How can one find his/her self worth in today’s world when it seems that if you weren’t SOF, you are just average?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 20:10:18 -0500

In today’s era the news media and Hollywood key on SOF units personnel to gain views. With Veteran company’s growing that are started by SOF operators(Article 15, Soflete, Black rifle Coffee, Peace Trading Co.), Green Berets, Seals, MARSOC.How can one find his/her self worth in today’s world if it seems that if you weren’t SOF you are just average?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2017 8:19 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 20:19:51 -0500

You are an infantryman. You are not average. You probably have many Rangers and SF qualified senior NCO's in your squad, platoon, and company. Every line unit I was ever in had their fair share of SOF operators and they trained us, and I am sure they are training you as well.

Response by SGT Benjamin Hayhurst made Dec 15 at 2017 8:21 PM

SGT Benjamin Hayhurst — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 20:21:28 -0500

SOF are not any better than anyone else. They train for a specific job, and they train very hard because of what that job is. That does not make them superior to anyone else. When it comes down to it, your "average" infantryman in a war will likely put more rounds down range in a week than a SOF operator will in a year. Remember, they do specific tasks while we do the everyday grind of warfare. So you are making an apples to oranges comparison.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Dec 15 at 2017 8:24 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 20:24:24 -0500

I believe that if you are gauging your own worth off of the accomplishments of others, then that is where you made your first mistake. It is self worth. Others should not play a role in developing such a thing. Look for what you are good at, what you like to do, what makes you feel accomplished. If you are able to follow those paths then you should have no problem. If the fact that you aren't an operator or the owner of a startup really makes you feel so lesser then I would have to say that you have some inner searching to do.

Response by SGT Russell Wickham made Dec 15 at 2017 9:00 PM

SGT Russell Wickham — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 21:00:08 -0500

What is wrong with average? I was pretty average, but I was able to make a difference in the lives of my men, to make their time serving under me a little less bitter. If you aspire to be SOF, let nothing stop you. If you aspire to be in the news, or have Hollywood make a movie about you life, chances are you need to look at yourself and question your Loyalty, sense of Duty, Respect for others, especially Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Those glory-hounds I served with got people killed. Those who measured their worth by the success of their mission, and the gratitude the families expressed when you brought their husband/son/father/brother home (or insert female versions in the modern army) were the leaders troops would go through hell for. Your self worth is in how well you accomplish your mission.

Response by SSG Will Phillips made Dec 15 at 2017 9:10 PM

SSG Will Phillips — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 21:10:21 -0500

When you took your oath upon enlistment, you wrote a blank check to the people of this country including your death if needed. NO ONE will ever be able to take that away from you! Especially since you joined the infantry in a time of war. Do not sell yourself short because YOU went far beyond what the "average" US citizen would ever do! You should be proud of your military accomplishments and I am glad that there are still men like you ready to step up to the plate.

Response by Capt Sabrena Goldman made Dec 15 at 2017 9:15 PM

Capt Sabrena Goldman — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 21:15:12 -0500

3% ‘s are the special ones no matter the job!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2017 9:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 21:49:01 -0500

If you rely on the media and random strangers for your self worth, you will never have any.

It's called - self- esteem. It's yours. Shouldn't come from anywhere but you.

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Dec 15 at 2017 10:23 PM

SGT Matthew Sesar — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 22:23:19 -0500

You are not average, never will be. Take what you have done and be humble.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Dec 15 at 2017 10:26 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 22:26:44 -0500

What's wrong with "average"? Without it, you can't define "above-average" which, if we're going to delve in to the realm of demonic arts often referred to as 'statistics', few people achieve by its very nature.

SOF personnel may attract the glory and attention, but they are just a tiny piece of the military with a highly specialized focus. On their own, though, they don't win wars or hold ground on a large scale. Their task and purpose is radically different than that of the "average" military member. If you want to go SF, then go for it. If not, fulfill your role to the best of your ability and then look back at the world of difference you make/made.

Response by John The Bear AKA: Commander in Chief, Bear Force One made Dec 15 at 2017 11:19 PM

John The Bear AKA: Commander in Chief, Bear Force One — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 23:19:36 -0500

Sarge, *placing my big bear paw down softly on your shoulder as I gaze deeply into your eyes*, listen to me carefully, you are NOT average. I think I know where you are coming from. There are days I've looked in the mirror and asked myself: Who am I, what am I doing, where am I, and who's that person on my sofa. I'd sit there and grease my barrel, long and hard, pondering the meaning of everything, and asking myself whether I'm average or something more. I dug deep down, deep deep down, and found meaning in the empty cartridges littering my living room floor. Lock and load, you'll find your self worth within.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Dec 16 at 2017 2:07 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 02:07:27 -0500

Not really true Pete Hegseth on Fox and Friends is just a plain National Guard Infantryman like yourself. Your life is what you make of it and I agree with what others have said here, judge yourself based on your own accomplishments and not those of others. You'll find once you hit those 15 year and 20 year High School Reunions that not all folks that shine early in life.........stay that way. As for me.........I stayed clear of the Reunions because I didn't want to know and would rather look forwards vs backwards.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2017 2:33 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 02:33:45 -0500

What makes you think you’re average. If you’re not satisfied with you, do something about it. Be your bet at whatever you do. If you’re a rifleman be the best shot you can be, be the best you can be at reading maps. Be the best you can be at PT, be the best leader you can be. None of it’s easy it takes dedication, training, asking questions, etc.. You are the key not your unit. You have to be satisfied with you. When you are everything comes together. Good Luck at whatever you do, you’re in control. :-)

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Dec 16 at 2017 3:38 AM

PO1 Tony Holland — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 03:38:12 -0500

Be glad for their success --- then find something else to show your worth --- you are already part of a small elite, you served.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2017 3:49 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 03:49:12 -0500

Who cares what the media or Hollywood types think, say, or do. What matters is what you do. Do your job to the best of your ability and do not let outside distractions bother you. No matter what your job or task is, you can excel if you put in the time and effort. I have never considered myself average, and neither should you.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2017 10:06 AM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 10:06:53 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member The media only focuses on what sells their product. They really don't care about the effort or anything related to what it takes to generate the action on which they base their stories. The media will turn on those heroes and vilify them just as fast as they laud their current exploits. Your worth is in your contribution, and you don't need media to validate it - that validation comes from your brothers and sisters in arms. Hold your head high Sgt.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 16 at 2017 1:08 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 13:08:56 -0500

I concur with my brothers here. 1, NEVER EVER judge your self worth by others, its YOURS, not theirs. Speaking as a 4 conflict vet, there were many times I wish I wasn't the tip of the spear, when 1 of my kids was covered with a poncho. 2. If you believe the media, the you have a very serious problem, they have a lousy track record these days. 3. If you do the best you can in any situation, then you are not AVERAGE, you are EXCEPTIONAL!

Response by 2LT Brian L. made Dec 16 at 2017 1:12 PM

2LT Brian L. — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 13:12:49 -0500

if you want more... go get more, if not then.... well enjoy what you have

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2017 2:30 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 14:30:57 -0500

Just average in any group just might be well above average in another.

Your value does not depend on that of others. Do not fall into living by the pulley thoughts. You are not less or more just because a person of different circumstances enters the room. You are still you.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Dec 16 at 2017 5:39 PM

SSgt David Tedrow — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 17:39:09 -0500

Self worth is found within ones self, not by what others think or perceive. I was in during the cold war 1977 -1988 and except for a stint in Beirut saw no real action. I was a Tank Commander and a Marine Embassy Guard in New Delhi, India and Moscow, USSR. I know that what I did was useful and necessary. As for today I see no difference, every job is needed and necessary.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2017 10:13 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 22:13:55 -0500

Well, it wouldn't being Special Forces if everyone was special. I wouldn't let today's society wash over into the Army. You have a role. You are an infantry soldier in the National Guard. There isn't anything shiny or glamours about it. If you want those achievements they you need to go get them. I am in the Regular Army now but I was in the National Guard in the past. While in the National Guard I went to Ranger, Ranger Instructor, and Pathfinder. I had to put in a lot of work to do those but it is possible. What I have also seen is a lot of soldiers in the National Guard try to hollywood and just want the badges. You would want the skills and not the badges.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Dec 16 at 2017 11:43 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 23:43:37 -0500

I'm not Special Forces or ever aspired to be but I'm not average either. We all have our own calling and to excel in what We do moves us beyond just average. Whatever You do make an honest effort to do the best You can and You will be always be above average. Nothing comes without effort.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Dec 17 at 2017 5:03 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 05:03:14 -0500

Why would you ever base your self worth on anything the media said or some TV show or movie plays out? It’s sad you even consider it.

Response by SGT Danny Justice made Dec 17 at 2017 8:26 AM

SGT Danny Justice — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 08:26:32 -0500

I believe you are confusing perceived value and self worth.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Dec 17 at 2017 8:34 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 08:34:19 -0500

OK, let me point out how far from average you gone so far. 71 percent of the recruiting age individuals don't qualify because of physical condition/problems, legal problems or educational shortcomings. So congratulations, your already in the nations top 29 percent. You passed Infantry OSUT, the service wide dropout rate for all branches is 11-14%, so now you are in the top 25 percent of your peers. You are also one the 14 percent or so Americans Citizens with Military Service, now your in the 14 percent of any age group that have chosen service to the nation.
Even with National Guard unit, you will end up either being trained by or lead by Rangers and Army Special Forces, a number of my Drills were Green Beret and most the remaining had Ranger Tabs. I have a lot of respect for their training and what they do, but as mentioned before that they train for a narrow set of missions and fighting Wars like Gulf I and the Invasion of Iraq is left to the people with the personnel and firepower. And don't discount other units because they don't get the Press, all infantry units are tough, but I would put up units like 10th Mountain and the 101st up against any infantry in the world.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Dec 17 at 2017 11:55 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 11:55:23 -0500

Sadly, I take the opposite view. With so many folks (seemingly) in SOF nowadays, it’s not very special at all. According to the media, the only folks doing anything in the military is SOF. Hopefully we can go back to the days where SOF can return to the shadows where they belong.

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Dec 17 at 2017 1:22 PM

SGT Justin Anderson — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 13:22:42 -0500

It’s all about marketing. That’s how these guys get popular. They use their experience and titles as a marketing tool. You don’t have to be SOF in order to do something. I went to work for DECA and use that as a tool to reach other infantryman and pass along information. Plus it gives back to the military community.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 18 at 2017 1:24 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 01:24:13 -0500

Since many so called "below averages" have been KIA, that's a poor measure for so many of our heroes. I'm in the made it through 32 years almost getting killed a number of times camp. That I'd call being BLESSED.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 18 at 2017 1:38 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 01:38:07 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member I am Far from "Average". I am CTO1 USN(R). I'm a Retired Navy Spook. I Started My "Adventures" as an Off-Line Operator for Blind Mans Bluff. I was O-Brancher on Duty at FOSIC during the Rescue of FOXTROT ALPHA 586. I've Worked on Classic Wizard, Bullseye, Timberline, Project Outboard. I was CWS at NCU London and Handled Messages for Achile Lauro, Prairie Fire/El Dorado Canyon, Iran-Contra, Debrief of Clayton Lonetree. I was Tech Chief SPAWARS 6211 worked with MILNET/ARPANET. I'm a Mt Pinatubo Survivor. I Served in Desert Storm/Southern Watch and Desert Strike in the Persian Gulf. One thing I will never be accused of is being "Average". I'm Sure You have Your Share of Adventures and are Just Being Modest!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2017 7:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 07:02:58 -0500

It’s all because of Hollywood and how they ruined/hyped the Special Ops community.

Response by SPC David Willis made Dec 18 at 2017 9:12 AM

SPC David Willis — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 09:12:01 -0500

SOF cats are still men, they bleed the same blood, and breath the same air. They tend to be in better shape, and have much more trigger time/training time so they get more high speed missions, but as men they're no better or worse than us. The only thing they're better at is writing books and making movies...

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 18 at 2017 10:35 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 10:35:59 -0500

Don't gauge your self worth on things that are fleeting. If you have to link your self worth to your accomplishments then remember that there is a "best" in every field and strive to be the "best" in yours.
A word of warning from an old man who was at more than one occasion noted as the "best", everyone who was ever the "best" has been surpassed at some point by the new "best". Invest in your team mates and build strong friendships as it eases the blow when later down the road you become the guy who "was the best".
Even the super operators in the SF and MARSOC at some point will become the guys who "were the best". If you take care of your Soldiers and friends they will remind you in later years of when you "were the best" and at that point it will have been worth the effort and time you expended.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Dec 18 at 2017 10:47 AM

SGT Patrick Reno — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 10:47:08 -0500

Who gives a shit what Hollywood says or thinks. None of those people in those roles have ever served their country. THERE IS NOTHING AVERAGE ABOUT ANY ONE OF US. Less than 1/2 of 1% of Americans serve in the Military. We are all so for above average there is no way to measure it. I thought all those ass holes we going to move to Canada when Trump was elected. Doesn't look like any one left.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2017 10:48 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 10:48:44 -0500

MRT, hooah?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2017 10:51 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 10:51:50 -0500

I take comfort in knowing my work is done well. I didn't choose a hard line mos, I chose something that I hope can give me some support in the Civilian world. Even if it doesn't I find importance in what I do. When Civilians think of the military, due to media and their own lack of understanding they think of the combat jobs. Everyone in the Army is a door kicker, everyone is a ground pounder, everyone does some hurt locker type shit and hops the wire. I've got no problem knowing that my role supports those that do and assists the Army as a whole. A lot of little cogs rotating around the big one. I also recognize that even in a soft line mos, I might die if deployed. An enemy isn't going to look through their scope and say, "Oh, not him he's a Paralegal". An IED's and Indirect Fire don't have a name on them, they're addressed to whom it may concern.

Find your worth in yourself, in how well you do your job. Find your worth in how well you prepare those that will fight or serve in your place when you leave. When I make Sergeant that's the best I hope for. Making those under me as best prepared as I can for the things they might face. As a Soldier, to be as capable as possible to deal with all facets of my role. As a Veteran, to be prepared to deal with a Civilian world that will never understand us and what we do for whatever reasons that are ours and ours alone.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2017 2:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 14:01:38 -0500

I think I should rephrase this question for the fact that the responses (which are great btw) are more of a Feel Good Cheer me up comments. This post was not meant to pertain to myself. With the original post in mind, how would you compete in a work force against SOF personnel even if you have better training per se in that job field? A discussion was brought up for the fact that the SOF community is not so quiet anymore. Media has ruined that...and of course all the books and movies.. how do veterans of non SOF compete in a work force where the average citizen drools over a navy seal even when they are as qualified. All hypothetical.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 18 at 2017 4:38 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 16:38:26 -0500

Your self worth is defined solely by yourself. But you seem to be conflicted on a number of things.

First, you are questioning your self worth.
Second, you are questioning your service.
Third, you seem to have a question about Veteran Owned businesses.

So let's go one at a time. What are your goals? What is your end game? Your sense of self should be derived from these things, not outside influences. Are you accomplishing the things you want in life? I am a father. That was one of my biggest goals in life. Mission accomplished. So I'm quite content in my life.

Next, you seem to be questioning your own service by comparing it to the service of others. We all have our own piece of the puzzle to contribute. You are no more or less valuable than the next man in the great military machine. Take myself for instance, I'm an admin Marine. Most like to look down on us because we're "desk jockeys". What people don't realize is one of my responsibilities involve ensuring aircraft are safe to fly. So if I don't do my job properly, we could lose aircraft and lives. We all have a part to play.

Lastly, you seem to have a question about Veteran owned businesses. Do you want to open one? Are you jealous about the success of other Veteran owned businesses? You seem to compare yourself to SOF quite a bit. There's nothing average about us. We might not have taken down Osama Bin Laden, but considering only like 1% ever join the military, we're already a cut above the rest.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Dec 18 at 2017 10:05 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 22:05:44 -0500

Anyone with the guts to wear the uniform today is above average....

Response by CPL Ralph Moschler made Dec 19 at 2017 12:16 PM

CPL Ralph Moschler — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 12:16:38 -0500

You are a troop , don’t worry about all that shzt , train , train , you are the back bone of the army without you we wouldn’t be anything rember train train train

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2017 8:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 20:31:58 -0500

Yeah, all that SOF is pretty sexy looking but not everyone has the physical ability to do it. Doesn't mean they are better or smarter. Hell, I have a Masters Degree and studied PsyOps in my own time. I could predict behavior, plan unusual things, and be creative in a war theatre. I was only an Army Reservist with one mobilization but I taught around 7,000 BCT soldiers in AIT. Hopefully something I taught them was useful. I felt I missed out on the glory war stories but accepted my role. Everyone who enlists in my book is a hero. I do admire their physical stamina and mental toughness though. Hopefully it motivates others to go the extra mile and pull their weight. We all had a role to play. Ours wasn't SOF.

Response by SPC Angela Nelson made Dec 20 at 2017 7:52 AM

SPC Angela Nelson — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 07:52:08 -0500

While I've held my front line brothers be they tankers or infantry in a bit of awe I'm proud of being a part of their support team.
My little quip about quarter masters is Nobody goes anywhere without bullets, boots or biscuits.

Response by SSgt Stephen Snyder made Dec 20 at 2017 11:46 AM

SSgt Stephen Snyder — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:46:43 -0500

You've already answered your own question. It's self-worth. You yourself made a decision, for your own reasons, and you served. You didn't do it just so others would look at your a certain way. And BTW, you are in no way average because an average person isn't willing to put themselves in harms way to defend this great country and other people who aspire to be like us. Soldier on Sgt with your head held high.

Response by MSG Alfred Aguilar made Dec 20 at 2017 1:48 PM

MSG Alfred Aguilar — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:48:54 -0500

Audie Murphy was a regular line grunt.

Response by MSG Alfred Aguilar made Dec 20 at 2017 1:49 PM

MSG Alfred Aguilar — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:49:29 -0500

Audie Murphy was a regular line grunt.

Response by CPL Brian Clouser made Dec 21 at 2017 2:37 PM

CPL Brian Clouser — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 14:37:52 -0500

As an infantryman that served two tours (2003, 2007-08) in Iraq, I can tell you that there is no such thing as a "just average" infantryman. Most of your special ops started out as "just average" infantrymen. The only real difference between the two is that one gets more specialize training than the other one does

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 22 at 2017 12:03 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 00:03:53 -0500

In order to be "Special" there have to be regular. That seems to be lost on the Army.. If we are forced to fight a good old frontal war we may find ourselves lacking

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 22 at 2017 1:15 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 01:15:33 -0500

If you have a such a low opinion of yourself then you need to think again. Consider about .5% of the American population has served in the Armed Force of the U.S. No where in the word TEAM (which the Armed Forces is) do I see any of the letters "SOF". I am guessing if you eliminated all the "want-a-be" SOF soldiers, the number would be greatly reduced. I am proud of my service and will never back down from what I did. After all in am in the less than .5%, of American population so I am already "elite"

Response by SSG Alvin Amezquita made Dec 22 at 2017 2:29 PM

SSG Alvin Amezquita — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 14:29:09 -0500

I had the honor to serve with two ODA Detachments as Force Protection and also went on missions that were essential to our strategic initiatives in Iraq. ODA Detachments have a unique training that they use. As an Infantryman for 16 years I have seen many things in the warrior community and I can tell u one thing the reason why they are called Special Forces is because thats what they are a special group of men and women who bring special skills to the table that some average joes can’t bring to the table. But it does not mean that those that are average are not valuable to the overall mission. They are needed to make sure that the overall mission is achieved. Everyone has there own piece of the pie in the mission. One team one fought.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2017 12:41 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 00:41:47 -0500

Speak for yourself. If you are trying to compare your worth to that of others, and you are falling short, you are failing yourself. Be the best you that you can be, and if you want to get the credit of SOF, go SOF...

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2017 1:57 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 01:57:39 -0500

SGT This job will end, we all must move on from this life at some point, basing one's worth from all the danglies and dodads you get while in is not what makes one's life worth on the outside. All those companies mentioned got out at a good time, have a product or service they built, and while being a vet owned business and a cool guy rep didn't hurt, its the business and timing. There are many pro vet groups or certifications you can get if your looking to boost a business. First start with something you enjoy and are good at, then look for any pro vet groups or classifications you can apply for, but you should have a good product first. There is the worth, producing a good item, not just another item. In my own life I'm going into farming, there is the Farm Vet Co-op, with several certifications that can be applied for IF my products are good enough and meet their rules. But I will find my worth in producing a quality meet and eggs that re good for me and healthy animals. That is all I can suggest. Its your worth that you have to look in the mirror for, for every person that supports and follows Art-15 and BRC, there are those that don't.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2018 2:01 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 14:01:07 -0500

BE WHO YOU ARE. THAT SHOULD BE ENOUGH.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2018 9:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 21:36:48 -0500

1A) what separates RGMT, SF and A few other ARSOF outfits? The answer is that they perform basic skills to perfection, of “no mind” per say. T1 assets, assualters, operators or whatever term the cool kids throw at them this month are no different physically than most 11B’s. What separates them is what is between their ears.
2) Don’t judge what you contribute to the community on movies, SOF, or anything else. Is your outfit better for having you in it? Are young gunfighters under your command training and becoming better everyday? If not, start there.

Worry about your sphere of influence and the rest will fall in to place.

Response by CSM Larry Miller made Feb 9 at 2018 3:58 PM

CSM Larry Miller — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:58:23 -0500

Your self worth is in the fact you are a Soldier. You have already done more than less than 1% of other Americans... be very, very proud of that. As a "leg" Infantryman I served repeatedly with Operators both OCONUS, during deployments, and CONUS. Their only concern with me was what I could for them. To a man they were all quiet professionals. I would caution you to be very cautious of the "chest beaters" you may encounter during your career. Best of luck to you and thank you for your service.

Response by PO2 David Allender made Feb 14 at 2018 9:41 AM

PO2 David Allender — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 09:41:54 -0500

One slogan the Army has hits the point here. ' "BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE." Nobody can ask more of you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 11:28 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 11:28:27 -0500

Special operations is just that, special. Not everyone is able or is willing to do it.

Judge your own self worth based on your own work ethic and what you have accomlpished for the organization. Any service conducted to better the military or nation is to be commended and appreciated, because less than 1% of the population serves in uniform. That in itself is something to be proud of. While your friends and family are doing other thing with their lives, you comitted to something greater than yourself for the betterment of your country, and your countrymen. Everyone has a role, a cog, in the machine we call the military. Each cog needs to work in order to function the machine. We all should be proud of what we do to make this special machine in and of itself, function.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Feb 14 at 2018 12:33 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 12:33:34 -0500

You forgot 99Z

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Feb 14 at 2018 1:57 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 13:57:58 -0500

Take a hammer and whack yourself in the head, if it hurts you have found yourself. Back in the draft people took great pride in being useless and indolent. Many reserve units excelled at it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 4:46 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 16:46:55 -0500

Don't be average. Most exceptional people I know where exceptional before anyone noticed and stuck them with a label. Be exceptional.

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Feb 15 at 2018 4:32 AM

SGT Eric Knutson — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 04:32:54 -0500

Average to whom? Not everyone can be John Rambo, but compared to civvies, every one of us has at least a little bit of him in us. Many of the MoH recipients were just your "average joe" who rose to their occasion. Not to mention that for every medal of valor you see out there, there were probably 5 or 6 troops who did just as much or more, but were not seen at the time. As for those "Super Soldiers" in JSOC, remember, every one of them started out just like you did, at basic training, doing dumb stuff. You pick YOUR passion and run with it, don't let others define your limits, that is YOUR job, and no one else's. Good luck to you, and you can do this.

Response by 1SG Michael Farrell made Feb 16 at 2018 7:13 PM

1SG Michael Farrell — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 19:13:05 -0500

Sergeant, the best commercial the Army had was the one that ran for over a decade, the "Be All You Can Be." Be the best damn Sergeant you can be, and measure your accomplishments not against everybody else but against what you want to achieve. Compete fiercely but against standards, not against others. The services are full of stories of those who had no business on paper being where they were; Audie Murphy, SGT Morales, Roger Young. Read To Hell and Back by Murphy and then watch the film. Murphy was just the best soldier he could be, worked harder than anyone else and always looked for ways to take better care of his buddies, his soldiers and his Army.
Morales serves as a role model for NCOs everywhere -- you excel when your soldiers excel; it's one damned Army, not an Arm of one, and Morales demonstrated that, despite a lot of challenges. Roger Young was a Guardsman who had to memorize the eye chart so he could pass the physical; and was killed in the Battle of New Georgia in the Solomons, in action taking out an enemy machine gun position so that his patrol could withdraw following an ambush. Young had damaged vision and hearing; in fact, he asked to be reduced in rank from SGT because he felt he was not capable of being a squad leader due to his physical limitations. Although he had the opportunity to get treatment for his hearing during the Solomons' campaign, he did not want to be absent during the New Georgia campaign. For his action, Young was a recipient of the Medal of Honor.

None of these heroes were enlistment poster, superstar looking soldiers. They were rather men of honor, patriotism and loyalty who really were driven to be all they could be. Do the same thing. The DISCOM of the 9th Infantry Division(Motorized) adopted as their motto, " Do your duty. No soldier can do less; no one can expect more." And, if you give all you have, young Sergeant, you'll really be all you can be. No one should expect more.

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Feb 20 at 2018 6:55 AM

1SG Ernest Stull — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 06:55:49 -0500

Be the best soldier you can be and learn from the best. Don't worry about the Hollywood hype. The true hardened grunt gets the hard work to do.

Response by PFC John Villarreal made Feb 22 at 2018 9:45 AM

PFC John Villarreal — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 09:45:37 -0500

I'm me. I will always do my very best to be the best at what I do. I never put those down who couldn't ( Unless we were F&*King with each other) I tell my boy when he's being made fun of for juggling or working Eskrima, " Those that can, do....Those that can't, make fun of those who can"

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Feb 22 at 2018 9:58 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 09:58:53 -0500

SGT Diaz,
I think it is up to the individual to find out his/her own self worth, and can you bring up to the table. I have served with SF units before as a combat cameraman where I found myself asking, what is my part in all this or mission? I had some thoughts about what if I was an "operator". But, I have never considered myself average because I knew I had a purpose.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Feb 23 at 2018 9:11 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 21:11:37 -0500

Sp4 Byron Skinner. Going back to the day I never though much of anything that called itself Special Operations If you check out them MOS's on the Vietnam Memorial you will find that the most represented Army MOS is 11Bravo. In the the opinion of a mud Infantryman we are the ones who have to wade into the muck of war, take and hold land. We are the one who bleed out and die on the battle ground. The others we called back in the day 9 to 5 soldiers . While after a hardy meal of C Rats we went out for the nigh on night missions while the Green Beanies quaffed beers in the club and hit on the short time girls. Many of these super soldiers were more in danger of getting the clap then losing a body part to enemy fire. Of course when their tour was over the came home with more ribbons the is on a Latin American Police Officer. The old adage of 11B's don't get medals its their job. There is nothing average about somebody who voluntary enlist to stand 10 meters for a determined enemy who want to kill then, time and time over. We don't need a song to be a hero.

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Feb 25 at 2018 2:18 PM

LT Ed Skiba — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 14:18:16 -0500

Bloom where you are planted! SOF can't do their job without the support team that never gets the glory. Someone else said..."what's wrong with average?"... NOTHING! The whole world is average. Average is what keeps things going. If everyone was a star, who would do the tough (non-glamorous) stuff? Just be yourself...everyone else is TAKEN!

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Mar 6 at 2018 2:40 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 14:40:30 -0500

Just by virtue of serving honorably, you are well above the average person. Look around you at how many civilians could never make it in the service. You learned skills that others can only envy. I know I did. Put them to use. You don't need a war medal to prove that.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Mar 6 at 2018 5:24 PM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 17:24:13 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member self-worth comes from inside, not outside.

Your identity is not based on your MOS, unit, rank,... It is based on this truth: you are designed by God to be Isaiah Diaz, He has a purpose for you, and your worth is because of who you are, not external labels.

Don't compare.
Be yourself.
Just be yourself.
That is your worth...your infinitely valuable worth.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 6 at 2018 5:32 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 17:32:02 -0500

Honestly if your only accomplishment is your job title, you need to accomplish more. Be proud of what you do, not meaningless labels.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 6 at 2018 6:40 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 18:40:12 -0500

It seems young Sergeant you have already made up your mind about how average you are if not rated SOF,SEAl,DELTA etc,I am sorry you feel that way,but you must have heard somewhere how “average “ men and women of our Nation since the Revolutionary War till today have kept our County free,and on a personal note I visit some of my “average “Brothers at the Wall and I dare anyone in my presence to call them “average”....signed an average grunt A co.3/8 INF 4th INV DIV 1966-67.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Mar 6 at 2018 7:28 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 19:28:52 -0500

If you have to justify yourself by a MOS, tab, skill badge, or ASI, you've already failed. Being in any SOF unit seems glamorous according to the TV, but they do not show the shitload of support troops from across the services (except Coast Guard), who make these missions happen. No A Team, SEAL Team, MARSOC or anything will move two feet without the logistical, intelligence, and signals support of those behind the scenes. It's the same as in NASA. You'll know ALL of the astronauts names, ranks, branches of service. How many names of the women who crunched numbers to ensure correct mixtures, correct seam counts, correct set up and takedown of gear do you know of?

A Green Beret is no different than I am. Last time I checked, he puts his pants on the same way I do, laces up his boots the same way I do, and looks at the Army regs with as much disdain as I do. You could put the two of us in a ring and he very well could win. But it leads back to where both of us are the same, he won't quit, and neither will I. I'm gonna come back as often as health allows until I win, or I earn his respect. I'd rather earn the respect. It shows him we really are one team one fight. Anybody can "win".

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made Mar 6 at 2018 7:56 PM

CPL Dave Hoover — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 19:56:30 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member First, the world is both great and a sewer, determine your own standards and value. Second, if you strive to be able the world's average, you are living for the world and will have someone who you don't measure up to their standards and Third, follow the world and you will be sitting there an old man with dreams unfulfilled and feeling a failure. It's your heart and head that makes you ALREADY above average. Keep your head up brother.

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Mar 6 at 2018 10:48 PM

LTJG Richard Bruce — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 22:48:32 -0500

From The Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae, no. 81)
Man is called to a fullness of life which far exceeds the dimensions of his earthly existence, because it consists in sharing the very life of God. The loftiness of this supernatural vocation reveals the greatness and the inestimable value of human life even in its temporal phase. Life in time, in fact, is the fundamental condition, the initial stage and an integral part of the entire unified process of human existence. It is a process which, unexpectedly and undeservedly, is enlightened by the promise and renewed by the gift of divine life, which will reach its full realization in eternity (cf. 1 Jn 3:1-2). At the same time, it is precisely this supernatural calling which highlights the relative character of each individual's earthly life. After all, life on earth is not an "ultimate" but a "penultimate" reality; even so, it remains a sacred reality entrusted to us, to be preserved with a sense of responsibility and brought to perfection in love and in the gift of ourselves to God and to our brothers and sisters.
http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25031995_evangelium-vitae.html

Evangelium Vitae (25 March 1995) | John Paul II

Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae (25 March 1995) on the Value and Inviolability ¶ of Human Life

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2018 11:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 23:53:14 -0500

Remember for those SOF personnel to operate to their peak, they still needed 'average' SMs to provide support whether it was ordering/shipping supplies, maintaining vehicles/equipment, performing medical services, or many other things people do not realize at a glance.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Mar 7 at 2018 9:56 AM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 09:56:23 -0500

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 4:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 16:03:36 -0500

Self Worth, lays within your Spirit.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 4:07 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 16:07:10 -0500

You're only as good as you feel. You know what you have done and can do, so don't buy into the hype. The rest is just marketing and sound management.

Response by CW4 Michael LaGrave made Mar 10 at 2018 10:48 AM

CW4 Michael LaGrave — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 10:48:03 -0500

Although SOF personnel are highly trained, they are just people who chose a different path than others. I have had the opportunity to work with quite a few of them, they are no better than the average Joe. Just better equipped and better funding for more training. Too, they are the ones who are selected for the “Hollywood” missions. Often the grunts are left in the trenches slugging it out day to day, but their efforts are not “glorified” because the are just “average” Joes. To that I say B.S. I have seen far to often the “average Joe” perform acts of extraordinary valor and go unrecognized because the commands were too weak to recommend them for the recognition that they deserve. THe fact that you served makes you a cut above. Never settle for mediocrity, you are above average for having put on the uniform day in and day out.

Response by SGT Todd Miller made Mar 17 at 2018 8:31 AM

SGT Todd Miller — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 08:31:40 -0400

I want to respond to this one. People will put you down if you let them. That is one thing that I don't like about VSO's. We're always measuring each other. Does it really matter? Many of us don't have the same opportunities, skills, or abilities. I like being an under the radar kind of guy. People always under estimate me and my abilities. Being an average guy doesn't mean you are not valuable. Sometimes it's better to leave some things to professionals. Like fixing the brakes on my car. Those SOF guys may have special abilities or are more athletic than I. That doesn't mean they don't depend on the rest of us to do their job. It's a job. My Dad was just a boiler mechanic on a destroyer but the destroyer he was on happened to be the first dispatched to intercept a Russian cargo ship during the Cuban Missile crisis. He was scared to death they were going to get their asses shot off. Grandpa was in the Army during WW2. He worked on an LST as part of MacAurthur's navy and was in a hell of a firefight landing armor on the beaches of Layette Gulf in the Philippines. His LST was hit twice by 500 lb. bombs but they still saved it. The bow doors wouldn't shut and they drove backwards all the way to Australia for repairs. Lol, just common guys in extraordinary circumstances. I was a commo puke. I wanted to fix TV's and VCR's when I started. I lingered on for 12 years but never had the same opportunities. I love anything electrical. I went on and became a very good engineer. I thank the Army and taxpayers for that opportunity. I've used my skills and abilities to keep American manufacturing going for many years. Someday this country is going to need those places and if necessary I could still do great things. Don't let people put you down if you weren't SOF. Audie Murphy was just a common average guy too and he said as much many times. We are all still part of the other 1% even the average guys. Cheers my friends and comrades.

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Mar 17 at 2018 8:44 AM

MSG Charles Turner — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 08:44:19 -0400

SGT Diaz,
As someone that has served "On both sides of the fence", I can to the realization many many years ago that although those that serve in SOF units are those to be admired by some .. without those that serve in support of those units they could NOT do their "Job" as nearly successfully as they do or NOT AT ALL! It takes All of those in the Military (IN BOOTS) as well as so many "Behind the Scenes" Types (Other Combat Units, Combat Support, Combat Service Support other Branches and even Civilians) that allow Special Ops to be in the Position to Succeed and with the minimum of losses. No there are so many that do so much that well... they just dont realize their contributions or the IMPORTANCE OF IT! So Thanks to You and ALL of the Contributors for a JOB WELL DONE! AND BE PROUD OF YOUR PERFORMANCE! We are PROUD OF YOU!

~ole Sarge~

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2018 9:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 09:55:46 -0400

Everyone who serves does a job that contributes to the overall effectiveness of the military. Without cooks, finance, logistics, drivers, intel, etc, etc.. the military would not function properly. Be happy and proud that you served, no matter what the capacity. I wasn’t in any of the SOF, but I do know a few who retired and have had this conversation with them. They assure me it’s nonsense to think your service was nothing and all jobs are important in different ways.

Response by SSgt Richard Allison made Mar 21 at 2018 3:35 PM

SSgt Richard Allison — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 15:35:29 -0400

I was in the USAF between 1979 and 1984. I did my job. I was a combat communicator, thats going in first to set up tactical Air support comms and then be the last out with the last air craft. We were not SOF, like a lot of other USAF vets of that period we did our jobs to support the mission for little to no notarity or exposure, because we were professionals and maintaining the peace.

So while I agree that there seems to be some serious "glory hounds" out there because they were SOF, there are also a lot of vets who make themselves more than they are. Integrety is what you do when no one is watching, honor is what you have when you do the best you can regardless of reward or glory and heroism is being there to do whats right what ever the cost.

Response by PO1 Fred McCall made Mar 22 at 2018 4:48 PM

PO1 Fred McCall — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 16:48:02 -0400

Just remember, half of everyone is below average. "If you ain't an operator, you ain't shit." (I wasn't an operator, but my radioman was.)

Response by 1SG Dale Cantrell made Mar 24 at 2018 10:55 AM

1SG Dale Cantrell — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 10:55:52 -0400

Yes there are USA ARMY heroes that even I admire, but if not for us average G. I. Joes, they could not eat, drive, sleep, fly, or walk without an average G.I. joe, it took me 40 years of US ARMY and retire as 1sg to understand this

Response by Sgt Ronald Paden made Apr 8 at 2018 4:11 PM

Sgt Ronald Paden — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 16:11:13 -0400

I was proud of everything I did I don’t care what others in society think is cool. Your not average if you do your job to the best of your ability. I’ve been around too many special ops that couldn’t make it in a regular unit. Hollywood paints a pretty picture, you know in your experience as well as they do, our job and theirs isn’t as glamorous as Hollywood makes it look.

Response by SPC Steve Willis, PhD made Apr 10 at 2018 5:20 PM

SPC Steve Willis, PhD — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 17:20:02 -0400

Finding your worth in what you do is a dead end. Finding your worth through what others think of you even more so. I found mine through my relationship with Jesus Christ.

Let me explain briefly: human worth within both Judaism and Christianity is founded upon the concept that we humans are created in the image and likeness of God. Christianity extends that even further by proclaiming that each and every human being is so valuable to God, that even if there was only one man or woman who needed a savior on this planet, He would have sent His Son to die for that one lost person.

This is why within Western Civilization — which is founded upon Judeo-Christian ethics and morality — murder is the most heinous of crimes because it is a selfish act taking away God's highest give — life — from God's highest creation — another human being.

Once you remove God from the equation of our existence, the value of a human life falls to zero because we are thereafter reduced to being yet another animal vying for existence on this planet.

So even though I was a marginal troop at best while I was in the Army, I met Jesus there. And over the last 45 years, He has transformed my me from that basic booger-head who was rebellious, arrogant, and entirely self-centered into who I am today: a Christian minister, theologian, and published writer having the love and respect of my family, friends, and peers. That transformation was through the free gift of His unmerited favor motivated by His unfathomable love and delivered at a cost to Him that we can only scratch the surface of imagining.

This might set off some folks and it may even be against the rules here, but there it is!

Response by SFC Carlos Cruz made Apr 16 at 2018 2:43 PM

SFC Carlos Cruz — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 14:43:10 -0400

You are average because it the level where you feel countable therefore don’t put yourself in that category by lowering your standards.
One is his or her own sales person when it come to be accepted in this world, n’t by lowering it self when you are a outstanding product the need to sales yourself. Hollywood doesn’t control my Destiny, I control my destiny & sales my self as I see it.

Response by SFC Jim H. made Apr 18 at 2018 12:21 PM

SFC Jim H. — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 12:21:27 -0400

Just remember that all the SoF hype is done by the media and Hollywood. Vets don't really care what you did as long as you did whatever your MOS is and you got your Honorable Discharge DD-214. Nobody is special and nobody is average in the military. I was a 67N40 (15 something today) and am damn proud of my time as a UH-1 (and multiple aviation MOS's) crew chief/mechanic/platoon sgt. Do your job to the best of your ability and be proud of what you do.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Apr 25 at 2018 7:47 PM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 19:47:17 -0400

Don't sell yourself short , if you think you did your part for the country and your service, and finished the time you signed up for, you're as good as them. Remember your time proudly and how you matured because of it and what you did. Oh yea, and go register with the VA

Response by Manuel Perea made Apr 26 at 2018 12:08 PM

Manuel Perea — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 12:08:46 -0400

To many young men believe the SOF is exactly like what they see in the movies. They are heart broken when they realize that many task are repetitively mundane and average. Even when deployed for Intel gathering missions you are strictly prohibited from killing enemy targets.

Response by COL Jerry C. made May 6 at 2018 2:29 PM

COL Jerry C. — Sun, 06 May 2018 14:29:08 -0400

In my view, it comes down to the realization or fulfillment one's seeks with regard to their own talents and potentialities, a drive or need present in everyone compared or contrasted to your career later at 15 years. As a young snuffy, I too wanted to "eat snakes, run in the "suck" and be all "hooah". There was nothing wrong with that but as time passed I realized there was more to life than "learning to love the suck, I wish it could suck more". Being IN the military makes one MORE, so much MORE than average. You "play" in the World league and sometimes there are folks who are needed with special skill sets that in brutal honesty, NOT ALL POSSESS. Even within the SOF there are those who are "average". I spent time in SOF, back in the day before it was publicly "hooah". I liked the life and I loved the training, but as the years go by and you look up in the sky, while laying in the suck and you see the zoomies going home to sleep in a hot bunk and have a hot "A" meal, you realize there is more. You find your self-worth by literally and intellectually honestly seeking to improve your skill set within your own Speciality. In the old saying "Be All You Can Be" and BE the Warrior Ethos.

Response by LT Ed Skiba made May 7 at 2018 4:03 PM

LT Ed Skiba — Mon, 07 May 2018 16:03:06 -0400

Sometimes we "average" folks have to take the jobs no one else wants and show "the boss" what we are made of. That's the way I found to compete against the "heroes and experts." I know who I am and I really don't care who they are. By working my way up, instead of having it handed to me because I was "special," I learned much more than the ones I felt I had to compete against. I found that in the end, the "A" students taught the "B" students who ended up working for the "C" students. Don't compete against anyone but yourself!

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made May 14 at 2018 11:49 AM

SFC Stephen Hester — Mon, 14 May 2018 11:49:36 -0400

Not everyone can be a Ranger, Green Beret, SEAL, Submariner for the same reason a rutabaga can't be a pineapple: they're just not made that way. There's nothing wrong with that.

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made May 14 at 2018 8:48 PM

SSG Harry Outcalt — Mon, 14 May 2018 20:48:35 -0400

You'll never find it comparing yourself to a Green Beret , you can find it simply by being the best you can be as a soldier and top 1% of grunt's in the military ,push yourself to be the best , learn from the best to be the best just don't get a big head about it be humble it's about the willingness to do more than other's without looking for a reward never be satisfied instead always look for improvement

Response by SSG Dennis O'Connor made May 14 at 2018 9:17 PM

SSG Dennis O'Connor — Mon, 14 May 2018 21:17:29 -0400

I was just average as well but guess what? All my people returned from deployments still vertical. Does the media look to me for my views on world events? Nope but then again half of those media persons would just respond with a confused look on their face as they would have no clue about what I was saying anyway. Your self worth is what you make it. I honorably served and retired after 20 years. That is my self worth.

Response by LTC John Bush made May 16 at 2018 8:37 PM

LTC John Bush — Wed, 16 May 2018 20:37:08 -0400

Average of what from where? The "average" male is neither physically or mentally qualified to become a member of the armed forces. The very fact you have server honorably puts you above average.

Response by Jerry Rivas made May 18 at 2018 4:03 PM

Jerry Rivas — Fri, 18 May 2018 16:03:00 -0400

Be the best you can be... Be the best Tanker, or Cook, or Engineer. That's all that matters. Cream always rises to the top.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 18 at 2018 5:29 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 18 May 2018 17:29:09 -0400

There are those who are pure breed operators, the other 99% of us aren't. Keep in mind for every one of them, how many of us are needed to support them? That C-130 doesn't fly itself, that Humvee doesn't get new parts out of the blue, that purple heart wearing soldier didn't heal by divine intervention, unlike Hollywood our rifles do need to be reloaded, so how des that ammo get there? With out the rest of us, they would have a hell of a hard time getting there and back. While I don't speak ill of them as I know they are doing the war fighting, let the rest of us not forget, our skills are here for a reason. We keep the warfighter in the battle.

Response by SSG John Eroh made May 19 at 2018 1:44 PM

SSG John Eroh — Sat, 19 May 2018 13:44:29 -0400

I retired as a Army Signal Corps SSG running inner-base microwave communications sites. We always kept in mind the saying " Without communications, a commander only commands his desk." In 'Nam we provided the links to the air bases where the air support came from, to the medic-evac choppers to carry out the wounded and the request for needed supplies to be delivered. We understood that our mission was needed 24/7 and vital to the success of the US/ROK/RVN/NATO forces.

We did get a little big headed sometimes like in Vietnam with our air conditioned building with a well stocked refrigerator, a BBQ grill and flushing toilet. Or in Germany where the only time we used our field gear was when we kept our sleeping bags, air mattress & ponchos in the car for when we were sightseeing over the weekend and slept out on the ground at a autobahn rest stop.

Response by MAJ Alan Montgomery made May 23 at 2018 1:49 PM

MAJ Alan Montgomery — Wed, 23 May 2018 13:49:22 -0400

In my day we called them Mercs (Mercenaries). Times change now it's SOF. My personal thoughts is that anyone who needs to be a SOF has issues with self worth. A real soldier is a patriot who doesn't sell his, or her, skills like a streetwalker or a whore on Saturday night, but rather in the uniform of their country. There will always be those who prefer do die for no one in particular, for no flag or country, for no ideology save the one paying the most money, and no cause save their own. I'm just not one of them. Besides with Democrats, millennials and the liberal media acting the way they do I wont have to wait long to play again. This new enemy of the state will cut and run, unlike real soldiers who go toe to toe with honor and under the banner of their country: this new enemy has no honor, no country, no President.

Response by SPC David Elzinga made Jun 1 at 2018 8:17 PM

SPC David Elzinga — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 20:17:48 -0400

By being the best you can be in what ever you are doing, always a chance that the spec ops Community will notice you

Response by SPC Gregory Vanderlin made Jun 3 at 2018 9:49 PM

SPC Gregory Vanderlin — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 21:49:42 -0400

I never made it to past the Infantry, However I would not want some Hollywood douche telling my story either. I believe if you want to find self worth it begins with getting rid of the idea that you you need to be recognized by people who don't really give two shits. You want your story told cool, but I would rather tell the story than leave it to someone who wasn't there. You're only average if you allow yourself to be.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2019 1:11 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 13:11:06 -0500

I am proud to have been an Infantryman as both enlisted NCO and an officer. SF, Rangers and other SOF have been great to work with and helped me many times over the years. SF and Being a Ranger is not for everyone, except my son and good friends from 2nd Bat.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2019 1:14 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 13:14:19 -0500

SOF dudes are some of the baddest mofos on Planet Earth...and we need guys like that to defend our country but...once you put them in a regular unit they become some of the most laziest soldiers ever. I guess I can see why..when you go from being the cream of the crop to an average Joe. But still....

Response by SCPO William Akin made Feb 27 at 2019 1:40 PM

SCPO William Akin — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 13:40:39 -0500

"How can one find his/her self worth in today’s world"
1st by placing very little store/faith in what the news media spews forth..
2nd believing absolutely Nothing that comes out of holly-WEIRD..
The fact that you served honorably in any part of the military puts you leagues ahead of the lions share of the civilian world..

Response by SPC Justin Foster made Mar 1 at 2019 7:31 AM

SPC Justin Foster — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 07:31:12 -0500

Comparison is the thief of joy. There will likely always be someone doing "more" or "bigger" things than all of us. Let your ego go, and you'll be happier.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jun 26 at 2019 9:54 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 21:54:46 -0400

I was a company clerk, but I was an above average company clerk. My sense of self worth comes from within not from without.

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Jun 30 at 2019 3:53 PM

LT Ed Skiba — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 15:53:40 -0400

SOF can't operate without logistic support! We are all on the SAME team!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 30 at 2019 6:25 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 18:25:59 -0400

There is a ME in TEAM. We are part of something greater than ourselves. When our Armor Divisions destroyed the Iraqi Army in Desert Storm, they did not do that by themselves.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jun 30 at 2019 6:37 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 18:37:44 -0400

Was never SOF. But I did one deployment with them as an individual tasker. (I went as an individual to fill a slot for SOJTF-A). I was not SOF, I was not doing an SF mission, I worked (for the most part) "inside the wire." I am not claiming, nor would I ever claim to be or to have been an operator.

While on that deployment, supporting a bunch of operators, I earned the nickname "Wizard" for my ability to "magically" make resources appear. (I was an MI guy in an MI role, not a logistician, BTW). The folks I supported seemed to think that this non-SOF guy was more than "just average." They felt that way about ALL of their supporting cast who showed up, did their job, and took pride in doing it well.

I say all that to ask this.... Did you show up? Did you do your job? Did you take pride in doing it well? If you can answer yes to all three questions then you, my friend, are not "just average."

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 30 at 2019 8:25 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 20:25:09 -0400

Easy, I don’t tie my personal worth to them. They lived their life, I lived mine.

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Feb 4 at 2020 11:21 AM

LT Ed Skiba — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 11:21:00 -0500

They would accomplish nothing without "average" troops backing them up!