How has your time in the military affected the way you see the world?

SN Vivien Roman-Hampton — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 13:59:01 -0400

Was it a gradual change that took place and shaped your opinions? What has been the biggest change in your views?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2017 2:44 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 14:44:16 -0400

With more twisted humor and sarcasm

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Oct 2 at 2017 2:59 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 14:59:23 -0400

After having served I'm amazed at the narrow, uninformed view that so many people without that background maintain. A disturbing number of so called leaders in Europe and also the United States just don't seem to get it and the name of political correctness endanger the lives and safety of their own citizens. What even happened to people that could actually think for themselves ? In the military You received an education in experience that showed a good portion of the worlds population is far from perfect and many places have problems the have existed for hundreds of years we do not need to import here. If You follow the crowd on the far left with the misguided thinking and view they will not change for anything We are doomed.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Oct 2 at 2017 3:15 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 15:15:14 -0400

It changed my view of the world completely - I pay attention to world events as well as historical the roots of current events. I find myself closer to fellow veterans and current servicemen than I am to my own brothers who didn't serve.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Oct 2 at 2017 3:16 PM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 15:16:40 -0400

I think my world view expanded and broadened significantly, based on discussions I've had with family members back home in Minnesota. Travelling abroad, to 1st world thru 3rd world nations, gives you a much wider perspective on the world, its various forms of government, economic and health conditions, food and culture, liberty, equality, and the rights of minorities and women. My brothers and sisters can't evaluate alternative forms of government/economic models and HOW THEY TRANSLATE to quality of life in those nations, and don't understand or even consider how fortunate we are to live in the US. For these reasons, I am a huge advocate of a compulsory 1-year abroad program following high school for all US citizens, whether supporting NGOs/PVOs or government agencies/departments.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Oct 2 at 2017 3:19 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 15:19:58 -0400

What I have seen inthe world is that everyone and every culture is basically the same...Let me explain. We are all wired to live our lives and take care of our families and friends. If you put religous and ethnic affiliation aside youcan see that everyone wants to put food onthe table, roof over their heads, and promote their family to a better life. Even our enemies have that basic need. That is what I hav learned. Now outside of that basic function when you throw religion and other stuff into it, that is when it gets different and hairy.

I have also learned that not everything inthe world is black and white. Sometimes things fall into a gray category and people around the world have to critically think for themselves...an art that is ging away in my opinion.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 2 at 2017 6:29 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 18:29:13 -0400

Yes and as previously stated, the way it sees me also! Having talked to some high school friends reacquainted through the miracles of Facebook, the answer is a double absolutely!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2017 6:58 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 18:58:29 -0400

One thing was that after seeing Somalia I had a better understanding of poverty. We got the MEU on line and swept door to door for weapons. We were at the farthest end so there were no buildings. Just these stick huts about 5-6 feet tall. They were literally sticks interwoven with whatever cardboard or other waste materials they could find. No floor, just dry red dirt and sand, and not large enough to sleep in. Just a small teepee with an opening to store their few belongings in. Inside most had one rock for grinding grain, one flat metal sheet to cook on, some burnt wood for charcoal, and a small can of cooking oil. It was stunning at first, because there was no door to knock on. We just used sign languages with our weapons to stay out of our way while we pilfered their domain. They had mostly rags wrapped around them. The NGOs were funneling food and cash to them but it never made it down to that level. The corrupt warlords had total control of everything. The Red Crescent was robbed twice and they got away with a half-million US $ or so each time. These people couldn't afford the basics let alone weapons, while the gangs were well armed. It was just one example of how much better we live as a society. Things like that leave an impression and make you glad to be back on US soil. It adds another perspective of a far worse scenario.

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Oct 2 at 2017 9:56 PM

1LT Peter Duston — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 21:56:48 -0400

As a Russian linguist and analyst way back in the Cold War, I was forged as an anti-communist, conservative right winger. But as my active and reserve career progressed and I saw evidence that my military and government covered up, lied or distorted the truth, my hawkish attitude softened. First it was promoting the fear of Soviet invasion of Western Europe but when we saw hard evidence that the Soviets didn't trust the East Germans or the other Warsaw Pact armies with sufficient ammunition at the same time, we scratched our heads....There were others and finally by the middle of the Vietnam War, I had had enough of Washington's dishonesty that had us mired in a monumental mistake that was sapping our national honor and killing tens of thousands of our troops and hundreds of thousands of civilians. I resigned as I became much more of a political liberal. 13 years later, I rejoined the army reserve at a mellow and mature age of 47 with advanced studies in Russian studies fully understanding how our government had got it so wrong during those Cold War and Vietnam years. Today's equivalent, obviously, is the Iraq War and once again, we were lied to and the truth was distorted. My military service continues to be a paradox between supporting our troops and being suspicious of our leadership. We've been lied to before!!

PS: I'm 79 and still wear a uniform as the bugler on military honor guards now a liberal and proud of it!!!

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Oct 2 at 2017 10:04 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 22:04:41 -0400

I've seen what desperation and "trying to just survive" actually look like, and along with that how good most of us truly have it here in the U.S. of A. Also, while there are people everywhere who are truly good and honest, those who wish harm are always right there alongside them.

Response by PFC Lisa McDonald made Oct 3 at 2017 1:53 AM

PFC Lisa McDonald — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 01:53:06 -0400

To look past the words and to see the actions.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2017 4:25 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 04:25:06 -0400

First, appreciation for all the things we take for granted, especially emergency services and sanitation. Lots of places don't have trash pickup or landfills and it just piles up wherever like streams, rivers and along the coast. Which complicates other issues like access to clean water.

Second, I have become more cynical and skeptical of other people. Not just in foreign countries but also here in the states. I have seen both the good and evil in people. I also remain conflicted to why so many people aren't willing to fight for their homeland (this includes the US too).

Third, I learned the world treats you differently as a soldier than a citizen. My experience in uniform while overseas wasn't so positive. There was a stigma and fear of American military that was hard to overcome. However as a civilian traveling abroad people think you're just made of money and try to sell you useless crap. I still have all these trinkets from Australia I have no clue what I'm going to do with.

Lastly, my short time in the military has also changed my view of the US and its history. We are really lucky America turned out the way it did. Compared to other countries that have been around much longer, America has only been around for 241 years and we're still kicking ass. Now if only I can get the damn VA to approve my claim.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Oct 3 at 2017 7:45 AM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 07:45:29 -0400

I have found in general, most non-vets are very shallow minded about the world and don't grasp or understand the reality of it.