Military expectacions
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Mal Reynolds
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 12:30 pm
For years I have beat myself up because I have never served in the Military. For years, my anxiety and depression kept me from joining. In October I throught that I had put these feelings behind me and I decided to join the Air Force. I was rejected on medical grounds. My feelings of worthlessness and self doubt resurfaced. I am the only one who has put this pressure on myself. I know that this mode of thinking is highly illogical, but sometimes I can't get it out of my head. Anyone out there had a similar problem?
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Guest
Two years ago I tried to join the National Guard but couldn't b/c I have asthma. I wanted to be part of the men and women I support and am so proud of. It wasn't meant to be, so I have to support and serve them through prayer, respect, support of family and friends of those serving and any other way.
I think the military is what you really wanted to devote your life too, and you feel like a failure because you couldn't. That doesn't make you a failure. There are so many other opportunities out there waiting for you. There are so many ways to help the military (www.uso.org is one full of options, volunteer for your local VFW or American Legion). You have to refocus your goals and expectations to find where you what to be and get there. Then there won't be that void you might feel now. I hope this helps a little. You are not alone and there is something out there waiting for you. Beverly
I think the military is what you really wanted to devote your life too, and you feel like a failure because you couldn't. That doesn't make you a failure. There are so many other opportunities out there waiting for you. There are so many ways to help the military (www.uso.org is one full of options, volunteer for your local VFW or American Legion). You have to refocus your goals and expectations to find where you what to be and get there. Then there won't be that void you might feel now. I hope this helps a little. You are not alone and there is something out there waiting for you. Beverly
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Guest
Hey Mal, I think it's so admirable of you to feel so much that you wanted to be of service, I agree with Bev's post that there are many other ways you can be of service. My sweetheart is serving in Afganistan now, and he really appreciates people who actually take action in supporting the troops, doing whatever they can, rather than those who just say, "we support the troops" because it's trendy. You are not a failure, you are an amazingly honorable person IMHO! With such a sensitive soul I think you will make a great difference in whatever projects you decide to do! Maybe God, or "the universe" has other plans for you?
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QueenEsther
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Mon Jul 27, 2009 4:26 pm
Hello Mal,
Well, let me first say that I served 5 years active duty Air Force and then switched over to the AF Reserves. I've got 15 years in now. YES its great to serve your country but it's not for everyone. Things have changed so much with our mission and tempo - it is extremely hectic and demanding (especially when you are trying to lead a civilian life). I agree with Miami KItty Cat when she says we appreciate people who support the troops in any way they can. Believe me - just being supportive and positive is super wonderful!!! Just a thank you is awesome to hear.
Have you ever considered working as a civilian on the base? You could still support the troops in that way. When they get deployed, it's the civilians that continue to support the base operations along side of the military. Every military member has a civilian counterpart for just that reason. PLUS the pay is pretty darn good and you don't have to "play war" every month or two. It's not easy mentally or physically - talk about panic attacks - try watching the news and seeing your friend on tv after a bombing in another country! That was surreal (he only got mildly injured, but still....
If you value your individualism, the military is not the place for you. It's tough to get treated like a number all the time - I'm fairly high ranking (E-7) and I still have to get in there with the younger troops even though I feel I've paid my dues. The military doesn't care if it's your anniversary, if you just had a miscarriage, your depressed (you can't take meds for that or you're out for sure). They don't care if you're scared to go fight in a war - you have to go. "Suck it up" is their favorite saying.
Anyway, I probably sound negative (and I won't deny that I am jaded) but I am trying to tell you to look at the bright side... maybe a higher power is protecting you from danger - and that you have a different path to follow that would do more good for yourself and others. That comes from my heart!
Hope this hasn't upset anyone. There is a lot more to the military - good and bad. Just like anything else.
Well, let me first say that I served 5 years active duty Air Force and then switched over to the AF Reserves. I've got 15 years in now. YES its great to serve your country but it's not for everyone. Things have changed so much with our mission and tempo - it is extremely hectic and demanding (especially when you are trying to lead a civilian life). I agree with Miami KItty Cat when she says we appreciate people who support the troops in any way they can. Believe me - just being supportive and positive is super wonderful!!! Just a thank you is awesome to hear.
Have you ever considered working as a civilian on the base? You could still support the troops in that way. When they get deployed, it's the civilians that continue to support the base operations along side of the military. Every military member has a civilian counterpart for just that reason. PLUS the pay is pretty darn good and you don't have to "play war" every month or two. It's not easy mentally or physically - talk about panic attacks - try watching the news and seeing your friend on tv after a bombing in another country! That was surreal (he only got mildly injured, but still....
If you value your individualism, the military is not the place for you. It's tough to get treated like a number all the time - I'm fairly high ranking (E-7) and I still have to get in there with the younger troops even though I feel I've paid my dues. The military doesn't care if it's your anniversary, if you just had a miscarriage, your depressed (you can't take meds for that or you're out for sure). They don't care if you're scared to go fight in a war - you have to go. "Suck it up" is their favorite saying.
Anyway, I probably sound negative (and I won't deny that I am jaded) but I am trying to tell you to look at the bright side... maybe a higher power is protecting you from danger - and that you have a different path to follow that would do more good for yourself and others. That comes from my heart!
Hope this hasn't upset anyone. There is a lot more to the military - good and bad. Just like anything else.