Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

Chainfire

(17,757 posts)
14. I brought nothing to the military and I took nothing back with me.
Fri Feb 11, 2022, 08:15 PM
Feb 2022

I joined to avoid being prosecuted for avoiding the draft. I gritted my teeth, did my time. I refused the offer of OCS and Nuclear Power School; I went in as an E3 and came out as an E3. I stayed out of trouble, but I was mildly resistant to the whole thing. I had an officer tell me that I just didn't understand the traditions of the Navy. I understood, I just chose to participate at the minimum level of cooperation. They got my body, but not my soul.

I do need to correct one thing, I did take something out of the service; my first home was bought with a VA loan.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

I was already a neat-nik years before I joined the Army, so that didn't change at all. Aristus Feb 2022 #1
I tried to get into the military, but they would not accept me. William769 Feb 2022 #2
Interesting.. not serving did change your life. Good for you. You fought a battle worth fighting. usaf-vet Feb 2022 #3
Fuck 'em. Aristus Feb 2022 #19
It imbued me with a contempt that occasionally morphs into rage directed toward ... 11 Bravo Feb 2022 #4
Oh I have plenty of that as well. See the last paragaph in my post. That is the origin of my anger. usaf-vet Feb 2022 #5
My story has some similarities DVRacer Feb 2022 #6
I lost my student deferment in 1970 when I got my BS comradebillyboy Feb 2022 #7
When I look at todays kids with thousand of dollars of school debt. I think GI bill. usaf-vet Feb 2022 #8
1000% YES! PBC_Democrat Feb 2022 #9
Me too! usaf-vet Feb 2022 #10
I don't know if it was a turning point, cloudbase Feb 2022 #11
I was about the best thing I could have done for myself but didn't know it at the time. marie999 Feb 2022 #12
It was 1969 when I was released from active duty. lpbk2713 Feb 2022 #13
I brought nothing to the military and I took nothing back with me. Chainfire Feb 2022 #14
Retired Navy jackcrow2001 Feb 2022 #15
Yes, I think it made me better sarisataka Feb 2022 #16
Since I ended up doing 28 years in the Navy maxrandb Feb 2022 #17
I needed a job I couldn't easily quit madville Feb 2022 #18
Do you know the story of John Kerry? FakeNoose Feb 2022 #20
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Did your miliitary servic...»Reply #14