What Are 9 Things Civilians Want To Know About Veterans, But Are Too Afraid To Ask?

2015-08-26T16:16:57-04:00

I've been asked several of these questions as I'm sure you have. The worst question for me is asking me if I ever killed someone. I was in a war, what do you think, is my reply. Some of these, if not all, have been asked these questions.

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9 Things Civilians Want To Know About Veterans, But Are Too Afraid To Ask

Nine questions most civilians are thinking about, but are too scared to say out loud.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-08-26T16:19:51-04:00

Have you ever killed someone has got to be the top question for this I agree.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 26 at 2015 4:33 PM

2015-08-26T16:33:12-04:00

I get # 6 a lot... I would assume, with social media, it really is an appropriate, albeit, an uncomfortable question when this is not a one to one inquiry...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 4:33 PM

2015-08-26T16:33:25-04:00

I can honestly say I've never been asked the "big one"...maybe I just don't look the type.

I have been asked things that actually required some thought; "Do you have a hard time dealing with civilian life?", "Has it been a challenge relating to people who aren't veterans?", "Do you wish you were still in?", "As a veteran, what do you think about what's going on with the Middle East?", "Would you let your son serve?"

Sometimes, the questions are bigger than the answers I think.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 26 at 2015 5:03 PM

2015-08-26T17:03:04-04:00

Sounds about right, from my experience. I've been asked them all.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Aug 26 at 2015 6:33 PM

2015-08-26T18:33:47-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member As you already know i have been ask all 9 over the years and like you avoid some of them especially (did you kill anyone or how many did you kill) could add 1 or 2 to the list .I understand the curiosity to an extent,but some of the people who ask are just being obnoxious or derogatory.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Aug 26 at 2015 7:53 PM

2015-08-26T19:53:22-04:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0_qzlk5Bjs

Shit Veterans Want to Say (AKA The Veteran's Inner Monologue)

http://RangerUp.com presents the Veteran's Inner Monologue. Rated R for Ranger. ---------------------- Like Ranger Up? Want to also get cool gear, accessorie...

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Aug 27 at 2015 3:12 PM

2015-08-27T15:12:35-04:00

I have been asked what I do. But since I don't really want to touch that topic due to the sensitivity of my job I just tell them I do maintenance or munitions maintenance. Most people think that means guns.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 28 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-08-28T13:57:07-04:00

My wife has asked me the - "Have you killed anyone?". I answered no as I've never been in combat. Not knowing this was a taboo question since I answered it she asked my father who has 20 plus years in the Air Force plus intelligence work after. I explained to her that there are number of questions you don't ask veterans or service members and that is one of them. However my father in his usual polite manner answered it anyway "yes". I don't think my wife was really prepared for the answer. Needless to say she doesn't asked my father about his service anymore. Kind of glad this happen with my father rather than some of my friends - snipers, rangers, SF that have seen combat. She's a quick read so now its the standard what branch or where were you stationed.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Aug 29 at 2015 4:47 PM

2015-08-29T16:47:12-04:00

"What do Ham and Lima Beans really taste like?"

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jan 31 at 2017 1:57 AM

2017-01-31T01:57:04-05:00

give them a copy of Wilfrid Owen's Aplogia Pro Poemae Meo
about surviving the trenches in WWI
last line : " These me are worth your tears.
You are not worth their merriment"

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2019 1:46 PM

2019-10-18T13:46:21-04:00

My favorite is if I'm dropping my kids off at a non-military daycare the little kids there always as "Are you in the Army?". I figure the uniform gives it away, but they are always pretty awestruck. Whenever I visit home-home, like mom and dads, I always get the "So you're the Army one? Where you at these days?" . I get the 'Army one' because I'm a twin and all my sisters and family still live in Kansas while I've lived all over.