How has a sense of humor helped you in your military career?

A wise man once said "you can't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive."

Humor is great for coping with some uncomfortable situations but can also be used to ill affect. Having a sense of humor and trying to make jokes about everything are two very different things that I've had a hard time explaining to others at times. I think it is most important to be able to laugh at ourselves when we mess something up (especially if it really is funny). This alleviates the tension and prevents those who were trying very hard NOT to laugh from feeling bad about it.

OMG, How has it not. It helps you communicate often mundane, over technical, redundant info to your SMs and helps you interact with anyone on any level. Throwing a tasteful cartoon into a PP presentation or telling a joke as part of a staff call brief just takes the edge off a bit - when and where appropriate of course. Being able to laugh with others makes you seem human. Being able to laugh at yourself shows that you are. Chow in the field during a rainstorm - even God has a sense of humor - and timing.

Still alive and not in Leavenworth, so...