How has being SF or in the Army changed you?

[cback0220]

For me it has made me appreciate the following: Being inside when its raining, being cool when it is hot, being warm when it is cold, being full when I am hungry and sleeping when I am tired. These are all things every soldier has prolly grown to love. My girlfriend laughs at me when I get giddy because it is pouring down rain outside and I am dry and warm in a building.

[dennisw]

Originally Posted by mkpat

Just wanted to say this thread has been more helpful than anything I've read so far. Great hearing yall's opinion, keep em coming.

I have to say some of the responses in this thread are some the most interesting I've read on this forum. I'm looking forward to hearing what some of the new QP members have to say. For the record:

1) One of the mods changed the title of this thread and they need to change it back to what it was originally, because it was always about becoming a SF soldier and not about being in the Army;

2) Some folks have said some interesting things, even poetic., but have not answered the question: Wetdog are you out there?

[Dusty]

If you're SF, there's no need to articulate the experience to another guy who's SF; it's impossible to do so to one who's not.

IMO

[alelks]

I came in young, dumb, and full of &^^.

Now I'm old wise and my bones ache!

Absolutely the best experience of my life and it was an honor to serve.

Oh yea, I tear up every damn time I hear the Star Spangled Banner. Where the hell did that come from?

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by alelks

My bones ache!

You're prolly not eating your bowl of ibu every morning...

[Richard]

Oh yea, I tear up every damn time I hear the Star Spangled Banner.

Taps does it to me; can't help it.

...my bones ache!

I hear that!

I'm just trying to not outlive my pecker nowadays.

Richard

[Dozer523]

Originally Posted by Dusty

If you're SF, there's no need to articulate the experience to another guy who's SF; it's impossible to do so to one who's not.

IMO

But, Dusty we all like to tell and hear "our" stories. And the clueless look on the "an-others" faces are enjoyable. too.


Agree with returning to the original title. This is a "Special Forces Question" woe unto those non-QP who post a word here. We ought not to encourage bad behavior. the only change "the Army" did for me was position me to go SF and make me want to get away from those conventional types.

Originally Posted by dennisw

I have to say some of the responses in this thread are some the most interesting I've read on this forum. I'm looking forward to hearing what some of the new QP members have to say. For the record:

1) One of the mods changed the title of this thread and they need to change it back to what it was originally, because it was always about becoming a SF soldier and not about being in the Army;

2) Some folks have said some interesting things, even poetic., but have not answered the question: Wetdog are you out there?

This thread I had to re-read, it reminds me of the Boy Scout thread asking a similar question.

I posted earlier, http://professionalsoldiers.com/foru...6&postcount=74

but I never answered the direct question, but will attempt to do so now.

For the Record:

"I'm not the way I am because of Special Forces, I was in Special Forces because of the way I am."

Wet Dog

[ZonieDiver]

How has Special Forces changed me? It has given me the knowledge that I have a great many brothers - good friends - whom I have not yet even met. As one ages, that is reassuring.

[mark46th]

"It taught me to be humble"...

Definitely. But as a corrollary to that, it taught me when to speak up, hopefully before someone gets hurt.

"Being inside when its raining, being cool when it is hot, being warm when it is cold, being full when I am hungry and sleeping when I am tired. "

I still hate to eat outdoors when there is a perfectly good table inside...

[Richard]

It helped me prioritize what's important in my life - being a free man, an American, an SF soldier, a husband and father - in that order.

Richard

[dennisw]

Gentlemen,

This is an old thread which I find myself rereading from time to time. There are many threads and posts on this board which provide insight into the World of Special Forces. However, I have found the previous posts in this thread to be especially poignant. I hope QP's will continue to share their particular insight.

Dennis

[TrapperFrank]

I like to tell folks that I learned four things in the army: 1) Make a decision 2) Own your screw ups 3) Make your screw ups right and 4) How to work with people I did not particularly like for a greater organizational good.

[alelks]

Has it changed me?

Back is shot, knees are shot, shoulders are shot, had 3 hernias. Other than that I'm good to go.

So many good comments on this thread. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat but I'd try my best to be easier on my body if possible.

[Flagg]

Originally Posted by cback0220

For me it has made me appreciate the following: Being inside when its raining, being cool when it is hot, being warm when it is cold, being full when I am hungry and sleeping when I am tired. These are all things every soldier has prolly grown to love. My girlfriend laughs at me when I get giddy because it is pouring down rain outside and I am dry and warm in a building.

The question I always ask guys from around the world who've completed assessment/selection courses is:

"What was the first thing you ate when you finished?"

I have yet to meet a soldier who can't answer that question instantly and in great detail.

For me, the biggest change has been a slice of knowledge earned learning hands on how the body is capable of achieving far more than the mind will typically let it.

Which has led me to learning as much as I can about human performance to help other soldiers gain from the experience as I did.