I came flying through one of our hallways this week, in a polo shirt, new ink on display, when one of our custodians stopped me, and said “Hey, nice ink! Were you in the military?”
“Yes.”
I’m not sure why tattoos and the military go hand in hand, per se, and my ink certainly is very recent compared to when I was in the Army National Guard.
It’s been more than 22 years since I left, after six years of service as a 19D Cavalry Scout in the 1/107th Armored Cavalry, stationed in Stow, OH.
I have fond memories of my time in the military. And sure, it certainly wasn’t full-time active duty, and no trips to Afghanistan for me, but the camaraderie, the skills, and the experience is something I will always carry with me.
There’s something about being up and at it before dawn each day, and eating Skittles and peanut butter for breakfast in a Humvee on a battlefield during a training exercise at 4 AM.
I read something a while ago about Type I and Type II fun…
Type I is fun at the time, in the moment, while you’re doing it. Like playing with friends, being at a birthday party perhaps, or having a blast at a wedding reception.
Type II on the other hand… is reflecting, and realizing that at the time it wasn’t always so great, but looking back, you had a wild time.
The military was like that for me.
Doing constant pushups, dealing with sleep deprivation, always on the run, the countless “hurry up and wait” scenarios, the tireless chores, the details, the meticulous attention to getting it right and keeping your equipment ready to go, and the unforgiving environment of “this might kill you…” wasn’t exactly awesome at the time.
But looking back?
I loved every minute of it.
My time in the National Guard was spent honing my skills, gaining experience and discipline, learning to lead on the trail and in a gunner’s turret, and realizing that career wasn’t for me, after all.
And I’m better off for it.
When I left in 2003, the OHNG was re-organized, and soon many of my platoon mates left for overseas deployment post-911. I moved on with my life, started work, went back to school, and now, here I am, part of the machine that offers up enlistment as a real option for kids.
I tell those students what a great time I had, and all the things enlistment has to offer.
It’s a really great option for many, and the military, regardless of branch, creates a core from which society can bank on. A foundation worth exploring, if only for a couple of years, either in the National Guard, or active duty. Either will shape you into something new, and you’ll no doubt be able to conquer what’s ahead.
So here’s to Type II fun… it might suck in the moment, but remember to embrace it, look forward, and drive on.
Eventually, you’ll be able to look back, reflect, and thrive in the knowledge of how it shaped you.
Onward.