Ever joined the Military and succeeded? Failed?

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Icheb
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Joined: 23 Sep 2007
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24 May 2009, 10:16 am

I've done military service in Switzerland. I liked the fact that everything was defined by rules and the rules were clearly spelled out. I also liked the fact that everybody had to follow the same rules, which considerably levelled the playing field for me. In fact, I've never felt less of an outsider than in the military, and there were times when I wished it would never end.

That said, I did have a couple of meltdowns in boot camp, and I considered the whole thing pretty pointless, but then, all life is pointless IMO.


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Akasha
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24 May 2009, 12:05 pm

I can relate to what you say, Icheb. I never really did understand why I left the military. I do remember it having been an excellently structured way of life for me, and have had no regrets for having experienced it.

I suppose there's different strokes for different folks, but the absence of reason and morality do make compliance easier at times for Aspies. I think Waltur has pretty well figured it all out.



MrKnott
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25 May 2009, 12:18 am

Just know what you're getting into. I found the army less difficult than the outside world. But I messed up in the reserves. I couldn't go from college student to soldier. Go full-time--although these days the Guard and Reserve in the US might as well be Regular Army. Get into shape first--many AS people have low muscle tone. I liked the Army's teaching method--keep doing it until you can do it. And there were few distractions. I was a smoke generator operator (I hope nobody has to do this crappy job these days) and then a tanker. I liked driving the tanks, because the TC told you what to do: driver, left; driver halt; etc.
And don't join up if you need 8 hours of sleep every night. or if you are particular about eating or being clean. Hmm, come to think of it, I'm surprised I did so well. Then, I had no choice.