What's the most helpful thing you've learned since returning from service? What do you wish you learned sooner?

I wish I could have stayed in the Army. The civilian world ain't what it's cracked up to be. I well remember the troops dreaming wistfully of life once they returned to "the real world". In those days Phillips Petroleum was an icon of American corporate culture and one of the networks aired a special "White Paper" to extol their virtues. I made viewing it a mandatory event. The men were astounded at how much like the Army Phillips ran their corporation (maybe more so). The white collar workers all wore the same uniform (suits, shirts and ties of acceptable cut and color). Wives were expected to join the appropriate cultural clubs and associations to further their husbands careers. (Yes, this was prior to the feminist movement) Those with regional accents had to learn to speak standard American English and idiom (no parallel in the Army for that one). You can well imagine their reaction. Many other corporations had similar cultures (especially IBM). No, the "real world" really ain't what it's cracked up to be...

I have my ups and downs about remaining in the service and where would I be today. Would I be that great CSM I always wanted to be? or would of died on that 5th combat deployed my wife told me that was a bad idea not to go so I gave my whole career up for my family and treatment for PTSD. Hardest thing I ever did was take off my uniform, but the ups was follow the yellow brick road to success. Working for DOD/DON has really changed my life and I would not go back after seeing the LEADERSHIP failure rate that we have today. and know I don't agree with a lot of things I don't think I would of lasted long in todays ARMY. I have enough friends in the senior enlisted ranks right now to let me know what's going on inside the military and I let them know what's going on out here on the streets. Their time is coming so the few of us who have been out here awhile, and who have learned the ropes and have had the crappie jobs and learned the secret of resume writing within the industry can spread the word. I think GOD that he gave my chance not sending me to my 5th combat deployment because I've been deployed several times in my career but letting me see my little girl grow up because there are a lot military families with out mommy's and daddy's that kids just don't understand why. But for now I leave the fight to the big dogs who can handle the stress and who can deal with the todays BULLSHIT because that what is that they are feeding us.

Patience.