I speak from a place of bias, a place of personal experience, when I say that I believe the United States Armed Forces is one of the toughest military organizations in the world. We have some of the best tools, technologies, minds, and with a membership that is comprised entirely of volunteers, our commitment to …
Lesson 24: Any warning label, rule, or regulation that exists is the result of an idiot
Time to tear off the band aid known as the human ego. Are you ready for it? Here it goes. We have all done something so stupid that every time you look back and think about it, you get chills. You shiver a little at the thought that you could ever have been absent minded …
Lesson 23: It is better to ask for forgiveness than permission, most of the time
There are many principles that this lesson will tie into. There are times in life when you must take a risk, roll the dice, and hope that they land in your favor. Things don’t always go according to plan. There will come many times where you are put into a position to make choices where …
Continue reading "Lesson 23: It is better to ask for forgiveness than permission, most of the time"
Lesson 22: Few things will EVER cause you more grief than a reflective belt
Where do I even start with this one? If you know, you know. If you don’t, you might not believe me by the end. The United States Armed Forces is considered by many to be one of the most powerful military organizations in world history. Our weapons and technology are second to none, our entire …
Continue reading "Lesson 22: Few things will EVER cause you more grief than a reflective belt"
Lesson 21: Keep all your hopes and dreams to yourself
It is important to keep all your hopes and dreams alive for as long as possible. Most things in life that are worthwhile take a lot of patience, hard work, and time. It is easy, when denied a dream, to let that dream die, or adopt a new, lesser dream, for the sake of easier …
Continue reading "Lesson 21: Keep all your hopes and dreams to yourself"
Lesson 20: Beware of public soap dispensers
Before the military, I never thought this was something I would have to say. There is a sort of trust that goes into soap dispensers when you are finished with your business and it is a trust that never crossed my mind to examine. Call it a lack of imagination, over trusting foolishness, a naĂŻve …
Continue reading "Lesson 20: Beware of public soap dispensers"
Lesson 19: If you’re going to use public showers, wear shower shoes
I am not saying this specifically for your benefit, although you are the one who has the most to gain from this practice. Have you ever looked at the floor of a public bathroom? Disgusting right? Now take that mixture of all the nastiness coming from people’s lower half and add all the nastiness from …
Continue reading "Lesson 19: If you’re going to use public showers, wear shower shoes"
Lesson 18: Those before you had it rougher, those after you have it easier
Time goes on. As we evolve, some things get easier, some things get more difficult, and the only thing that stays the same is that change is inevitable. Young people tend to think they know everything, old people know that they know barely anything, and no matter how many answers you find, there always seems …
Continue reading "Lesson 18: Those before you had it rougher, those after you have it easier"
Lesson 17: Beware of the snowflakes
Compassion and sensitivity are not unworthy characteristics to have. I have met compassionate and sensitive people that are as courageous as you can be, and I have met arrogant and selfish wannabe heroes that would cower at the first sign of trouble. When I say snowflake, I am referring to someone that is closed minded, …
Lesson 16: Don’t do what your stripes can’t handle
Know your limitations. This applies to every job I have ever held but was especially true when it came to military service. In most jobs, the highest stakes you will face is likely losing your job. In the military, a lot of what you do can have life or death consequences. The outcome will also …
Continue reading "Lesson 16: Don’t do what your stripes can’t handle"