Do you feel you're hiding behind a mask in your workplace?

PO1 Ricky Allen — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 13:23:57 -0500

Many Veterans feel like they shouldn't talk about their military background or show any traits of the life in their workplace. Guaranteed, we all picked up some good/bad habits, but what say you?

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Mar 2 at 2016 1:26 PM

SPC Andrew Griffin — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 13:26:07 -0500

I do sometimes! Especially when I feel like my Potential and Skillset is being Unfilled and Not utilized!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 1:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 13:30:39 -0500

There are few things quite like giving an opinion or advice based on unique military experiences and others brushing you off simply because they think of your Veteran status as being cut from a completely different mold. I am, in more ways than one, but still . . .

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2016 1:39 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 13:39:22 -0500

I walk a fine line like this everyday at my current duty assignment. I can't always use the same tactics or techniques when trying to explain things or to even motivate people. Dealing with green suitors and DA civilians are two separate endeavors all together.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 2 at 2016 2:00 PM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 14:00:12 -0500

I used to. So I changed my work. I raise dairy goats, they never tire of my sea stories, understand my lingo, and appreciate that my military experience has a direct bearing on anything we're trying to do. I highly recommend hiring goats as your employees. If they get out of line they are tasty in chili or sausage.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Mar 2 at 2016 3:09 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 15:09:53 -0500

PO1 Ricky Allen I do mostly hide behind a mask at work. Even though there are other Veterans of all branches in my office, I still rarely discuss background. I do still believe in being 15 minutes early and showing uppermost respect for leaders as well as peers, I do not allow my military personality to overshadow my civilian version at work.