Posted on Apr 14, 2015
Do civilians really 'bother' you? (Post military)
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Some of us have problems with transitioning...it may be a job, it may be interacting with non-military types, it may be getting a new job, relocating, taking off the uniform, PTSD, lack of camaraderie, general lazy work ethic of today's workforce, the problem transitioning is largely blamed on us, on our inability to adapt.
Did you have to re-program, de-fuze, re-learn, shut-it-off, or was your transition easy?
Do certain sub-groups of the population bother you even to this day? Do you feel a stranger amongst your civilian friends? Do you feel like a wolf in sheeps clothes?
Do you constantly alienate those around you with your military jargon, quotes, social media memes?
Have you changed? I mean, permanently...are you different, have people told you that you are different...after all you left a boy (or girl) and came back a Man (or woman)...quite literally with the new transgender rules?
I seem to constantly alienate my immediate family members...I would be lying to say my transition hasn't been easy. In one way, going from active duty to Guard probably saved me, but in another way, it has permanently molded me to all things military...prolonging my agony. This is for those that have trouble transitioning, for those that have had little to no trouble at all please feel to chime in with what has worked for you, but do not put anyone down for their comments, opinions, struggles or obstacles.
This is a forum for healing...we all need healing. IMO, we all have some form of PTSD, we all have suffered a loss, almost been killed; in training or in combat. Some of us have taken lives, some of us have taken many lives...we have to live with this...we need each other, this is not a forum for bashing. Share your struggles, share your comforts, share your trophies, and your battles won.
Did you have to re-program, de-fuze, re-learn, shut-it-off, or was your transition easy?
Do certain sub-groups of the population bother you even to this day? Do you feel a stranger amongst your civilian friends? Do you feel like a wolf in sheeps clothes?
Do you constantly alienate those around you with your military jargon, quotes, social media memes?
Have you changed? I mean, permanently...are you different, have people told you that you are different...after all you left a boy (or girl) and came back a Man (or woman)...quite literally with the new transgender rules?
I seem to constantly alienate my immediate family members...I would be lying to say my transition hasn't been easy. In one way, going from active duty to Guard probably saved me, but in another way, it has permanently molded me to all things military...prolonging my agony. This is for those that have trouble transitioning, for those that have had little to no trouble at all please feel to chime in with what has worked for you, but do not put anyone down for their comments, opinions, struggles or obstacles.
This is a forum for healing...we all need healing. IMO, we all have some form of PTSD, we all have suffered a loss, almost been killed; in training or in combat. Some of us have taken lives, some of us have taken many lives...we have to live with this...we need each other, this is not a forum for bashing. Share your struggles, share your comforts, share your trophies, and your battles won.
Posted in these groups: 
Civilians
Transition
Civilians Transition
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 20
Civilian specifically? No, humans in general yes.
I like my dogs more than I like most people I meet. Your chosen profession has little to do with it.. be it in government service or flipper of burgers
I like my dogs more than I like most people I meet. Your chosen profession has little to do with it.. be it in government service or flipper of burgers
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SGM (Join to see)
At times yes, since leaving the Army after 24 years you are structured and disciplined and have followed rules and regulations your whole life and then; well you move into an environment where you dont have that. For some it can be a struggle for military folks its a real struggle. I have learned that if you just use the tools and your experience that you gained through your service and learn to coach, teach and mentor then it is pretty easy. I deal with it every day in the production field. I just continue to utilize the skills learned in my career and it helps me get through the day.
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SGT James Hastings
Given an option, I vote for animals over humans any day. Of course, I wouldn't want to marry one! lol
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Capt (Join to see)
MAJ Ken Landgren - In today's world shopping at the mall may well put you in the middle of the war.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
Capt (Join to see) - Shoppers have to bound, maneuver, and cover at the parking lot. lol
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Some of them yes. I was dating this civilian guy and one day he said "military are underworked and overpaid, only the civilians who work with the military do anything." I tried to explain to him that there are not obligated to release me at any set time during the duty day, that I could be sent on TDY/deployment with little to no notification, do not get paid overtime, do not recieve comp time ect. He insisted I was wrong. Needless to say we are no longer dating and have no further communications. If you want to be successful in dating, insulting a girl's service and profession is not the way to her heart.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
That is literally the only time I have ever heard someone say we are under worked AND overpaid...he had issues being more of a bada$$ then himself, my opinion.
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SGT Kristin Wiley
I was attempting to be cordial due to his ignorance of the military, but I wanted to throw him out of my vehicle. It was awkward because his Uncle is a retired Army COL who saw me at dinner the other day and said "hi". I was really hoping he would ask why I'm not dating his nephew anymore so I would have an excuse to tell him what he said.
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It was a jarring transition for me, but that was the times. When I left for Vietnam, the war hadn't yet sunk to the depths of unpopularity that prevailed when I returned. However, there were many cultural changes that were even more pronounced. The Race Riots occurred during my absence and I returned to cities that looked like armed encampments. Little things left a big impression. When I left, stores closed on Sundays. 7/11 originally was named to advertise the fact that they were open from 7 am to 11 pm. They were open 24/7 when I returned. Prices escalated. Motel 6 was named to advertised the fact that you could get a room for $6/night. Yes, really.
Now add all that on top of the fact that my buddies who hadn't served had flourished in a growing economy. Many were making $10,000 per year. Some more! Imagine that. And they never had the responsibility I had. Nothing like it at all.
Still, I had the pride of serving and the accomplishments and the adventures that have given me grist for my stories...
Now add all that on top of the fact that my buddies who hadn't served had flourished in a growing economy. Many were making $10,000 per year. Some more! Imagine that. And they never had the responsibility I had. Nothing like it at all.
Still, I had the pride of serving and the accomplishments and the adventures that have given me grist for my stories...
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
What was your annual salary, your last year in if you don't mind me asking CPT Jack Durish?
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