My training in the military helped me with life afterwards. Some of the things I experienced scared me worse than anything has since then. I also learned many useful things.
I learned that things can always get worse. I learned people do not always rise to the occasion. I learned in some situations the options are either bad or worse.
I learned to be grateful for what other people in my situation would not be impressed by. I learned I am not better or more special than anyone else. I learned good people can make really bad decisions that put you into a very dangerous situation.
I learned that rules often have good reasons for their creation, even if they sound silly at first. I know the secret to getting along with coworkers: kindness and team spirit. I know the secret to pleasing your boss: always give 150% and always do exactly what you are told immediately.
I know how to operate in high stress situations: slow down. I know that, if I am in a high stress situation, I will panic and be of little help. I know that I have negative levels of skill in mechanical things. I am not a violent person, in any situation, so I would have little to no value in combat.
I really appreciate the NCOs, in all branches, but especially the Army Sergeants for dealing with impossible situations and completely ridiculous expectations with very little pay or compensation.
I was glad I didn’t get married then, as I had the opportunity, with several women in my unit. That would be unreasonable to expect that to work out. It would not last long, considering what happened, as I became more and more paranoid, culminating in my psychotic break. I regret that I was so young and clueless.
I was very happy to leave the military, before something happened to me that would be much worse than being diagnosed with Schizophrenia. I also learned everyone has difficult things in life to deal with, so we are all disabled to varying degrees, in different ways. I also believe everyone will deal with at least one tragedy in their life, that they did not expect.
-- October 2025