Has your prior military service ever come across as negative as a civilian?

Let's be real for a moment, when the USAF tells a Recon Marine they don't want them because they are too combat oriented....that has a ripple effect across the decades. A lesson learned early, although tough to stomach.

Example: I was long for applying for a Patrolman position with the Long Branch, NJ police. I had made all the cuts, I passed the PT test, background check (so I thought) and made the second interview. One of the sergeants asked me about my Marine Corps experience (with a very condescending tone, I might add) upon my exit, he saw a tattoo on my neck, he stopped me and asked if I was in a gang....I was floored. With that good ole Marine Corps wit, I quipped, "If you classify the US military as a gang, then yes, I am part of the world's largest gang". I may have blown my chances, but I feel If he had to ask if I was in a gang, my chances were already slim.

Another example: Working for the PO and I asked for Thanksgiving off months in advance, purchased my ticket, and waited. When TG came, the 30 Year retired USAF supervisor says I can't take leave, I asked him why? He said, this is just like the military, we own you. Needless to say, I turned in my resignation right then and there. And just to add fuel to the fire, when the Police Dept. called for a reference, he told them I abandoned my job.

Another example: I am pretty proud of my accomplishments...no kidding right? I build my business website and listed my schools and accomplishments on the 'Meet the doc' page...my wife with her degree in marketing tells me to remove it all. She said, working as a chiropractor, people may associate you as a killer, or something along those lines...I was like WTH? I never imagined my military service could possibly have a negative connotation on my civilian occupation.

If you have had similar expereinces, please share.

Have you had to tone it down to find work?