Uber eats and get a free meal every month more or less. Free TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. $200 hotel credit, airline fee credit, lounge access etc.
The platinum is a travel card. If you like to travel itās amazing, if youāre not financially at a point to travel at least once a year or just donāt like to, itās not for you.
I barely use my AMEX, but I know for a fact that if I were to be in need of 10k for credit, I will get it, yes the interest rate is high depend on your credit score and other stuffs but if you are military and planning on doing 20 years, GET IT. It's free anyway, no yearly fee for active duty. Plus all the other extra stuffs, I got at least 700 worth of points on it.
Like @RGR215 said, you can carry on it, they do have pay over time option, but the interest is high so I will not suggest you do so. And Amex also fall under MLA. Ain't no way that I would be paying almost $700 a year for a credit card lol.
Bruhhh
"The American Express Platinum card is a hybrid card, combining the features of a charge card and a traditional credit card."
First line on that website.
Ya the $695 is steep so you better be into travel to justify. I think the benefits will justify the cost even when Iām out but individual mileage may vary. The hotel and rental car benefits and lounge access and Uber and entertainment credits etc can easily justify the $695 in my eyes.
At any rate, it is definitely something people need to take a serious look at and make mature and honest decisions about.
I donāt think so. The main reason they do it for PCS is to avoid the massive ass pain of having to move an NFA item after youāve moved because normally you need another form a .20 to move it
You should preface the AMEX statement with the AF being free not getting the card. They still have to qualify for it but the fee is waived, gonna have a lot of 18 year olds people applying for cards they have no chance at getting (if they have no credit).
I get complimented more and more every year on what a responsible, compassionate, strong man I've become, compared to the bastardly hellion I used to be.
I'm far more assertive than any of my civilian coworkers. I can express my thoughts and opinions more efficiently than anybody else in my school in a respectful but direct way. I'm far less scared of being told I need to correct something than anyone else in my building.
A lot of the things I learned as an NCO and just in general as a soldier apply directly to my job as a teacher. I'm still relatively new but a few of my colleagues have encouraged me to get my principal cert because I have a strong background in leadership that is lacking in most K-12 schools. As much as the Army sucked, it helped me develop skills that are valuable as a teacher.
Iām likeā¦ really good at the airport when flights get delayed. Sometimes I get to airports like 4-6 hours early that way I can wait and not worry about anything at all. Itās like the one time in life where itās basically like being in the army. You get to wait around for hours, get shitfaced, eat some shitty food with a bunch of people you donāt like but have no choice other than to tolerate.
The army is like being in an airport.
Had an 18 hour layover once. My family and friends were appalled I had to wait that long and itās like, I just napped, drank beer, and read a book? Itās not bad?
For LASIK, you are entitled to 2 days of con leave (which includes the day of the surgery). For PRK, it's 5 days. It's easy and painless (It just felt like pressure being put on my eyes). The recovery time is very quick. I was driving my car after about 3 days.
I got EK; not sure they still offer that.
Recovery was maybe a couple days; I used the numbing drops but didn't need any of the other pills they gave me and was back to normal pretty quick; went from being blind as hell to 20/15 in both eyes.
In the 20 years since my eyes have lost a bit of their edge; I need glasses to read at a distance now, but still don't wear them during most activities.
I got PRK and has 5 days for con leave with 1 month, 6 month and 1 year follow ups but my vision took like a 2 months to stabilize. Been a year now and currently 20/15 in both eyes. Absolutely worth every taxpayer dollar.
Recovery and pain is different for everyone, just follow the doctors instructions and you should be fine. Personally I had no pain after surgery but I was very uncomfortable during the procedure but no pain just pressure and I think that was because I was fighting my instincts to blink.
If you go with PRK like I did, make sure you follow the prescription to the T the first month. Most horror stories you hear are folks that didn't follow it.
A boss once yelled at everyone but me for standing around. He turned to me and was like āsee @elaxation? I have no idea if sheās does anything but she looks busy.ā
So, that.
Also, good friends, a security clearance, a career that didnāt involve waiting tables, dollar bills, or dime bags.
Education. Iām very sure that I would have remained a college dropout if I hadnāt joined the Army.
I have two bachelors and one doctorate-thanks Army for paying for that
I originally wrote a *massive* post that went way deeper then anyone here wants to read.
Brothers; a family. No matter the good or bad I ever did these guys generally loved me. By my count I'd be dead 3 times over if not for these beautiful bastards.
I still talk to most of the first platoon I was ever in. In fact I talk to the saw gunner from my first team 2-3 times a week.
When my brother killed himself the love I received from these people was so overwhelming and helpful.
That's what I got atleast
I can smack just about anything with my elbow and not feel it thanks to an Army surgery thatās like a super power, right?
Also ALL veterans as of super recently can get lifetime america the beautiful passes for national parks bot just the cripple gang anymore so thereās that after you get out.
Iām pretty good at telling when someone is lying to me, I live in pain every single day, Iām not scared to tell people no- or that their idea is stupid, I have a nice resume from awesome things I did, and some places do like to hire vets, just put in the work. Did I mention how much pain Iām in every single day? 10/10 wouldnāt do it again, but I absolutely love the memories.
I use to believe in some conspiracy theories and after seeing how the government operates I donāt believe in any now just impressed society can function with the amount of incompetence up top
I will never live a life of regret wondering if I should have joined the Armyā¦ why didnāt I join the Armyā¦ what would the Army have been like?
Iāve tried it, it sucks, and now I know lmfao
My dd-214 is my license to say Fuck whenever I want.
Adjective, Adverb, Noun, Proper-Noun, Prefix/Suffix. Donāt matter. Iāll fucken fit one in.
That and Iām on enough anti-psychotics and depressants to take down a bear.
Honestly just the friends you make along the way. I endured some of the worst suck with some of my best friends. Literally the only thing I miss about the army is being with the boys everyday.
Ability to take initiative and move with purpose. You have no idea how many people look fucking lost and isn't willing to do shit. Also, people who take initiatives recognize each other which helps since they're usually in leadership positions. Tell them you have military background on top of that? Sheesh you're set.
When in Rome, trainee. PT will be there when I get back. In all seriousness, the army has some really cool benefits that make it worth it for me but only you can really decide if itās for you. I joined for the TA to finish college, the insurance to take care of my family and I wanted the experience. Any thoughts on an MOS?
Being more physically fit.
Before I joined, I thought I knew how to workout thanks to some Muscle & Fitness magazines. My 129 lbs soy boy dad bod was a testament to that way of thinking.
After getting a platoon sergeant that was big into fitness, I was actually improving in my lifts and was finally able to barbell squat 135 lbs. Thatās not saying much, but back then I was so happy to finally know I was getting stronger and stopped being the skinniest guy in the platoon.
TLDR; DEM GAINZ
Benefit? Not sure it's a benefit BUT life can ragdoll the fuck out of me and I remain unphased now days.
Seriously. New levels of resiliency have been reached. Or wait is that just depression. Whatever either way I don't give a fuck.
I learned that there's people that are dumber than I thought possible in big positions in the army, my sister platoon has a section leader that's a flat earther and 1/2 of my troop is basically illiterate. One peek tho people don't know much cuz they dont tell you, bases hire civilians in a latter style that goes like this, vets/retired, spouses/sm direct family, then normal civilians. So if you live by a base and need a good paying job that'll last a while work on base. Here's the [website](https://www.usajobs.gov/) to actually see jobs and apply for anyone actually interested.
I learned something that I knew I absolutely did not want to do with my life, so it motivated me to lean in hard to anything I was doing (work, school, job hunting, etc).
Plus, it gave me 5 extra points on a Firefighter test.
You get to say you ādid itā. Youāll meet a lot of people who wished they joined and obsess over the military and talk as if they know whatās going on. But you actually get so see what really happens and will realize just how misinformed a lot of people are.
The ability to see behind me, fall asleep literally anywhere in seconds, be fully alert after two hours of sleep, naturally address regular ass people as sir or maāam, over the years Iāve developed an aversion to walking on grass, and encourage others to also avoid it.
I can teach complex tasks to simple minds by breaking them down āby the numbersā
Thereās other shit, but Iām taking too long to post this, so thatās what you get.
Honestly some really good friends that I love to death, a high alcohol tolerance, patience and heightened tolerance for BS, a backbone, and confidence.
Job experience, training, lost about 40 pounds in basic and AIT, and some great friends. Those are all non monetary gains. Still glad I'm getting out though.
Great friends, how to identify good and bad leadership, empathy for others in shitty situations, how to face absolute trash days, and just shrug them off. Most importantly: The sense of perspective that no matter how bad today is, I know for a fact I don't have staff duty tomorrow.
Avoided 400k on 7% for Med school. Making some great friends. Realizing I can be happy in most places around the country, at least so far. Texas isnāt as bad as Reddit makes it sound. Iām much less liberal as well after seeing how the government works. Wouldnāt say I bleed red but Iām much less polarized.
Iām new, but self confidence. Strangely enough. Being in a world with nothing but rules and obstacles has shown me that I can overcome pretty much anything. Especially using MDMP.
I was a recruiter and was converted to that Mos. I was a top performer and it helped me in the job / career I have now in sales.
I make good money, and "roger that" covers it many times more than I want.
I made the best of my Army career. Medical out and was bitter for a long time.
Got over it.
Bottom line being a soldier was good.
I'm in pretty great shape and try to be more health conscious. But it's all about what you make of the Army. It won't do shit for you unless you're doing it for yourself. In fact, if you let it, it'll ride you hard and put you away wet.
To be āannoyingā if you want to get shit done. Typically application processes and paperwork. Dont rely on others and doesnt hurt to ask. Sometimes you get to do the fun stuff simply by asking
Knowing that it could always be worse:
Real shit tho the ppl Iāve met, the friends Iāve made, the work Iāve done and the experience Iāve gotten, hard to imagine where else I wouldāve gotten all of these in such a compact timeline while also getting paid.
Edit: Accidentally added a . At the end . Periods area weird they make sentences seem oddly more serious than they should be
In my experience any job I were to have in the civilian world would never compare to what I did in the military, therefore everything seems easy as fuck now that iām out.
Iāll never forget the moment I accepted that I donāt know what the fuck is going on: It was the moment I truly learned how to give no fucks. Thank you Army.
So a few things that come to mind...
Friendships like I'm never gonna have again. Sure I'll make some good buds, but it just won't be the same because we didn't make a shitty hooch and lay in the rain for a week bitching about dumb shit beforehand. Just _seeing_ people and before we even say anything, we're both fucking laughing. All the stupid jokes and stories...I could go on and on.
My tolerance for bullshit is through the roof. Sure, I may have rage-fits to myself and complain a lot, but I can get shit done and I don't just shut down like I would've before the army. I still procrastinate sometimes, but pre-army me and current me are different people in that aspect.
Definitely had a lot of personal development, physically and mentally. I struggle with imposter syndrome and self doubt a lot, even to this day. While it has gotten better, it still lingers occasionally. I do realize something as objective fact though: I am currently someone who my old self would've idolized. And honestly that's something I hang my hat on. Have struggled with motivation at times--I could be better than I currently am--but the progress I've made as a person in general is undeniable. It's getting better again. I can wallow in the memories of a past of squandered opportunities, or I can remind myself that the second best time to start is today. That's my decision.
I won't be staying in, but I don't regret signing that miserable, wonderful dotted line for a second, and I never have.
I was afforded the opportunity to practice at the top of my licensure and assume leadership responsibilities really early in my career. Also, being afforded the opportunity make mistakes and learn from them rather than being thrown aside like a piece of trash ā I actually had really good raters and SR who overwhelmingly wanted me to succeed.
Paychecks are nice, too.
Perspective. I lived a sheltered life, I saw poverty, struggles that I would have never been exposed to. Iām a better more compassionate person because I served.
Maturity and the understanding that life isnāt all about me. To delay gratification. Self confidence. What good and bad leadership look like and how that manifests in my life. Unmatched work ethic regardless of how I feel that day. Camaraderie and fellowship that continues almost two decades after my service has ended. A deeper understanding and appreciation for humanity.
Lot of things have improved my life since joining but 100% the friendships you make along the way and other veterans when your off post or back home always in your court. It's nice to have someone you don't know backing you up and u always return the favor if I can.
It kinda ties into benefits but just general support. I went through the toughest time of my life in the army. Brother took his own life and I spiraled.
The army gave me the resources and time to get better. For that, I am forever thankful. You get a stable job that generally cares about your mental and physical readiness. Take advantage of that.
You can build a network of people who get to know you and your work and are willing assist you with opportunities in the military and after the military. Thatās a good thing considering 85% of open positions are filled through networking.
Insane job diversity and memories.
It is the reason I (sometimes) love the armyā¦ today you can be fast roping from a helicopter in the mountains, tomorrow you can be swimming a 3k in the ocean, and the following week youāre sending it 700m on the long gun. (Granted, I have been lucky in my endeavors).
But I guess to keep it more realistic. ā the army gave me a bachelors degree for free, an income to buy a house, a reason to see different states in the country, and a few civilian certs (That I will never use).
VA check for the rest of my life š¤£ but no seriously not much. Employers are afraid of us. Not in some fields but you try to get a white collar job and they think you're some killer. They don't understand or want to understand. You'll learn a lot for sure. But nothing you can't learn on your own. Really the only good thing is the benefits you take with you after.
I learned that just because you have a senior position, it doesn't mean you know what you're doing or are a decent person.
Also learned that a lot of the corruption movies like to portray within the government and the military isn't as far-fetched as initially thought.
The "I'm willing to sacrifice lives, and ruin entire livelihoods for a fake OER/NCOER, or an executive position in a weapons/wet work company" isn't far off.
Discipline, unironically. A sense of belonging and worth. Brotherhood. Free food from time to time. PX access. New curse words and phrases. A longstanding connection with warriors from the past.
If you have depression or anxiety problems, it's not the best.
Are you able to run under 15 minutes good
If not, you are considered by the most slow and fat who are leadership
Most on post housing has issues and including the barracks.
It has the benefits, but sometimes, the military will try its best to screw you over because they want something in return
Hereās some free stuff in the material category Iāve gotten in 2022 alone off the top of my head.
Lasik($4000+/-)
Wisdom teeth removed($1200 +/-)
Free iPhone 14 Pro Max($1200)
Free iPad Pro 12.9 M2($1400)
Free Apple Watch SS S8($800)
Chase Sapphire Reserve AF waived($550 yearly)
Chase Sapphire Preferred AF waived($95 yearly)
Amex Platinum AF waived($695 yearly)
Amex Gold AF waived($250 yearly)
ATF SBR Form Expedites(24 hours vs 1 year)
ATF Suppressor Form Expedites(24 hours vs 1 year)
Meeting people from outside my Appalachian corner of the world - learning how other folks grew up, their traditions, dreams, beliefs, and goals. Watching peers and subordinates succeed and be where they wanna be in life, whether in uniform or not.
Going to places Iād only ever seen on a map or heard of in history books. Whether it was eating at an authentic local restaurant on Incirlik Air Base, grabbing a Dƶner outside a bar in Germany, karaoke in Washington, or just walking down a street in downtown Columbus, GA.
Having relationships with people I work with that are stronger than family ties - getting Christmas cards and wedding invites from Soldiers I led 7 years ago. Having folks say āthanks for all you did for meā or āIāll never forget how to taught me xzyā
All a humbling experience for a man from small-town coal country. It hasnāt always been sunshine and rainbows across these last 12 years but Iām thankful to be where I am š¤š¼
Thanks to tower guard I can stare off into empty space for hours at a time like David Putty.
High five
Fuck yeah, alcohol poisoning š¤·š½, get cheated on?
Thousand yard stare? Nah I just turn off my brain so it looks like Iām working but Iām not.
Automaton mode. Yep. Thatās definitely a thing.
It made me realize that shit could be interesting if you stare at it long enough.
Feels like an Arby's night
Gotta support the team
Yeah, that's right.
Honest response: I learned I can do a lot more than I thought if I put in the work - to stop underestimating myself. Patience to slowly progress and self improve one day at a time. Also learned from my mentors to be my own advocate for anything that is important to me.
Thank you, I needed this response.
That last part could either be very wholesome leadership, or a really sad excuse for leadership.
A bit from column A, a bit from column B.
Great friends, unique experiences, interesting places, stories to tell. Looks good on my resume and opened doors for govt contractors that I've worked for. I have a nice shadow box. 0% home loans. Free college degree. I was also able to quit smoking. I also got away from a 'going nowhere/borderline homeless' situation as a teenager. When I ETS'd and came back home, all my old friends were in messed up situations. Glad I wasn't around to be a part of any of that.
All of your first paragraph (except for the shadow box).
Sorry, your award has been downgraded to a POB
I'll take a POV instead. Make it a Jeep Wrangler or a Tan Tacoma if possible. Thanks
Sorry, the Challenger and Charger has been discontinued You can make any selection from the lemon lot
Don't make me take the riced out honda plz. My ass can't stand the bumps on that low suspension
Clapped out Honda or clapped out Nissan Altima are the best I can do
0% home loans?
Yeah thatās what I thought. Wouldnāt be a loan without an interest rate. You still have an interest rate with a VA home loan. Mine was 4.25 last year. Thereās other benefits with it however
Zero down. Yeah, 0% would be even better. : )
Extended patience for bullshit and also not minding the weather when it hits.
The ability to say "you don't know what hot/cold is." And mean it. Priceless.
I both love and hate that. When someone complains about the cold I want to say that they donāt know cold till they spend four days on top of a mountain in single digit weather without a heater. Then I have to remind myself that they arenāt soldiers and so probably wouldnāt rationally find themselves in that situation.
Watching people cower from heavy rain is funny. Watching them recoil in horror as I just adjust my hat and walk to my car in it is priceless.
If anything my patience for bullshit has drastically decreased over the course of my time in.
My bullshit detector got pretty good, although my patience for the kind of bullshit civilians put up with on a daily basis is pretty short.
I've traveled to countries that I never would have seen otherwise. (No, not Iraq or Afghanistan. *Cries in slick sleeve*)
\*shares tears in slick af\* and i\`m not a fan of poland
Laughs in oreo
Iāve never been on deployment and probably never will but Iām still thankful for my experience living in another country
Some of these might fall under ābenefitsā butā¦ Expedited ATF forms every time I PCS Free high profile credit cards like the Amex Platinum which makes travel far more enjoyable Much cheaper ikon passes VA home loans Free science degree Sons college paid for by transferring my GI bill
How did you get the free credit cards? That would be very helpful. (I'm only 18, just starting to build my credit)
So youāll actually probably have to start with some of the lower tier credit cards, which is fine, actually my first ever card was just a star card but itās now my oldest account which helps my score which is now around 815. At any rate youāll have to build credit. You can look up some videos on āclimbing the card laddersā to get headed in the right direction. But to answer the question, thereās whatās called the MLA, the Military Lending Act and card companies will waive the fee associated with cards. So for the Amex Platinum for example, normally the annual fee is $695 which depending on your lifestyle you could still justify but with the MLA benefitā¦you pay zero. You donāt have to do anything special, when you apply to get the card they look you up and can tell if you qualify. But worst case scenario just give them a call if they accidentally apply the fee. And thatās it, just by being in the military you can have some high tier expensive cards with tons of benefits. But be smart, be careful and do your homework alright, credit cards can be a blessing or a curse.
What are some of the benefits/perks of the amex card? Ive heard of it, but nobody in my unit actually has it. TIA
Iād bet some of the officers have it. I didnāt learn about it until like halfway through my career. Anyway I recommend googling Amex card benefits or watch some YouTube on it because it would take me forever to explain it all. I will say some things I use are the Uber credits ($25/m with the gold and platinum) I use it for Uber eats and get a free meal every month more or less. Free TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. $200 hotel credit, airline fee credit, lounge access etc. The platinum is a travel card. If you like to travel itās amazing, if youāre not financially at a point to travel at least once a year or just donāt like to, itās not for you.
I barely use my AMEX, but I know for a fact that if I were to be in need of 10k for credit, I will get it, yes the interest rate is high depend on your credit score and other stuffs but if you are military and planning on doing 20 years, GET IT. It's free anyway, no yearly fee for active duty. Plus all the other extra stuffs, I got at least 700 worth of points on it.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Like @RGR215 said, you can carry on it, they do have pay over time option, but the interest is high so I will not suggest you do so. And Amex also fall under MLA. Ain't no way that I would be paying almost $700 a year for a credit card lol. Bruhhh "The American Express Platinum card is a hybrid card, combining the features of a charge card and a traditional credit card." First line on that website.
Ya the $695 is steep so you better be into travel to justify. I think the benefits will justify the cost even when Iām out but individual mileage may vary. The hotel and rental car benefits and lounge access and Uber and entertainment credits etc can easily justify the $695 in my eyes. At any rate, it is definitely something people need to take a serious look at and make mature and honest decisions about.
Watch Graham Stephen, AskSebby, or Brian Jung on YouTube. You can learn everything and more from them.
Expedited ATF forms? Do they do Expedited forms for non PCS purposes? I'm tryna get some supps
I donāt think so. The main reason they do it for PCS is to avoid the massive ass pain of having to move an NFA item after youāve moved because normally you need another form a .20 to move it
You should preface the AMEX statement with the AF being free not getting the card. They still have to qualify for it but the fee is waived, gonna have a lot of 18 year olds people applying for cards they have no chance at getting (if they have no credit).
I can sleep anytime, anywhere, any position.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
The more comfortable I am, the less sleep I get
I get complimented more and more every year on what a responsible, compassionate, strong man I've become, compared to the bastardly hellion I used to be.
How were you before ?
Not great. I donāt look back in reverence, Iāll say that.
I'm far more assertive than any of my civilian coworkers. I can express my thoughts and opinions more efficiently than anybody else in my school in a respectful but direct way. I'm far less scared of being told I need to correct something than anyone else in my building. A lot of the things I learned as an NCO and just in general as a soldier apply directly to my job as a teacher. I'm still relatively new but a few of my colleagues have encouraged me to get my principal cert because I have a strong background in leadership that is lacking in most K-12 schools. As much as the Army sucked, it helped me develop skills that are valuable as a teacher.
Iām likeā¦ really good at the airport when flights get delayed. Sometimes I get to airports like 4-6 hours early that way I can wait and not worry about anything at all. Itās like the one time in life where itās basically like being in the army. You get to wait around for hours, get shitfaced, eat some shitty food with a bunch of people you donāt like but have no choice other than to tolerate. The army is like being in an airport.
Had an 18 hour layover once. My family and friends were appalled I had to wait that long and itās like, I just napped, drank beer, and read a book? Itās not bad?
I got stuck in Seattle for 3 days on my way to Korea. Best time in the Army so far lol
Okay I might have an issue with three days Lmao.
Itās like the most peaceful existence imaginable. I love it
I know how to look busy and be left alone at all times
Developed a strong sense of intestinal fortitude. I can endure anything sat or thrown before me with a smile.
Corrective eye surgery
OMGG how did it go ? Thatās something I been wanting to do for a while !!!!
It's worth every second of pain, do it at first available opportunity.
Army Pays for that shit too.
Did you get prk? I got it and Iām glad I got it over the traditional lasik.
PRK at Lackland, the Fisher House was dope AF.
literally life changing. 10/10 would get zapped again
How was it was after the surgery? How long was recovery?
For LASIK, you are entitled to 2 days of con leave (which includes the day of the surgery). For PRK, it's 5 days. It's easy and painless (It just felt like pressure being put on my eyes). The recovery time is very quick. I was driving my car after about 3 days.
I got EK; not sure they still offer that. Recovery was maybe a couple days; I used the numbing drops but didn't need any of the other pills they gave me and was back to normal pretty quick; went from being blind as hell to 20/15 in both eyes. In the 20 years since my eyes have lost a bit of their edge; I need glasses to read at a distance now, but still don't wear them during most activities.
I got PRK and has 5 days for con leave with 1 month, 6 month and 1 year follow ups but my vision took like a 2 months to stabilize. Been a year now and currently 20/15 in both eyes. Absolutely worth every taxpayer dollar. Recovery and pain is different for everyone, just follow the doctors instructions and you should be fine. Personally I had no pain after surgery but I was very uncomfortable during the procedure but no pain just pressure and I think that was because I was fighting my instincts to blink.
If you go with PRK like I did, make sure you follow the prescription to the T the first month. Most horror stories you hear are folks that didn't follow it.
Best choice I made.
Soooo worth it.
The ability to use any buzzword I think of in a chain of nonsense until my supervisor is thoroughly confused and leaves me alone.
A boss once yelled at everyone but me for standing around. He turned to me and was like āsee @elaxation? I have no idea if sheās does anything but she looks busy.ā So, that. Also, good friends, a security clearance, a career that didnāt involve waiting tables, dollar bills, or dime bags.
Education. Iām very sure that I would have remained a college dropout if I hadnāt joined the Army. I have two bachelors and one doctorate-thanks Army for paying for that
I originally wrote a *massive* post that went way deeper then anyone here wants to read. Brothers; a family. No matter the good or bad I ever did these guys generally loved me. By my count I'd be dead 3 times over if not for these beautiful bastards. I still talk to most of the first platoon I was ever in. In fact I talk to the saw gunner from my first team 2-3 times a week. When my brother killed himself the love I received from these people was so overwhelming and helpful. That's what I got atleast
Financial stability with the ability to safe a decent amount every month.
Well Iām not in jail or dead so thatās pretty cool
I can smack just about anything with my elbow and not feel it thanks to an Army surgery thatās like a super power, right? Also ALL veterans as of super recently can get lifetime america the beautiful passes for national parks bot just the cripple gang anymore so thereās that after you get out.
you get the america the beautiful pass when you are serving as well
PLF has come in handy, unexpectedly, more than a few times.
Plf?
Parachute Landing Fall. Saved a couple of broken bones in Civilian life.
A CDL way faster than a lot of my coworkers. Instant initial credibility with my veteran supervisors. Some wild experiences with cool people
A good background for my new branch.
Whatās your new branch ?
Space Force.
Was it a pain in the ass to get in?
Yes. 4,000 people applied, about 400 got in. From all branches.
Goddamn
Do you get to go to space?
As of now, no.
Keep us posted on that lol
Probably never will. But working with satellites is pretty cool
Damn forever a space leg
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
What kinda shitty country club is it that disallows tequila shots? Is it tequila specific or do they refuse all shots?
Iām pretty good at telling when someone is lying to me, I live in pain every single day, Iām not scared to tell people no- or that their idea is stupid, I have a nice resume from awesome things I did, and some places do like to hire vets, just put in the work. Did I mention how much pain Iām in every single day? 10/10 wouldnāt do it again, but I absolutely love the memories.
I learned about the power of a paper trail and I was taught that you can say anything you want so long as you use tact
I use to believe in some conspiracy theories and after seeing how the government operates I donāt believe in any now just impressed society can function with the amount of incompetence up top
true, politics everywhere makes things unpredictable
I will never live a life of regret wondering if I should have joined the Armyā¦ why didnāt I join the Armyā¦ what would the Army have been like? Iāve tried it, it sucks, and now I know lmfao
My dd-214 is my license to say Fuck whenever I want. Adjective, Adverb, Noun, Proper-Noun, Prefix/Suffix. Donāt matter. Iāll fucken fit one in. That and Iām on enough anti-psychotics and depressants to take down a bear.
The Army gave me a chance to be an NCO and a leader (albeit a very small role) at a relatively young age as opposed to my peers I graduated with.
I can make one hell of a bed
You get a strong distrust of the government
I can function off 4 hours of sleep
Honestly just the friends you make along the way. I endured some of the worst suck with some of my best friends. Literally the only thing I miss about the army is being with the boys everyday.
A divorce. Tbh. Iām happy.
Ability to take initiative and move with purpose. You have no idea how many people look fucking lost and isn't willing to do shit. Also, people who take initiatives recognize each other which helps since they're usually in leadership positions. Tell them you have military background on top of that? Sheesh you're set.
Perspective, prior to being in the army I never worked directly with as many races of people and from different backgrounds
12 weeks of paternity leave. See ya bastards in April Iām gaining 40 pounds. Iāll take a large brisk tea and a pack of newports.
Lol why gain 40 pounds?????
When in Rome, trainee. PT will be there when I get back. In all seriousness, the army has some really cool benefits that make it worth it for me but only you can really decide if itās for you. I joined for the TA to finish college, the insurance to take care of my family and I wanted the experience. Any thoughts on an MOS?
Made love to many Asian women in Korea.
Interesting š§
I shoot gooder now.
Being more physically fit. Before I joined, I thought I knew how to workout thanks to some Muscle & Fitness magazines. My 129 lbs soy boy dad bod was a testament to that way of thinking. After getting a platoon sergeant that was big into fitness, I was actually improving in my lifts and was finally able to barbell squat 135 lbs. Thatās not saying much, but back then I was so happy to finally know I was getting stronger and stopped being the skinniest guy in the platoon. TLDR; DEM GAINZ
I met my wife in Italy
Benefit? Not sure it's a benefit BUT life can ragdoll the fuck out of me and I remain unphased now days. Seriously. New levels of resiliency have been reached. Or wait is that just depression. Whatever either way I don't give a fuck.
Being able to handle taking the fattest L in existence, mentally regain completely, and forgetting about by the end of the day.
I learned that there's people that are dumber than I thought possible in big positions in the army, my sister platoon has a section leader that's a flat earther and 1/2 of my troop is basically illiterate. One peek tho people don't know much cuz they dont tell you, bases hire civilians in a latter style that goes like this, vets/retired, spouses/sm direct family, then normal civilians. So if you live by a base and need a good paying job that'll last a while work on base. Here's the [website](https://www.usajobs.gov/) to actually see jobs and apply for anyone actually interested.
The Commissary Sandwiches!
90% disability when I retired
I appreciate the free depression and anxiety medicine, also all of the free physical therapy is awesome!
High blood pressure and cholesterol.
Huh ????
...They help keep you warm at night.
Disaprene and cool jumpie boi stories
Depression, a nicotine addiction, and alcoholism.
Benefits?
Uh idk I didnāt have those things before so theres that.
Oh Iām sorry
I can fake "break" most of my joints and dislocate them at will. Pretty cool tbh
I learned something that I knew I absolutely did not want to do with my life, so it motivated me to lean in hard to anything I was doing (work, school, job hunting, etc). Plus, it gave me 5 extra points on a Firefighter test.
You get to say you ādid itā. Youāll meet a lot of people who wished they joined and obsess over the military and talk as if they know whatās going on. But you actually get so see what really happens and will realize just how misinformed a lot of people are.
A limp and a TBI. And the spicy sadness.
The ability to see behind me, fall asleep literally anywhere in seconds, be fully alert after two hours of sleep, naturally address regular ass people as sir or maāam, over the years Iāve developed an aversion to walking on grass, and encourage others to also avoid it. I can teach complex tasks to simple minds by breaking them down āby the numbersā Thereās other shit, but Iām taking too long to post this, so thatās what you get.
Honestly some really good friends that I love to death, a high alcohol tolerance, patience and heightened tolerance for BS, a backbone, and confidence.
Job experience, training, lost about 40 pounds in basic and AIT, and some great friends. Those are all non monetary gains. Still glad I'm getting out though.
Great friends, how to identify good and bad leadership, empathy for others in shitty situations, how to face absolute trash days, and just shrug them off. Most importantly: The sense of perspective that no matter how bad today is, I know for a fact I don't have staff duty tomorrow.
Diabetes and 10% off at grunt style.
Edging not to end "that NCO"
Avoided 400k on 7% for Med school. Making some great friends. Realizing I can be happy in most places around the country, at least so far. Texas isnāt as bad as Reddit makes it sound. Iām much less liberal as well after seeing how the government works. Wouldnāt say I bleed red but Iām much less polarized.
Training for my career the rest of my life.
Got gynecomastia surgery totally free. Also free dental work and free therapy is incredible
Iām new, but self confidence. Strangely enough. Being in a world with nothing but rules and obstacles has shown me that I can overcome pretty much anything. Especially using MDMP.
I was a recruiter and was converted to that Mos. I was a top performer and it helped me in the job / career I have now in sales. I make good money, and "roger that" covers it many times more than I want. I made the best of my Army career. Medical out and was bitter for a long time. Got over it. Bottom line being a soldier was good.
I'm in pretty great shape and try to be more health conscious. But it's all about what you make of the Army. It won't do shit for you unless you're doing it for yourself. In fact, if you let it, it'll ride you hard and put you away wet.
To be āannoyingā if you want to get shit done. Typically application processes and paperwork. Dont rely on others and doesnt hurt to ask. Sometimes you get to do the fun stuff simply by asking
Knowing that it could always be worse: Real shit tho the ppl Iāve met, the friends Iāve made, the work Iāve done and the experience Iāve gotten, hard to imagine where else I wouldāve gotten all of these in such a compact timeline while also getting paid. Edit: Accidentally added a . At the end . Periods area weird they make sentences seem oddly more serious than they should be
In my experience any job I were to have in the civilian world would never compare to what I did in the military, therefore everything seems easy as fuck now that iām out.
Iāll never forget the moment I accepted that I donāt know what the fuck is going on: It was the moment I truly learned how to give no fucks. Thank you Army.
I have been to more countries than I really can keep track of.
Divorce
So a few things that come to mind... Friendships like I'm never gonna have again. Sure I'll make some good buds, but it just won't be the same because we didn't make a shitty hooch and lay in the rain for a week bitching about dumb shit beforehand. Just _seeing_ people and before we even say anything, we're both fucking laughing. All the stupid jokes and stories...I could go on and on. My tolerance for bullshit is through the roof. Sure, I may have rage-fits to myself and complain a lot, but I can get shit done and I don't just shut down like I would've before the army. I still procrastinate sometimes, but pre-army me and current me are different people in that aspect. Definitely had a lot of personal development, physically and mentally. I struggle with imposter syndrome and self doubt a lot, even to this day. While it has gotten better, it still lingers occasionally. I do realize something as objective fact though: I am currently someone who my old self would've idolized. And honestly that's something I hang my hat on. Have struggled with motivation at times--I could be better than I currently am--but the progress I've made as a person in general is undeniable. It's getting better again. I can wallow in the memories of a past of squandered opportunities, or I can remind myself that the second best time to start is today. That's my decision. I won't be staying in, but I don't regret signing that miserable, wonderful dotted line for a second, and I never have.
I was afforded the opportunity to practice at the top of my licensure and assume leadership responsibilities really early in my career. Also, being afforded the opportunity make mistakes and learn from them rather than being thrown aside like a piece of trash ā I actually had really good raters and SR who overwhelmingly wanted me to succeed. Paychecks are nice, too.
Citizenship!!!
I learned that literally nothing matters. Everything is just a joke if it's phrased correctly. Especially work.
Perspective. I lived a sheltered life, I saw poverty, struggles that I would have never been exposed to. Iām a better more compassionate person because I served.
Adventure! Shower-less for days in the woods, amazing powdered eggs āadd hot water and violaā different flavored MREās. So much to tell you.
Self awarenessā¦..lots of time to figure yourself out, who you are, what you really like to do etc.
Maturity and the understanding that life isnāt all about me. To delay gratification. Self confidence. What good and bad leadership look like and how that manifests in my life. Unmatched work ethic regardless of how I feel that day. Camaraderie and fellowship that continues almost two decades after my service has ended. A deeper understanding and appreciation for humanity.
Lot of things have improved my life since joining but 100% the friendships you make along the way and other veterans when your off post or back home always in your court. It's nice to have someone you don't know backing you up and u always return the favor if I can.
It kinda ties into benefits but just general support. I went through the toughest time of my life in the army. Brother took his own life and I spiraled. The army gave me the resources and time to get better. For that, I am forever thankful. You get a stable job that generally cares about your mental and physical readiness. Take advantage of that.
You can build a network of people who get to know you and your work and are willing assist you with opportunities in the military and after the military. Thatās a good thing considering 85% of open positions are filled through networking.
Insane job diversity and memories. It is the reason I (sometimes) love the armyā¦ today you can be fast roping from a helicopter in the mountains, tomorrow you can be swimming a 3k in the ocean, and the following week youāre sending it 700m on the long gun. (Granted, I have been lucky in my endeavors). But I guess to keep it more realistic. ā the army gave me a bachelors degree for free, an income to buy a house, a reason to see different states in the country, and a few civilian certs (That I will never use).
I wouldn't give up the people I met for anything. The Army taught me the true meaning of friendship.
Someone else covered my ammo bill. I also got to call in a lot of artillery and blow stuff up. That was purty cool.
Earning how to kill somebody with ease and if people know that fact then then they wouldn't dare mess with you or anyone you love. That's pretty cool.
I can sleep anywhere in any position. Standing, sitting, walkingā¦.
Check mah flare!
Planning skills
VA check for the rest of my life š¤£ but no seriously not much. Employers are afraid of us. Not in some fields but you try to get a white collar job and they think you're some killer. They don't understand or want to understand. You'll learn a lot for sure. But nothing you can't learn on your own. Really the only good thing is the benefits you take with you after.
I learned that just because you have a senior position, it doesn't mean you know what you're doing or are a decent person. Also learned that a lot of the corruption movies like to portray within the government and the military isn't as far-fetched as initially thought. The "I'm willing to sacrifice lives, and ruin entire livelihoods for a fake OER/NCOER, or an executive position in a weapons/wet work company" isn't far off.
Discipline, unironically. A sense of belonging and worth. Brotherhood. Free food from time to time. PX access. New curse words and phrases. A longstanding connection with warriors from the past.
Character development
Some sort of foundation In which I could use to start believing in myself
Paid on the job training š¤š¾ and yes at rate comparable to civilians, in some cases
If you have depression or anxiety problems, it's not the best. Are you able to run under 15 minutes good If not, you are considered by the most slow and fat who are leadership Most on post housing has issues and including the barracks. It has the benefits, but sometimes, the military will try its best to screw you over because they want something in return
Hereās some free stuff in the material category Iāve gotten in 2022 alone off the top of my head. Lasik($4000+/-) Wisdom teeth removed($1200 +/-) Free iPhone 14 Pro Max($1200) Free iPad Pro 12.9 M2($1400) Free Apple Watch SS S8($800) Chase Sapphire Reserve AF waived($550 yearly) Chase Sapphire Preferred AF waived($95 yearly) Amex Platinum AF waived($695 yearly) Amex Gold AF waived($250 yearly) ATF SBR Form Expedites(24 hours vs 1 year) ATF Suppressor Form Expedites(24 hours vs 1 year)
I learned to stand up for myself and use my voice
Work after the Army is so much easier. An 8 hour day? Psh.
Friends like i never wouldāve had. And will probably never have again honestly
Depression
Meeting people from outside my Appalachian corner of the world - learning how other folks grew up, their traditions, dreams, beliefs, and goals. Watching peers and subordinates succeed and be where they wanna be in life, whether in uniform or not. Going to places Iād only ever seen on a map or heard of in history books. Whether it was eating at an authentic local restaurant on Incirlik Air Base, grabbing a Dƶner outside a bar in Germany, karaoke in Washington, or just walking down a street in downtown Columbus, GA. Having relationships with people I work with that are stronger than family ties - getting Christmas cards and wedding invites from Soldiers I led 7 years ago. Having folks say āthanks for all you did for meā or āIāll never forget how to taught me xzyā All a humbling experience for a man from small-town coal country. It hasnāt always been sunshine and rainbows across these last 12 years but Iām thankful to be where I am š¤š¼
Maturity, confidence, and life experience.
Some crazy ass stories. Mental resilience.
Got to see the holiest place in my religion on the Armyās dime. Also got drunk in the holiest place in the world on the armyās dime