Dernwine: People have asked me about my mom and anal before (under other circumstances) and I would respond she liked it with me because my dick was so little. They didn't like to talk to me after that.
As a US Army combat vet, when I get asked if I killed anyone I sometimes respond with "Not today but the day is still young". They usually just walk away with either a shocked look on their face or a nervous laugh.
I remember a show (I forget the name but it had Alan Thick playing the character in question) and he asks his mother's date who happens to be a career Army officer if he killed anyone. The officer notes that Thick's character is a psychiatrist and as a psychiatrist he has to study medicine and work as a doctor, he then asks him if he ever killed anyone.:)
When I enlisted the most annoying thing was extended family members saying, “well my so and so went to ocs and became an officer, that’s what you should do” I respond with, “that’s ok, I want to work for a living”
After my first hitch I was visiting my sister and her two young kids (3 & 5 yo). We were outside playing and a young neighbor boy (about 10) came over and we started chatting. He was smart and funny and inquisitive and he asked me what I did. I told him I was in the Navy. He looked at me wide-eyed and exclaimed, "But... you're so nice!"
Funniest question I ever received. When my wife's cousin (maybe 16 at the time) found out I had been in the Air Force he asked "Did you see the aliens?" "No, there aren't any aliens." "Oh, they told you to say that, didn't they. Tell me. Did you see the aliens?"
"So, do you have PTSD / you get flashbacks / you ever freak out like all those 'Nam vets?" I didn't serve, but I think asking about a stranger's medical history is probably rude in most cases.
My favorite icebreaker for civvie-soldier relations is first thanking them for their service, then asking them what their favorite thing was that they did while in the service (if they can speak about it, that is). Almost always leads to interesting and friendly conversations :)
As a retired sailor with a foreign borne wife, the worst question I've been asked, "What bar did you find her in?" For the record, met her in VT. She has a masters degree. I got the best part of the deal!
robert jeffery really? You have been to Paris Island, NC? 😂 Try Hong Hong, Puson, Singapore, Yokohama, and anywhere locals were referred to as LBFMs... Sorry, some things cut deep and don't heal well.
When someone asked Newman 'Oh, you're a Postal Worker. Aren't you the guys who go crazy and shoot people' Newman gave him a crazy stare and said 'Sometimes'
As a US Navy Veteran myself, I'm sorry to say this, but the Sniper specialty makes me think of Blade Runner. What do you do once you are back in civilian life? "They didn't advertise for killers in the paper. That was my profession"
The I would knock out anyone shouting at me lol , when I did basic in the British army (infantry) my section commander was the battalions heavy weight boxer had 8 operational tours under his belt was missing half his ear the idea of some skinny 20 year old knocking him out does make me laugh he could make you crumble with a slightly aggressive stare to be honest
An anecdote. When I was aboard ship, one year later, a person who was a year behind me in high school came aboard ship and was assigned to my shop and my equipment as an AT.
when I was in elementary school, we got a new principle one year who was in the army during dessert storm. and when any of the kids found out (myself included) the first thing we'd ask him was if he ever killed anyone. he'd say no and laugh it off cus we were like 8. but it's sad to think some adults are stupid enough to ask that out of the blue.
Caleb Luft we had this crazy Puerto Rican as a substitute an we had 6th period worse class ever he would snap sometimes an my friend ask him you ever killed anyone an he goes fuck yea what do you think I was in Vietnam and the kid goes no I mean when you were in the gang. He said he was a gangbanger back in the day in new York. He didn't answer the question I guess he figured out we were fucking with him dude was nuts though
Personally, the only time I care if someone else served is if they are "RAH RAH WAR WAR" types. Someone advocating for war while never having served and no intention of serving is the classic American Chickenhawk, whose official battlecry is 'Let's you and him fight!"
I served int he Navy in the 80's. One thing that annoys me today is when people thank me for my service. Growing up, you never heard of anyone being thanked for their service. Vietnam was over 10+ years earlier, so it was still fresh in people's minds, but far enough that people didn't despise the military. It wasn't until about 20 years later, when the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq started, that people starting thanking military members and vets for their service. I did not join for you. I do not expect, and have never asked for any thanks from civilians. And most of the time I hear it, it comes across as meaningless, and just something they have been told they should do, like a young child being forced to say they are sorry for something they did. They don't know why they are doing, but they have to. I'm proud to have served, and don't hide the fact that I did. I go on for hours talking to people that are really interested in what I did. But most aren't interested in the slightest. The ones that are are usually others that had served, whether active or reserves.
Some people are taught to have an attitude of gratitude. When they say thank you it is not meant to be trite like a stewardess "buh bye", it is a term of respect. A simple "thank you " costs you nothing but may mean something to them.
Mutt Junior yeah, I was a bit taken aback the first time that happened to me, especially when was 20ish years after I got out, and no one had said shit until then. I always accept graciously although I can often tell when the person does so out of respect and when it's just ingrained that this is what you do. In the US it's blike we have no concept of moderation, we either have leftists spitting on soldiers or people idolize them. And knowing that at some point if the anti-military crowd gets their way we will swing all the way back to the other extreme at some point as well. Why can't we just remain in the middle and just treat vets as human beings who served the country they love?
@David Mills - It's not about being taught to have an attitude of gratitude. How many people do they say "thank you for your service" to? Do they say that to doctors? Police officers? Teachers? Fire fighters? Politicians? The garbage man? It's only the military servicemen that prompts them to say "thank you for your service", even though they didn't do anything for that particular civilian directly. And indeed, as all military action takes place on foreign soil if you're an American, you're not the benefactor anyway. So thank them for what? In Europe, military service is looked upon as just another job. It's a high prestige job, but then that goes for fire fighters, medical doctors and police officers as well. So what's so special about the military? Police officers and fire fighters risk their lives as well, and doctors hold the lives of their patients in their hands (a responsibility I certainly couldn't handle). You want to be grateful to someone who serves you? Thank them. You want to be grateful to those who protect your country? Send a box of chocolates to airport security staff and the Department of Homeland Security.
Strict standards for entry into any Service; right up to the time the "BIG BALLOON" goes up. Then the strict standards go out the window and pretty much if you are breathing, can tell up from down, you will find yourself in some part of the Service.
"Did you know Schmuckatelli?" LMAO! I've met two Squids who were on the same ship I was since I've been home (Albuquerque, New Mexico.). The first guy was on the USS Vancouver (LPD-2) in 1984 when they picked us up in Pearl Harbor for West Pac, (I was an embarked Marine.) The second guy was ships company on the USS Dubuque (LPD-8) in 1988 when we went to the Persian Gulf for Operation Earnest Will (once again, I was an embarked Marine.) I didn't know either of them at the time, but we know each other now and it's great. I'll always ask a squid what ship he was on and when because you might really know Schmuckatelli.
The Salty Seaman I met a guy back in 2010 at meps. We went everywhere together same company for basic/ait active duty unit (different company. His was next door to mine) same reserve unit too haha
When I went to Basic Combat Training at Ft Leonard Wood, MO I did run into a friend from high school in California. We later met each other in South Dakota, and again in Panama and at the end once more in California. So yes it happens but damn rare
I was watched a civilian try to bait a Solider in Hereford, England. The solider didn't bite, so the civi decided to push his luck and went for the soldier. Perhaps he didn't realize Hereford is the home of 22SAS;-)
When they ask you, "have you ever killed anyone?" Is a double-edged sword to where there's no right answer other than "I prefer not to say." If you say yes, they instantly look at you differently and are oddly judgmental about it. If you say no they think you're lying and in rare occasions seem strangely disappointed. Oh, and also I earned that free crappy meal at a chain restaurant!
My brother, who is a very likable guy once asked my dad, who served in the 2nd world war, if he ever had to kill someone. He was perplexed that my dad took offense to that question. Of course my dad did, and that's probably why he took offense to the question!
I get that Did you know.... all the time I usually assure them that even though the USMC is the smallest branch there's still too many, and I am really horrible with names.
Yeah, try to knock a D.I. out! You think you'd be the first one to TRY?!? They'd chew you up & spit you out! Also, good answers to the other points. You were right on. & yes, if on active duty you obey chain of command, after, speak up all you want, if you want, but while in you are in.
As a 12 or 13 year old, working summers at my dads logging company, I worked with a guy that hired on just back from Viet Nam. And, as a young stupid kid I said, "Wow, what was it like" I got mostly awkward silence. I learned at a young age that you just don't ask those stupid questions. If someone wants to talk, they will talk. I was Army medic, I don't talk a lot.
As a US Army Viet Nam era veteran, I usually don't bring up my military service in casual conversation. I was a Hawk missile technician and didn't get the trigger time or the medals. The closest I got was carrying an unloaded M-14 on guard duty at Redstone Arsenal. Although I think a person gets a sense of personal fulfillment from Military Service, I don't think it makes one a particularly better person. and I don't think it entitles one to any special treatment or being looked after the rest of your life for it. I saw it is simply something I owed my Country for the good fortune to be born here and being able to persue life and liberty. When I do get asked, I simply answer. I realize the people who ask are simply curious or are trying to make excuses as to why they did not serve. It's really no big deal.
if i meet a vet the first thing i would do is thank them for their service. i met an elderly gentleman at my doctor last year. he was wearing a baseball hat with the name of the ship on it.i asked him if he was in ww2 he said yes. i thanked him for his service and we made some conversation while waiting to see the doctor
I was in the USN for 81/2 years I wear a navy hat with some of my ribbons on it I get told all the time when I wear my hat, "Thanx for your service". I was a YN2 I served on 1 ship the USS MAHLON S. TISDALE FFG-27 out of San Diego. I feel I did not do anything special. I paid my light bill ya know. I have trouble when I hear that statement due to my really non-spectacular naval time. I wish I knew the proper response to that statement from people, the guilt I feel when I hear it is hard. I knew people that have served and did a hell of alot more then I did and were not recognized for their achievements compared to some of the medals I got. I got the medal for being in uniform during the gulf war, even though I was never there I was stateside the entire war. I gave that medal to my father when he passed and put in his shadow box b/c we could not find his for vietnam and it was presented to my mother at his funeral. I just feel alot of guilt when I hear "Thanx for your service". I just don't feel I deserve that from the civ population. I would just like to hear what you think about that.
Hey, you know, ask away! I met a nice nurse while in the hospital in Boise who was stationed on the same base as I was and we got to be good friends. Also met a guy who was in the sub service and happened that I was aboard a sub-tender. Got us in to a deer hunting spot. Never hurts to ask. It's a small world and you might meet someone nice this way. If it makes you feel like you are less cool by asking this sort of thing then you are much too thin-skinned to have ever been in the same Navy that I was. There's a brotherhood that you don't seem to be aware of. You're missing out bro!
Um OK what? I'm just saying, don't try to be too cool to talk to other people. I know, I've been asked if I knew another guy who was a sailor in San Diego. Did he have a short haircut and a white hat? Good luck with that line of thinking bud. Have fun! TMO2 Lego 1968-72. USS Piedmont AD-17, Dixon AS-37 and TAD Camden AOE-2.
My father fought 4 tours in Vietnam 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles..The stories her told me were horror stories..But he told me I never brought it up..I let him tell me what he wanted to tell me in his own time.
My personal favorites: " I could never be in the service, I'm too independent/unique/unconventional", they should have met some of my people. I never ran into anyone in academia or most other yuppie or hippie centric (I guess hipster, these days) with the diversity of thought or viewpoint that my divisions or departments had.
Bravo Zulu on the vid! Showed this to my wife whom I met well after I separated from the Navy and it really made her understand some things. Thank you!!!
I tried to join up in 2001, I thought I'd be an in right after 9/11.... I never asked my Grandpa about that, he was WWII, Signal Corps. Not front line, but not far away not to get shot at. I myself was feeling all Foreign Legion-y. I truly feel I'd have made an adequate serviceman, regardless of branch. I have met far more civilians whom were caught up, in the 2d War because they lived there.
Rarely have I ever met anyone stupid enough to ask the "did you kill" question. Handful of times I've gotten the "did you know..." but they tend to realize how dumb they are when I start asking "what unit was he in...". Still haven't figured out how to respond to "TYFYS" - just awkward. I don't want to be a wiseass because they're trying to be nice.
"You ever kill anyone?" "Yeah man! Can't decide which one was my favorite...that explosive 300m headshot or that up close and personal knife takedown!" Usually makes 'em back off. :-D :-D
My favorite is "Did you have to think about killing people?" Well, I trained to drop nukes on cities, so yes, there was a possibility that I might kill someone.
Many civilians appreciate veterans and just want to find a way to connect with them or show their appreciation, which is where the inappropriate questions come from. However, as a civilian, I've observed that the divide between veterans and civilians is such that it's impossible to discuss military service or make any meaningful connection thereupon without a common frame of reference.
The biggest takeaway is don't be a jackass and use a little common sense. I think many people do wish they had joined or had been eligible to join the Military, and feel a certain level of regret about not joining. It is usually filed away in the how would my life had been better or worse if I had made decision a instead of decision b. I think too often people want say something for the sake of speaking instead of trying to have a good conversation and maybe learning something.
With most servicemen these questions are never asked or brought up you get separated go back to your city and pick up where you left off sometimes you meet a guy on the job who was in the Navy and you and him have some conversations and laugh a bit that's about as far as it got there was always a bond between ex-servicemen be it Army Navy Air Force or Marines
Uilliam Coorinna - not exactly. That break you down, then build you up crap went out with Vietnam. The military works you hard and gives you all the responsibility that they think you can handle until you prove otherwise. They work to build you up from the start. They push and they push hard to get you to work harder and be more useful to the military
Here's one that I said when I was in elementary school. The family was at a 442nd RCT/100 Bn Christmas party, when I came across a vet missing one hand. I asked what happened to his hand. He smiled and said something like "I must have sucked it off." The folks jumped on me for asking the question, but I'd never seen a result of World War II combat before. I didn't ask ANYONE what happened to missing limbs ever again. Was that question awkward enough?
"Do you know [name of person]?" In the UK military, with the Tories trying to do absolutely EVERYFUCKINGTHING on the cheap, that might not be such a dumb question over here very soon.
I still just don't know what to say when someone says "thank you for your service". I was active duty in the 80's, and nobody thanked me back then. Now days that seems to be the popular thing. How should I reply? I want to acknowledge their appreciation, but nobody thanked me while I was doing it, and I don't want to come-off as an asshole. I always say "you're welcome", but it seems that they are expecting more. I'm stumped, so I don't often tell people that I am a veteran.
"Thank you for your support." was the answer that satisfied the same concerns for me. I can make it sound sarcastic, off-handed, sincere or (probably your favourite) appreciative. Then I tell them I served in the Dutch navy and not the USN (just to see their brains somersault and having the ones on auto-pilot choke on a response and see that the sincere ones quite quickly come to the conclusion that that doesn't matter)
As a civilian, I don't expect anything more than a "you're welcome" or Dread's "thanks for your support". I don't see the comment as anything deeper than a polite nod of respect--I'm not looking for conversation or a new best friend. I don't go out of my way to comment to (even obvious) military personnel, but if I'm in contact with them, I think they should feel appreciated for their sacrifice (whatever role they played).
I enjoy all of your videos, Most are dead on correct. I served in the Air Force. You hit the nail on the head.. I would have including the interservice joking/insults. I tell people and other vets agree, we can joke and insult each other but if you did not serve, don't try to do it
Feel the same but with one difference. I extend that curtsey to every-one in public service wearing a uniform as long as they can receive as well as dish out. If a fire-fighter doesn't mind getting called a 'closet-pyromaniac' he/she can rip on me being navy.
Hell my dad was on an aircraft carrier in the Korean War and he said he didn’t know everyone on his ship. My experience is you don’t know everyone in your battalion.
I got to admit I know nothing about combat but from what I understand, and anyone can jump into this to correct it, is that for the most part you are not going to be seeing the people you're shooting at. I get the impression no one is going to be standing up to be shot at in combat, they're going to be taking cover and returning fire. The only times that you are going be seeing the person you kill is if you just happen to see the person you're shooting or if you are in hand to hand combat. To the best of my knowledge - and again I have no experience of this - hand to hand is very rare. Militaries spend most of their time training troops to shoot rather than karate chop the enemy. In WWI among the casualties of the American Expeditionary Force only five or so were killed by the bayonet, and we're talking about at least well over a hundred thousand casualties. Again I am a civilian with a vague interest in military history so what I'm writing here is just my own guessing.
Ships never see each other. Jets have done something wrong if they see each other (at least that's USAF style, Russian air force likes dogfights), but although missiles are fast, jets are fast, too, so it's not at all uncommon for a BVR engagement to turn into a turning one - but infantry? You know how shooting works, right? Like, you actually gotta aim the gun at the person.
I stopped asking number 3 once I saw another veteran's video. Number 2 believe me, when I say to people I could never join the military because I have too many authority issues I am not trying to be tough, and I know I would never knock out a drill sergeant, he would knock out me and then I would go to prison. I would like to believe that if I was in the military my superiors could put the fear of god into me, but I have always been a spoiled child at heart and I am skeptical anyone could make a man out of me.
Your very first point pissed me off. That was the only one that did, but as a guy who dreamed of serving since he was a kid, got accepted to West Point twice and twice tore an ACL before he could go, man that's all I've ever wanted to do. I'm jealous of you who have served, so maybe you should think about us civilians who's dreams have been crushed. Most military men aren't snowflakes who will get upset about people who wish that they wish that they could serve, they've seen disabilities.
Thanks for the first point. I've been doing that for years, didn't know it was bad form. Yet it was not because I felt guilty for not serving, but more out of envy for not being allowed. (health reason).
You would be correct on the "WHY AREN'T YOU A ....", without cooks SEaLs, Recon, Rangers etc DIE. Without disbursing, they don't get paid etc. There are 3 combat arms in the Marine Corps and hundreds non-combat MOSs.
I got a good story . My last unit in 09 before I retired , we had 4 of our cooks deploy to Iraq with another support unit , I figured my 4 guys ( which I knew personal , all E-4's in our mess section) was going to cook. Well surprise when they came back , one of them a 22 year old E-4 named Rubians came back with a SOCOM combat patch , what the hell ? , so I asked , he said he got re-assigned to a SOCOM unit as a tower guy , he did his whole 7 months as a tower guard to the unit. And they gave him a bronze star for merit while there. Incredible .. haha
#1 - I totally woulda joined, but I discovered I was a coward. #2 - I wouldn't have lasted cuzz, if some drill instructor got in my face, I woulda cried... or peed... or both... then asked politely for my mommy. #3 - Did you ever hug anybody? #4 - ... ... ... got nuffin... #5 - I totally wish I'd served, so I could have bad dreams and stories I don't wanna talk about. #6 - Hey, did you know some asshole? He was hard to miss, wore a uniform, was an asshole. #7 - If you were in the service, why didn't you become a communications hacker?
As a civilian I would add don't ask a submariner what pressure his boiler on a nuclear submarine ran at. If you do there will be very awkward pause conversation. I didn't mean anything by it. I was just talking to him like I would talk to a guy from any other trade but working on a nuclear submarine well that not just another trade.
You could always find out by building one yourself ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) As a physicist... I feel like I'd have lots of questions they're not allowed to answer, haha.
I was a bubblehead (submariner) for my first 4 years, and I have no idea what pressure the primary or secondary coolant loops operate at, even though I earned dolphins. Just a nuke thing, I guess.
There's a man in our church who did tours in Viet Nam. I will never ask him about his time there as it seems there was things he saw and did that he would not want to even talk about. He's a Christian brother and a Godly man. I'm sure it's his faith that has given him the strength to let most of it go. There are many veteran interviews on youtube that can tell you their stories. After hearing them, you may really think twice in questioning any military person. Leave it alone.
Android Kenobi cinema sins just did, and I don't know what I could add, military wise. Jeremy even pointed out they should be going to an on base school, not a traditionally Japanese one.
Way to identify actual veterans : shitty memorial tattoos, veteran owned apparel company T-shirt’s, bad credit, failed marriages, calling cosplay “stolen valor”, emotional support animals, tactical pants, being behind in payments on a Kawasaki Ninja, tobacco dip, country music, shitty beards, obese wives, children named Dakota or Gunnar, trying to get free food on Veterans Day, telling everyone that they “give zero fucks” , starting every other sentence with “as a veteran..” , etc.
I haven't joined up quite yet I have to wait a year or two before I can join up but my grandfather was a seargent major in the air guard before he was discharged in the 80s because he had been diagnosed with arthritis
Have an uncle and a grandfather who served in the Navy and Army respectively, so having a little more insight into their situation with a more modern perspective is always interesting and entertaining :) (and after his point on here about nobody caring about why you didn't/couldn't serve, I won't go into my info here ^^ )
"Did you ever kill anybody?"
"Only people who ask stupid questions."
"Did you ever kill anybody?"
"No, but you're tempting me to make an effort."
"Did you kill anyone?"
"Do you want to find out first hand"?
dernwine what was the best thing you did in the campaign you've been?
I haven't been deployed on an actual Op yet, just a few training exercises here and there.
dernwine ok
Dernwine:
People have asked me about my mom and anal before (under other circumstances) and I would respond she liked it with me because my dick was so little.
They didn't like to talk to me after that.
As a US Army combat vet, when I get asked if I killed anyone I sometimes respond with "Not today but the day is still young". They usually just walk away with either a shocked look on their face or a nervous laugh.
Yeah, I just stare at them for an uncomfortable amount of time and then whisper: "why?"
I remember a show (I forget the name but it had Alan Thick playing the character in question) and he asks his mother's date who happens to be a career Army officer if he killed anyone. The officer notes that Thick's character is a psychiatrist and as a psychiatrist he has to study medicine and work as a doctor, he then asks him if he ever killed anyone.:)
Growing Pains
lol I'm not alone with that response
The days still young ... i fuckn love it
"Did you ever kill anyone?" -What happens in the Kuwaiti Desert, stays in the Kuwaiti Desert.
Kuwait, Iraq, Afganistan, it's all good.
My old man was a Seabee
Or Vegas 😂
The only gun that shot had grease in it .
*remembers field fuck*
When I enlisted the most annoying thing was extended family members saying, “well my so and so went to ocs and became an officer, that’s what you should do” I respond with, “that’s ok, I want to work for a living”
My favorite was always "Hey, you're in the military? I pay your salary." My stock answer was "HEY!! I need a pay raise."
Jeep Man nice one! I wish I would have thought of that when I was told the same thing years ago
I'm glad you liked it. BTW, years ago was when I used it.
“Hey so do I! You think military paychecks are tax free?”
After my first hitch I was visiting my sister and her two young kids (3 & 5 yo). We were outside playing and a young neighbor boy (about 10) came over and we started chatting. He was smart and funny and inquisitive and he asked me what I did. I told him I was in the Navy. He looked at me wide-eyed and exclaimed, "But... you're so nice!"
people don't realize that the military is all nice guys who want to protect other people
Funniest question I ever received. When my wife's cousin (maybe 16 at the time) found out I had been in the Air Force he asked "Did you see the aliens?"
"No, there aren't any aliens."
"Oh, they told you to say that, didn't they. Tell me. Did you see the aliens?"
"So you're a doctor, huh? Ever kill anybody?"
I went in to the US Army in 1967. I tried very hard not to get shot at. Didn't work.
"So, do you have PTSD / you get flashbacks / you ever freak out like all those 'Nam vets?"
I didn't serve, but I think asking about a stranger's medical history is probably rude in most cases.
The whole "did u know so and so" makes more sense if they were in the same unit
Pretty much every job has a bunch of annoying questions that people ask constantly.
My favorite icebreaker for civvie-soldier relations is first thanking them for their service, then asking them what their favorite thing was that they did while in the service (if they can speak about it, that is).
Almost always leads to interesting and friendly conversations :)
it's not a free meal, just a discount
As a retired sailor with a foreign borne wife, the worst question I've been asked, "What bar did you find her in?"
For the record, met her in VT. She has a masters degree. I got the best part of the deal!
robert jeffery met my foreign wife in a bar. She is a certified public accountant.
During the Vietnam era the question had a much different connotation...
robert jeffery I've been to PI.
robert jeffery really? You have been to Paris Island, NC? 😂
Try Hong Hong, Puson, Singapore, Yokohama, and anywhere locals were referred to as LBFMs... Sorry, some things cut deep and don't heal well.
Tell them,"the one your momma wasn't good enough to work in! I also have a "foreign born" wife
When someone asked Newman 'Oh, you're a Postal Worker. Aren't you the guys who go crazy and shoot people' Newman gave him a crazy stare and said 'Sometimes'
As a US Navy Veteran myself, I'm sorry to say this, but the Sniper specialty makes me think of Blade Runner. What do you do once you are back in civilian life? "They didn't advertise for killers in the paper. That was my profession"
Ya I can imagine that interview: what was your previous occupation? Um, I was a essentially an assassin?😂
'Did you kill anyone?' 'Loads of guys, I was a cook.'
The I would knock out anyone shouting at me lol , when I did basic in the British army (infantry) my section commander was the battalions heavy weight boxer had 8 operational tours under his belt was missing half his ear the idea of some skinny 20 year old knocking him out does make me laugh he could make you crumble with a slightly aggressive stare to be honest
Only about 10% of all service members actually see combat action.
An anecdote. When I was aboard ship, one year later, a person who was a year behind me in high school came aboard ship and was assigned to my shop and my equipment as an AT.
when I was in elementary school, we got a new principle one year who was in the army during dessert storm. and when any of the kids found out (myself included) the first thing we'd ask him was if he ever killed anyone. he'd say no and laugh it off cus we were like 8. but it's sad to think some adults are stupid enough to ask that out of the blue.
Caleb Luft we had this crazy Puerto Rican as a substitute an we had 6th period worse class ever he would snap sometimes an my friend ask him you ever killed anyone an he goes fuck yea what do you think I was in Vietnam and the kid goes no I mean when you were in the gang. He said he was a gangbanger back in the day in new York. He didn't answer the question I guess he figured out we were fucking with him dude was nuts though
answer to "Did you kill anyone?" --- "it's classified"
"I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you."
I think there was a Fred Schmucatelli in sis company at Great Lakes... LOL! Great videos! Keep them coming!
"Yea I think If I went to basic training I would hit a drill Sergent if they yelled at me"
"yea ok buddy."
Personally, the only time I care if someone else served is if they are "RAH RAH WAR WAR" types.
Someone advocating for war while never having served and no intention of serving is the classic American Chickenhawk, whose official battlecry is 'Let's you and him fight!"
I served int he Navy in the 80's. One thing that annoys me today is when people thank me for my service. Growing up, you never heard of anyone being thanked for their service. Vietnam was over 10+ years earlier, so it was still fresh in people's minds, but far enough that people didn't despise the military. It wasn't until about 20 years later, when the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq started, that people starting thanking military members and vets for their service.
I did not join for you. I do not expect, and have never asked for any thanks from civilians. And most of the time I hear it, it comes across as meaningless, and just something they have been told they should do, like a young child being forced to say they are sorry for something they did. They don't know why they are doing, but they have to.
I'm proud to have served, and don't hide the fact that I did. I go on for hours talking to people that are really interested in what I did. But most aren't interested in the slightest. The ones that are are usually others that had served, whether active or reserves.
Thanks for that - I feel the exact same way
Some people are taught to have an attitude of gratitude. When they say thank you it is not meant to be trite like a stewardess "buh bye", it is a term of respect. A simple "thank you " costs you nothing but may mean something to them.
Mutt Junior yeah, I was a bit taken aback the first time that happened to me, especially when was 20ish years after I got out, and no one had said shit until then. I always accept graciously although I can often tell when the person does so out of respect and when it's just ingrained that this is what you do.
In the US it's blike we have no concept of moderation, we either have leftists spitting on soldiers or people idolize them. And knowing that at some point if the anti-military crowd gets their way we will swing all the way back to the other extreme at some point as well. Why can't we just remain in the middle and just treat vets as human beings who served the country they love?
@David Mills - It's not about being taught to have an attitude of gratitude. How many people do they say "thank you for your service" to? Do they say that to doctors? Police officers? Teachers? Fire fighters? Politicians? The garbage man? It's only the military servicemen that prompts them to say "thank you for your service", even though they didn't do anything for that particular civilian directly. And indeed, as all military action takes place on foreign soil if you're an American, you're not the benefactor anyway. So thank them for what? In Europe, military service is looked upon as just another job. It's a high prestige job, but then that goes for fire fighters, medical doctors and police officers as well. So what's so special about the military? Police officers and fire fighters risk their lives as well, and doctors hold the lives of their patients in their hands (a responsibility I certainly couldn't handle). You want to be grateful to someone who serves you? Thank them. You want to be grateful to those who protect your country? Send a box of chocolates to airport security staff and the Department of Homeland Security.
Strict standards for entry into any Service; right up to the time the "BIG BALLOON" goes up. Then the strict standards go out the window and pretty much if you are breathing, can tell up from down,
you will find yourself in some part of the Service.
I once had a friend, who was an SF sergeant. He talked about war only after few beers.
"Did you know Schmuckatelli?" LMAO! I've met two Squids who were on the same ship I was since I've been home (Albuquerque, New Mexico.). The first guy was on the USS Vancouver (LPD-2) in 1984 when they picked us up in Pearl Harbor for West Pac, (I was an embarked Marine.) The second guy was ships company on the USS Dubuque (LPD-8) in 1988 when we went to the Persian Gulf for Operation Earnest Will (once again, I was an embarked Marine.) I didn't know either of them at the time, but we know each other now and it's great. I'll always ask a squid what ship he was on and when because you might really know Schmuckatelli.
Jim Legans, Jr i ran into an old shipmate working at a jewelry store in Fresno. It does happen.
The Salty Seaman I met a guy back in 2010 at meps. We went everywhere together same company for basic/ait active duty unit (different company. His was next door to mine) same reserve unit too haha
When I went to Basic Combat Training at Ft Leonard Wood, MO I did run into a friend from high school in California. We later met each other in South Dakota, and again in Panama and at the end once more in California.
So yes it happens but damn rare
I was watched a civilian try to bait a Solider in Hereford, England. The solider didn't bite, so the civi decided to push his luck and went for the soldier. Perhaps he didn't realize Hereford is the home of 22SAS;-)
When they ask you, "have you ever killed anyone?" Is a double-edged sword to where there's no right answer other than "I prefer not to say." If you say yes, they instantly look at you differently and are oddly judgmental about it. If you say no they think you're lying and in rare occasions seem strangely disappointed.
Oh, and also I earned that free crappy meal at a chain restaurant!
My brother, who is a very likable guy once asked my dad, who served in the 2nd world war, if he ever had to kill someone. He was perplexed that my dad took offense to that question. Of course my dad did, and that's probably why he took offense to the question!
I get that Did you know.... all the time I usually assure them that even though the USMC is the smallest branch there's still too many, and I am really horrible with names.
3:51 that poor woman had to go through hell. You can see the horror through that smile...
Honestly every time people meet me and ask if I was in the service, then second question is always, did you killed anybody??? It never fails...
I get so tired of civilians say thank you for my service and then ask if I killed anyone. That quickly rubs me wrong!
Yeah, try to knock a D.I. out! You think you'd be the first one to TRY?!? They'd chew you up & spit you out! Also, good answers to the other points. You were right on. & yes, if on active duty you obey chain of command, after, speak up all you want, if you want, but while in you are in.
As a 12 or 13 year old, working summers at my dads logging company, I worked with a guy that hired on just back from Viet Nam. And, as a young stupid kid I said, "Wow, what was it like" I got mostly awkward silence. I learned at a young age that you just don't ask those stupid questions. If someone wants to talk, they will talk. I was Army medic, I don't talk a lot.
I got this a lot when I was in Germany - Hey, my ... fill in the blank lives in Chicago. Know you him?
As a US Army Viet Nam era veteran, I usually don't bring up my military service in casual conversation. I was a Hawk missile technician and didn't get the trigger time or the medals. The closest I got was carrying an unloaded M-14 on guard duty at Redstone Arsenal. Although I think a person gets a sense of personal fulfillment from Military Service, I don't think it makes one a particularly better person. and I don't think it entitles one to any special treatment or being looked after the rest of your life for it. I saw it is simply something I owed my Country for the good fortune to be born here and being able to persue life and liberty. When I do get asked, I simply answer. I realize the people who ask are simply curious or are trying to make excuses as to why they did not serve. It's really no big deal.
if i meet a vet the first thing i would do is thank them for their service. i met an elderly gentleman at my doctor last year. he was wearing a baseball hat with the name of the ship on it.i asked him if he was in ww2 he said yes. i thanked him for his service and we made some conversation while waiting to see the doctor
I was in the USN for 81/2 years I wear a navy hat with some of my ribbons on it I get told all the time when I wear my hat, "Thanx for your service". I was a YN2 I served on 1 ship the USS MAHLON S. TISDALE FFG-27 out of San Diego. I feel I did not do anything special. I paid my light bill ya know. I have trouble when I hear that statement due to my really non-spectacular naval time. I wish I knew the proper response to that statement from people, the guilt I feel when I hear it is hard. I knew people that have served and did a hell of alot more then I did and were not recognized for their achievements compared to some of the medals I got. I got the medal for being in uniform during the gulf war, even though I was never there I was stateside the entire war. I gave that medal to my father when he passed and put in his shadow box b/c we could not find his for vietnam and it was presented to my mother at his funeral. I just feel alot of guilt when I hear "Thanx for your service". I just don't feel I deserve that from the civ population. I would just like to hear what you think about that.
Hey, you know, ask away! I met a nice nurse while in the hospital in Boise who was stationed on the same base as I was and we got to be good friends. Also met a guy who was in the sub service and happened that I was aboard a sub-tender. Got us in to a deer hunting spot. Never hurts to ask. It's a small world and you might meet someone nice this way. If it makes you feel like you are less cool by asking this sort of thing then you are much too thin-skinned to have ever been in the same Navy that I was. There's a brotherhood that you don't seem to be aware of. You're missing out bro!
Newtire um, ok.
Um OK what? I'm just saying, don't try to be too cool to talk to other people. I know, I've been asked if I knew another guy who was a sailor in San Diego. Did he have a short haircut and a white hat? Good luck with that line of thinking bud. Have fun! TMO2 Lego 1968-72. USS Piedmont AD-17, Dixon AS-37 and TAD Camden AOE-2.
My father fought 4 tours in Vietnam 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles..The stories her told me were horror stories..But he told me I never brought it up..I let him tell me what he wanted to tell me in his own time.
Rum ham, it's ham soaked in rum!
Jonathan Smith dammit Jon, your illiteracy has screwed us again!
Jonathan Smith (a common exclamation at AFN)
My personal favorites: " I could never be in the service, I'm too independent/unique/unconventional", they should have met some of my people. I never ran into anyone in academia or most other yuppie or hippie centric (I guess hipster, these days) with the diversity of thought or viewpoint that my divisions or departments had.
I was told that my anxiety will keep me from serving, and that shit crushes me.
Bravo Zulu on the vid! Showed this to my wife whom I met well after I separated from the Navy and it really made her understand some things.
Thank you!!!
I tried to join up in 2001, I thought I'd be an in right after 9/11.... I never asked my Grandpa about that, he was WWII, Signal Corps. Not front line, but not far away not to get shot at. I myself was feeling all Foreign Legion-y. I truly feel I'd have made an adequate serviceman, regardless of branch. I have met far more civilians whom were caught up, in the 2d War because they lived there.
The dislikes are civilians who have asked these questions.
I'm USAF DEP right now and everyone ask me if I'm gonna be a pilot, it's so annoying
Rarely have I ever met anyone stupid enough to ask the "did you kill" question. Handful of times I've gotten the "did you know..." but they tend to realize how dumb they are when I start asking "what unit was he in...". Still haven't figured out how to respond to "TYFYS" - just awkward. I don't want to be a wiseass because they're trying to be nice.
"Did you ever kill anyone?"
Why you ask? Looking to be added to the count?
"You ever kill anyone?"
"Yeah man! Can't decide which one was my favorite...that explosive 300m headshot or that up close and personal knife takedown!"
Usually makes 'em back off. :-D :-D
My favorite is "Did you have to think about killing people?" Well, I trained to drop nukes on cities, so yes, there was a possibility that I might kill someone.
Many civilians appreciate veterans and just want to find a way to connect with them or show their appreciation, which is where the inappropriate questions come from. However, as a civilian, I've observed that the divide between veterans and civilians is such that it's impossible to discuss military service or make any meaningful connection thereupon without a common frame of reference.
You got UA-cam burned on to a DVD? Outstanding!
That's a great shirt!
When I get asked the did you such-in-such dude question. Always respond with sure I knew him, that dudes an a-hole.
The biggest takeaway is don't be a jackass and use a little common sense. I think many people do wish they had joined or had been eligible to join the Military, and feel a certain level of regret about not joining. It is usually filed away in the how would my life had been better or worse if I had made decision a instead of decision b. I think too often people want say something for the sake of speaking instead of trying to have a good conversation and maybe learning something.
With most servicemen these questions are never asked or brought up you get separated go back to your city and pick up where you left off sometimes you meet a guy on the job who was in the Navy and you and him have some conversations and laugh a bit that's about as far as it got there was always a bond between ex-servicemen be it Army Navy Air Force or Marines
If I have been in the military and some drill Sargent got in my face I would have probably cried.
Uilliam Coorinna - not exactly. That break you down, then build you up crap went out with Vietnam. The military works you hard and gives you all the responsibility that they think you can handle until you prove otherwise.
They work to build you up from the start. They push and they push hard to get you to work harder and be more useful to the military
All I'm going to say is that f@cking shirt is awesome.
Here's one that I said when I was in elementary school. The family was at a 442nd RCT/100 Bn Christmas party, when I came across a vet missing one hand. I asked what happened to his hand. He smiled and said something like "I must have sucked it off." The folks jumped on me for asking the question, but I'd never seen a result of World War II combat before. I didn't ask ANYONE what happened to missing limbs ever again. Was that question awkward enough?
3:23 small dogs bark loudest...
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The Salty Seaman Have you ever worked with the British military during your service?
Don't think so. Aussie and Canadian yes
Damn, my RDC, 2 of my LPO's and three chiefs knew Shmucketeli, where did you know him from?
Is it perhaps more appropriate to ask if someone has ever had to fire a weapon in anger?
More like - Have you had to fire a weapon with a hangover?
"Do you know [name of person]?"
In the UK military, with the Tories trying to do absolutely EVERYFUCKINGTHING on the cheap, that might not be such a dumb question over here very soon.
Well if there asking about someone with the same cap badge as you it isn't a stupid question :P
I still just don't know what to say when someone says "thank you for your service". I was active duty in the 80's, and nobody thanked me back then. Now days that seems to be the popular thing. How should I reply? I want to acknowledge their appreciation, but nobody thanked me while I was doing it, and I don't want to come-off as an asshole. I always say "you're welcome", but it seems that they are expecting more. I'm stumped, so I don't often tell people that I am a veteran.
HERMOSABEACHGUY thank you for paying your taxes that gave me a paycheck?
As much as I agree, bringing the IRS into this is probably not the best idea.
"Thank you for your support." was the answer that satisfied the same concerns for me. I can make it sound sarcastic, off-handed, sincere or (probably your favourite) appreciative.
Then I tell them I served in the Dutch navy and not the USN (just to see their brains somersault and having the ones on auto-pilot choke on a response and see that the sincere ones quite quickly come to the conclusion that that doesn't matter)
3:18
Discipline, ................
When someone says, " Thank you for your service." What is a proper response? I usually say, "It was my honor ".
"Thank you for your support"
As a civilian, I don't expect anything more than a "you're welcome" or Dread's "thanks for your support". I don't see the comment as anything deeper than a polite nod of respect--I'm not looking for conversation or a new best friend. I don't go out of my way to comment to (even obvious) military personnel, but if I'm in contact with them, I think they should feel appreciated for their sacrifice (whatever role they played).
I enjoy all of your videos, Most are dead on correct. I served in the Air Force. You hit the nail on the head.. I would have including the interservice joking/insults. I tell people and other vets agree, we can joke and insult each other but if you did not serve, don't try to do it
Right on target. We earned that right, hell I will even defend the Air Farce from civilians, Uncle Sam's Misguided Children on the other hand .......
Feel the same but with one difference. I extend that curtsey to every-one in public service wearing a uniform as long as they can receive as well as dish out. If a fire-fighter doesn't mind getting called a 'closet-pyromaniac' he/she can rip on me being navy.
very true
Hell my dad was on an aircraft carrier in the Korean War and he said he didn’t know everyone on his ship. My experience is you don’t know everyone in your battalion.
I got to admit I know nothing about combat but from what I understand, and anyone can jump into this to correct it, is that for the most part you are not going to be seeing the people you're shooting at. I get the impression no one is going to be standing up to be shot at in combat, they're going to be taking cover and returning fire. The only times that you are going be seeing the person you kill is if you just happen to see the person you're shooting or if you are in hand to hand combat. To the best of my knowledge - and again I have no experience of this - hand to hand is very rare. Militaries spend most of their time training troops to shoot rather than karate chop the enemy. In WWI among the casualties of the American Expeditionary Force only five or so were killed by the bayonet, and we're talking about at least well over a hundred thousand casualties. Again I am a civilian with a vague interest in military history so what I'm writing here is just my own guessing.
Ships never see each other. Jets have done something wrong if they see each other (at least that's USAF style, Russian air force likes dogfights), but although missiles are fast, jets are fast, too, so it's not at all uncommon for a BVR engagement to turn into a turning one - but infantry?
You know how shooting works, right? Like, you actually gotta aim the gun at the person.
I don't want to sharp shoot, but the photo at about 3.47 and 9.39 are British soldiers. Sorry if this was intended.
I stopped asking number 3 once I saw another veteran's video. Number 2 believe me, when I say to people I could never join the military because I have too many authority issues I am not trying to be tough, and I know I would never knock out a drill sergeant, he would knock out me and then I would go to prison. I would like to believe that if I was in the military my superiors could put the fear of god into me, but I have always been a spoiled child at heart and I am skeptical anyone could make a man out of me.
If I could join the NAVY. I would love to be a helmsman. Sorry if I spelt it wrong.
Your very first point pissed me off. That was the only one that did, but as a guy who dreamed of serving since he was a kid, got accepted to West Point twice and twice tore an ACL before he could go, man that's all I've ever wanted to do. I'm jealous of you who have served, so maybe you should think about us civilians who's dreams have been crushed. Most military men aren't snowflakes who will get upset about people who wish that they wish that they could serve, they've seen disabilities.
Sorry, but either you served or you didn't. Reasons don't matter.
Civilians will never understand us and yes we are a breed apart. Simple fact.
Gee59 that's where you're wrong, but go on thinking you're special. I grew up in a family that served, but nice try
Could you imagine a Navy w/ nothing but S.E.A.L.S. ? Not even realistic, for so many reasons!
Thanks for the first point. I've been doing that for years, didn't know it was bad form. Yet it was not because I felt guilty for not serving, but more out of envy for not being allowed. (health reason).
I think I saw a vid you did that was on this
You would be correct on the "WHY AREN'T YOU A ....", without cooks SEaLs, Recon, Rangers etc DIE. Without disbursing, they don't get paid etc. There are 3 combat arms in the Marine Corps and hundreds non-combat MOSs.
I got a good story . My last unit in 09 before I retired , we had 4 of our cooks deploy to Iraq with another support unit , I figured my 4 guys ( which I knew personal , all E-4's in our mess section) was going to cook. Well surprise when they came back , one of them a 22 year old E-4 named Rubians came back with a SOCOM combat patch , what the hell ? , so I asked , he said he got re-assigned to a SOCOM unit as a tower guy , he did his whole 7 months as a tower guard to the unit. And they gave him a bronze star for merit while there. Incredible .. haha
I'm in the Australian army cadets and the first question I always get when I tell someone is do you shoot guns?
Because your gov't has made firearms a novelty w/outlawing every & any type of self defense
#1 - I totally woulda joined, but I discovered I was a coward.
#2 - I wouldn't have lasted cuzz, if some drill instructor got in my face, I woulda cried... or peed... or both... then asked politely for my mommy.
#3 - Did you ever hug anybody?
#4 - ... ... ... got nuffin...
#5 - I totally wish I'd served, so I could have bad dreams and stories I don't wanna talk about.
#6 - Hey, did you know some asshole? He was hard to miss, wore a uniform, was an asshole.
#7 - If you were in the service, why didn't you become a communications hacker?
As a civilian I would add don't ask a submariner what pressure his boiler on a nuclear submarine ran at. If you do there will be very awkward pause conversation. I didn't mean anything by it. I was just talking to him like I would talk to a guy from any other trade but working on a nuclear submarine well that not just another trade.
You could always find out by building one yourself ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
As a physicist... I feel like I'd have lots of questions they're not allowed to answer, haha.
I was a bubblehead (submariner) for my first 4 years, and I have no idea what pressure the primary or secondary coolant loops operate at, even though I earned dolphins. Just a nuke thing, I guess.
I joined the Navy because I didn't want to get drafted!
I love the shirt! I've been in the military for 17 years so I agree with you.
I'm a drone co - pilot bro ...
There's a man in our church who did tours in Viet Nam. I will never ask him about his time there as it seems there was things he saw and did that he would not want to even talk about. He's a Christian brother and a Godly man. I'm sure it's his faith that has given him the strength to let most of it go.
There are many veteran interviews on youtube that can tell you their stories. After hearing them, you may really think twice in questioning any military person. Leave it alone.
Will you critique Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift or that Nicolas Cage movie about the Indianapolis?
Android Kenobi cinema sins just did, and I don't know what I could add, military wise. Jeremy even pointed out they should be going to an on base school, not a traditionally Japanese one.
Quick question, when you were serving, did you ever meet my good pal Air Pilot Fred?
AtomicAnomaly Fred died in a horrible glazing accident, sorry to let you know.
"No, our Air Pilot was named Bart! Do you know him?"
Way to identify actual veterans : shitty memorial tattoos, veteran owned apparel company T-shirt’s, bad credit, failed marriages, calling cosplay “stolen valor”, emotional support animals, tactical pants, being behind in payments on a Kawasaki Ninja, tobacco dip, country music, shitty beards, obese wives, children named Dakota or Gunnar, trying to get free food on Veterans Day, telling everyone that they “give zero fucks” , starting every other sentence with “as a veteran..” , etc.
Punch a drill instructor? Go ahead, see how that turns out.
Rum Ham!
What about those that want to join?
how many civilians with no ties to the DoD through either work or family watch this channel?
I do, just 'cause he makes interesting videos... ^^;
awesome
I haven't joined up quite yet I have to wait a year or two before I can join up but my grandfather was a seargent major in the air guard before he was discharged in the 80s because he had been diagnosed with arthritis
Have an uncle and a grandfather who served in the Navy and Army respectively, so having a little more insight into their situation with a more modern perspective is always interesting and entertaining :)
(and after his point on here about nobody caring about why you didn't/couldn't serve, I won't go into my info here ^^ )
me, I have no ties to the DoD ... I like the movie reviews