A Few Good Men As a civilian, many take for granted a lot of choices and decisions that they have the opportunity to make everyday. They usually look down upon them as inconveniences and everyday annoyances. I used to do the same thing, but then I went to boot camp. There are many differences between being a civilian and being in the military. However there are some surprising similarities. Most civilians have a warped concept of the changes incurred by enlisting. Many of these discrepancies are from movies and the media.
Most of the changes that occur are in one’s attitude, respect, self-discipline, and responsibility. Although these are major changes, the core of the person remains the same.
Most of the differences between civilian and military lifestyle are in the opportunity of personal choice and freedom. As a civilian, the luxury of choosing what to wear everyday is often taken for granted. Most people wake up and sit in front of the closet complaining they don’t have enough clothes or that they don’t like what they do have. In the military, personnel have to wear the same thing everyday, unless told otherwise by a Commanding Officer. He or she doesn’t care if this uniform goes with someone’s eyes or hair color. All he knows is that it’s winter and so everyone should be in his or her “winter blues”. When a civilian is hungry, the only thing limiting their options is their budget. They could eat at home, McDonalds, McCormick & Kuleto’s, or where ever their heart desires.
The Essay on How Can Things Be Changed for Common Man in India?
How can things be changed for common man? The common man seems common but there power and there presence is not so common. The common man has limited needs and unlimited wants, he may be optimistic, he may be opportunistic and he may be self centered but a common man will remain common and unstable if he is powerless. Things don’t work out easily for common people. Life seems so unfair and ...
Most don’t appreciate this option. While in the military one’s options are usually up to what the head chef wants to make. If enlisted in the Army or Air force, eating off base depends on the Commanding Officer, not what everyone else wants to do. Many other little choices that civilians make are privileges and luxuries in the military. Being able to drive a car depends on where you’re stationed and rank. Vacations and days off don’t revolve around when people want them, like in the civilian world. In the military it all depends on where you’re stationed, rank, your Commanding Officer and what the current “diplomatic” situation is. The differences are obvious, but small enough that most wouldn’t miss them, or so they think. Moreover, some might even enjoy the fact that everyone else thinks and decides for you.
However, while the differences maybe small, they add up to being a totally different life style. So much so that when people enlist, it’s a culture shock the likes no civilian has ever seen.
What is similar about the two lifestyles is what most people think it does change. Many civilians think the military changes people to be totally work oriented. Furthermore, most non-military citizens think that the military removes every single fun bone from a person’s body. Both these misconceptions are not true at all. While there maybe a few people like this, it wasn’t the military that did this. What the military does do is makes a person better with time management. This enables personnel to work when their suppose to, at top efficiency. Like wise, when people in the military have fun, they have a lot of it. Members of the military can have just as much fun as any civilian.
They also know when it’s time to work and time to play. Civilians also tend to think that the military drains the personality out of a person. While in the Navy, I met some of the most personable people ever with very distinct characteristics and personalities. Overall, civilians have this conception that the military removes peoples emotions and personality, changing them into some sort of warped robot. The reality of the situation is that there is no difference between civilians and military personnel. Both are totally similar in feelings and distinctiveness in personalities. The only difference might be in the fact that the military teaches you when both are appropriate to use.
The Essay on People Don Person Personality
When I walk through the halls at school, I find myself judging the people around and I ask why? Why do people judge looks? It is an interesting trait really. If you look good people automatically assume you are good. If you don't look good then people assume you are a scrub or bad. It is the way society is today and the way it most likely will stay. I feel that people should look more closely at ...
I only had the opportunity to go to boot camp before I was medically discharged for asthma. When I went in, I had every misconception that was referred to in the above essay. My greatest fear was turning into that warped robot I spoke of. I can safely say that I am just as personable and fun as before I went in to the military. Even when I was in boot camp, I was still totally similar to a civilian in feelings and emotions. Consequently, I am a different person then when I went in. I appreciate things and opportunities a lot more. I don’t take for granted what so many others do. Everyday when I wake up, I love the fact I can choose my clothing and eat what I want. I know, these choices may seem insignificant, but you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.
