Thread: Military or Civilian life??

I used to be in the Army. I thought it was fun at first. Then I came to realize that you don't get paid to think. You have to conform--be just like everyone else in the unit--become a robot. You have little to no freedom, especially if you get an article 15 (I had a few of those). The mess hall food is bland, most squad leaders and platoon sergeants are pricks, and I hated having to stand in formation for three hours every time there was some kind of event.

The firing range was awesome, the training kicked ass, but the actual active duty sucked. The only really cool thing I got out of it was traveling. I was stationed in Hawaii, went to Thailand for a month and got to visit Guam once. I've been in several states within my lifetime, due to being an Army brat and went to others during my adulthood. I personally prefer being a civilian. I get to do more with my free time, hell I get more free time!! LOL. I don't have to worry about shining boots, or room inspections, I don't have to stand at attention when an officer walks by, and I don't have to wake up early in the morning unless it's important. ^_^

I'll tell you right now. My first week back to civillian life was awkward. Wearing proper attire and regulation haircut makes you stand out alot. But i the end it turned out alot better. I'm not sure if your enjoy stressful environments or not but you get a whole lot less of them when you leave. I'm not sure which branch your in but the way the Marines treat me the last year was terrible. I was stuck doing crap work and dodging all kinds of reassignment offers. Thats when they throw everything at you to get you to stay. Bonuses, recruiting, Drill instructor school. They'll ever send you to change your job if you want. Anything to keep you.

In the end its up to you if they make you an offer you can't refuse go ahead and take it. If not grab your G.I. Bill and run.

I for one enjoy the civillian life. I can do what I want whenever I want. I'm free to be me.

My cousin is in military service. He says it's hard to go between his missions and holidays with his family. He says that he enjoys defending the world, but likes sitting back and spending time with his daughters more.

well ... I like military life so much ... and my father is a retired colonel ... but when I think about it ... the issue is ... it's not what do you like or think ... but it is the real goal behind your choice ...
to choose military life, that means that you have a good case or reason that worth protecting and fighting for ... even with the cost of your life ...
and to choose civilian life ... you sure have a great goal that you need to achieve ...

and whether it's military or civilian life ... you sure need to know who you're and what are you capable to do, and what is your dream ... it's up to you ...
for me ... I chose civil life 5 years ago and ... now I'm an architect ... the first step in my dream ...
wish you luck ...

Originally Posted by maamon

well ... I like military life so much ... and my father is a retired colonel ... but when I think about it ... the issue is ... it's not what do you like or think ... but it is the real goal behind your choice ...
to choose military life, that means that you have a good case or reason that worth protecting and fighting for ... even with the cost of your life ...
and to choose civilian life ... you sure have a great goal that you need to achieve ...

and whether it's military or civilian life ... you sure need to know who you're and what are you capable to do, and what is your dream ... it's up to you ...
for me ... I chose civil life 5 years ago and ... now I'm an architect ... the first step in my dream ...
wish you luck ...

That's a good point there. You have to know if you can actually handle being a civilian.When you are being released from service they never tell you how to turn off that switch. All they do is give you your papers and thats it your on pretty much on your own. They never tell you that there are somethings you can't do in the civilian world. Making the transition isn't easy. I know a few people in the veteran's hospital that still can't adjust to being a civilian.

The military probaly wouldn't be that bad for me. I'd need the constant direction and determined schedule. But I prefer my life as a civilian. I guess I just enjoy my freedom.

truth being... who doesn't want to be a civilian? i mean... you will have less responsibilities in life that you would if you were in a military-type of life... but then again there are the benefits...

1. discipline does good for you
2. you will not be as helpless during dire situations as a normal civilian would be
3. you are more prepared for the inevitable
4. you live a healthier life with constant exercise
5. who doesn't want to have a military-type body???

but then again... during war, you'd have to take your ground and live up to your promise of protecting your country...

entering the military lifestyle is a big responsibility... i believe it's a double edged sword... it can do as much damage to you, as much as it can help you win... it's just in the way you use it.

i hope you come to the right decision! ganbatte ryoga-kun!