I am I wrong for thinking like this way?

I was in an elite unit of the military. I served 8+ years in the service and only got out to go to school so that I can go back in and get commissioned. I'm almost done with school and ready to get back to what I was doing but in my time away from the military I've noticed something. I see a lot of people walking around in uniform, or they have their 201 file plastered on the back of their car or they have some other way to tell everyone that they deserve recognition for their military service. We had a term for people like that on active duty, a PX Ranger. Somebody that does something just for the recognition. This really pisses me off. I was in an English class and this other student was telling everyone about his endeavors in Iraq (I had just returned). I asked him about it and it boiled down to the fact that he was in a war zone. He will probably base the rest of his life off of his experiences in the National Guard while serving in Iraq. If he wants to be a real soldier, sailor, Marine, or Airman, then why doesn't he and everyone else go on active duty (not being activated). Because it's not just about going away for a year or 18 months but its about living it day in and day out. I feel like my animosity towards these wannabes gets me nowhere but I feel that its warranted. So am I right or wrong? Also I did what I did in the military because I wanted to see how much I could take and in the process I found out that I was really good at what I was doing.

Here's what I admire about the guard/reserves that get activated.
1. That so many survive. Ever visit their weekend "training"?
2. That they are willing to pull up their lives with so little training and go to a possible hostile zone.

You will hear more guard/reservists "brag" about their time overseas, my opinion on why is because it is not normal for them. Not to say it is normal for active duty like me, but I would expect to have to do it more then them I guess.

Yes the stickers and clings on the back window crack me up. But honestly the ones that have those AND their rank on the front window crack me up more.

scubasniper

You've got your opinion and there's nothing wrong with that brother. Unless he's spouting something that's not true, it is my opinion that it's his right. If he's some 42A in the Guard talking about all his raid and Sniper experience then absolutely call his *** on it.

As far as the 201 files on the back of vehicles...yeah, cracks me up as well but some people are very prideful bro.

Revolt Already Cowards

My uncle was a WW2 vet who was in Normandy on D-Day.

He never mentioned it. As a matter of fact, he seemed to avoid all things related to WW2. I only knew about it when he died (I was 11). Other veterans showed up, all fairly old, for his funeral.

Quiet, proud, iron men.

holly

I feel you and I feel the same way. I just feel like it's so tragic that these people think being a vet is the defining moment of their life, and it's the only thing that matters.
Yeah, I'm proud to have served...but I think it's unnecessary to prance around every second of my life yelling it from the rooftops and announcing it to every person I meet.
AND what really gets me is, I was in the Navy and we did our ship tours of the area, people that were on MY BOAT coming back and here with all these heroic, epic war stories....that were completely made-up or extremely exaggerated. I'm like "dude. we sailed around and launched planes. we had pizza and karaoke every saturday night. it was pretty fun. douche."

STEVEN F

First my qualification, or lack thereof: I spent 2 months on Paris Island, but failed to graduate. I don't agree that the National Guard is necessarily less honorable service than active duty. I DO agree that those who ADVERTISE are not what I consider true service members. I have noticed ONE common trait in nearly everyone I consider a genuine hero: They NEVER consider themselves heroes.

Cooper

I know what you're talking about man. More and more people seem to be doing it for personal glory, not for their country and the men serving beside them. Get your commission and show people like that how to lead because sadly enough its not only the enlisted men, I've seen several officers with the same mentality. God Bless.

Tony

You are perfectly justified in feeling the way you do. I am joining the Marines soon, and I am joining for similiar reasons that you did. I want to know how much I can take; I want to be a man, not just in age, but physically, and in thought as well. I want to know who I can become. I also dislike the behavior I've seen. There is a difference between being proud of yourself and being arrogant about what you have done. I think for most of them, it is just a phase. Life has a habit of FORCING people to grow up, if not fast, then over time. Most of them will learn. We all do.

arron

i feel you on that. I'm Active AF and the only sponsorship i show the public of it is an AF sticker on my back window and a USMC sticker beside it for my friends who decided to join the Marines. those who advertise it have nothing else to show for what they do. i don't advertise because of the personal satisfaction of what i do day on and day out, its no one elses business but mine and my superiors. I rock at what i do and that's all i need. not public acceptance.

Michael

I understand what you're saying. Like the few who are considered "in a combat zone" when they serve aboard a JSTAR flown out of Saudi that doesn't go anywhere without an fighter escort or get below 15k unless its landing. Not that our brothers and sisters in the Air Force aren't my heroes for their service, its just a different kind of service.

For some, it is the defining moment of thier lives. Some are pretty sheltered growing up. Having to eat MRE's in a sandstorm will change ya a bit. Makes you appreciate things.

I also have seen National Guard come home with purple hearts and Silver Stars. One Louisana NG Unit went from Katrina duty to Iraq, back just in time for another hurricane, then back to Iraq. Some of those units have done as many tours as active counter parts.

I know of another Marine Unit that did 9 months of guard duty in Kuwait. Came home with many of the same ribbons those in Iraq received.

Anyone who has served knows cooks, clerks and other important specialties that never got close to a fire fight, but they are in theater too.

He was telling a story from his point of view, of what it was like for him.

again, I hear ya, and know what you mean. Like the war stories newly minted Privates tell the folks back home the day after they graduate from bootcamp.

I don't think your wrong, just maybe focusing on "Stealing honor" from others that were there. Do you feel the same way about the admin clerks in your unit because they didnt go hump the bush or kick sand?

Question Master10000

what are you talking about dude i mean ******' **** *****

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