1. The whole racial problem that seems to be sweeping the nation.
Yeah, we don’t have that. If someone does something racist we teach them a lesson (fast).
2. We’re tough.
It’s not because of our super awesome training, it’s because we literally beat the hell out of each other all the time. (It’s all
3. We can party… HARD.
While most of us skipped our college years, don’t think that made us skip the drinking. We can drink with the best of them, and even if we can’t, we will try until we are passed out and naked on the 3rd-floor balcony… What? It was only one time!
4. We move with a purpose.
It’s called a sense of urgency and for some
5. Profanity.
We use f*ck as a comma and no one gives a f*ck.
6. A sense of order.
In the military, we have ranks. Said ranks put you in your place and make you understand your role in a bigger picture. This also teaches you when to keep your mouth shut.
7. Respect.
Not just for elders or higher ranks than us, but for every man and woman we meet. A life is a life and not one is more important than another. (Except terrorists- F*ck those guys.)
8. We can be extremely kind or insanely barbaric at the flip of a switch.
Three months of boot camp was the starting point for this. We used to have to stay completely silent and not move for hours while bugs just bit our skin; then all of a sudden drill instructors snap their fingers and you were in a world of complete chaos, screaming louder and exerting yourself more than you ever have in your life. I loved it.
9. We can wake up and run. (Drunk if need be)
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been woken up at 4 a.m. to go run six miles. There is no time for stretching or sobering up, you actually just get out of bed and run.
10. We learn how to use a lot of guns.
That may not mean much to some of you, but believe it or not, guns aren’t going anywhere; so if something exists that someone can kill me with, let’s just say I want to better at it than them.
11. Travel.
My two feet have been in seven countries in the past 15 months *spoiler alert* none of them have been America. (Miss you mom!)
12. We know the value of a pair of shoes.
Most of us have been to places where people have nothing, like absolutely nothing. Seeing how the other half lives teaches you a lot about what you need to be thankful for and what you need to consider important.
13. Our attention to detail is magnificent.
We can notice if something is 1/8th of an inch off from about 25 yards away (mostly on uniforms). The majority of us pay attention to things that don’t even cross a regular persons mind.
14. Family.
I have the biggest family you’ve ever met. Every single person that has the title I have is my brother and sister and I love them with all my heart. We don’t even have to actually know each other, but when I see someone in my family we give each other a nod, and no more than that is needed to say “I got your six."
15. We have fun.
Even though we go through crap that most first world country citizens couldn’t begin to process. We have a f*cking grand old time doing it. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
