Do you feel that the military has aged and changed you?

2015-10-27T15:22:02-04:00

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Oct 27 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-10-27T15:24:14-04:00

I am feeling the wear and tear from the military but I cant say that it aged me at all, I never smoked and only a social drinker.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-10-27T15:25:30-04:00

Absolutely. I was looking through pictures of myself from not too long ago where I looked much younger. The stress and constant grind of the Military lifestyle has taken it's toll on me over the years.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Oct 27 at 2015 3:51 PM

2015-10-27T15:51:24-04:00

It helped me grow up

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 4:02 PM

2015-10-27T16:02:04-04:00

Absolutely! Joined at age 22, now 34 after 12 years in...I not only look older (few greys here and there), but I have matured and grown significantly (just ask the guys I worked with in my first duty station back when I was a PFC in 2005! I suppose I should thank my wife for part of that, though! I can only imagine the next 8+ years will continue to shape and age me as I transition from enlisted to Warrant.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Oct 27 at 2015 4:05 PM

2015-10-27T16:05:31-04:00

I definitely started losing more hair after joining the military. Not sure if the military itself contributed to that, but it started happening.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Oct 27 at 2015 5:52 PM

2015-10-27T17:52:24-04:00

The military is a great starting point in life for young men an women. I would choose a military person to perform a task over a nonmilitary person, simply from knowing what he/she was taught during his/her tour of duty.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 27 at 2015 7:33 PM

2015-10-27T19:33:54-04:00

Yes the army solidified my values.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 27 at 2015 7:41 PM

2015-10-27T19:41:11-04:00

All for the better. Despite some Navy and Marine doctors playing "Operation" on me down at GTMO, I owe a lot of who I am to the service and those who mentored me from my ROTC days through retirement. Can't say that anyone in the civilian world other than my family has earned the level of gratitude and respect that I give my brothers and sisters of the camo cloth.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 7:49 PM

2015-10-27T19:49:20-04:00

Both. Aged me prematurley, but I had a blast getting here and I think it changed me for the better.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 7:58 PM

2015-10-27T19:58:33-04:00

If anything the military has kept me young. I'm 48-years-old, but most people think I'm in my late 30s. I'm reasonably fit, have high energy and an open mind, all of which I give the military at least partial credit for.

Of course when they force me to retire in 12 more years, I'll likely age VERY quickly.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 8:04 PM

2015-10-27T20:04:39-04:00

I'm less than two years from 50. I was told today I look like I'm in my 30's. It's the inside that is aging faster than I like.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 9:04 PM

2015-10-27T21:04:17-04:00

Oh, I don't know. I think I look pretty good for a guy of 89. Problem is I am 72.