Penned by Nongovernment, Nonbiased, Military Veterans. 
Private Sponsored Resource Website.

Author: larryf

Best Branch Of The Military To Join?

Once you understand the unique missions of each branch, the next step is to align your own career goals with the opportunities they provide. What are you passionate about? What skills do you want to develop? Each branch offers different career paths and specialties. For example, if you’re interested in aviation, you might consider the Air Force or Navy. If you want to work with cutting-edge technology, the Space Force or Air Force could be a good fit. If you’re drawn to the medical field, all branches have medical personnel, but the Army has the largest medical corps. It’s also important to consider the culture and lifestyle of each branch.  Some, like the Marine Corps, are known for their intense physical demands and warrior ethos. Others, like the Air Force, have a reputation for a higher quality of life and more technical focus. When I was considering which branch to join, I did a lot of research and soul-searching. I talked to recruiters, veterans, and active-duty members to get a feel for each branch. Ultimately, I chose based on which branch aligned best with my personal and professional goals. The key is to do your homework and be honest with yourself about what you want out of your military career. Don’t just choose based on what looks cool in the movies or what your friends are doing. This is your future, so take the time to find the right fit for you.

Read More »

Is The Military Draft Coming Back?

The thought of the military draft coming back is enough to make anyone break out in a cold sweat. I mean, the idea of being forced to serve in the armed forces, leaving behind your family, friends, and the life you’ve built? It’s the stuff of nightmares, right? But here’s the thing: the military draft hasn’t been used in the United States since 1973. That’s right, it’s been over 50 years since the last time anyone was drafted into the military. So why are we even talking about it now? Well, the truth is, the Selective Service System, which is the agency responsible for maintaining a list of potential draftees, is still very much alive and well. It’s required by law for all men between the ages of 18 and 25 to register with the Selective Service, just in case the draft is ever reinstated.

Read More »

PTSD Is A Disability: Affects Countless Military Veterans Everywhere

PTSD is so much more than just bad memories or nightmares. The symptoms can infiltrate every aspect of your life, challenging even basic daily functioning. The emotional and psychological symptoms of PTSD can be some of the hardest to deal with. Many people feel hopeless, detached, or numb. You may have angry outbursts or irritability that make it hard to interact with others. Negative thoughts and distorted feelings of guilt or blame are common. You may feel like the world is dangerous and have difficulty trusting anyone. Maintaining close relationships can feel impossible. These symptoms aren’t a sign of weakness – they’re a normal response to trauma. But they can make daily life and work incredibly difficult. I’ve seen clients struggle to even leave the house due to severe anxiety and depression. PTSD also has genuine physical symptoms that can disrupt daily functioning. Sleep disturbances like insomnia or nightmares are extremely common. You may have trouble falling asleep or wake up frequently during the night. This chronic lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and impaired memory. Imagine trying to get through a workday exhausted and unable to focus – it’s a recipe for poor performance. Many people with PTSD also have an exaggerated startle response. Loud noises or unexpected touches can trigger intense fear or even flashbacks. This hypervigilance is exhausting and can make it hard to relax or feel safe anywhere. Chronic pain, headaches, and digestive issues are also common physical symptoms. Dealing with these, on top of the emotional impact of PTSD, can make maintaining employment feel impossible.

Read More »

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition that can affect anyone who’s experienced a traumatic event. However, the risk is much higher for our brave military personnel, especially those in combat roles like Navy SEALs and special forces.

The unique challenges and stresses of military life can take a serious toll. Constantly being on high alert, witnessing violence and death, and losing close friends – it’s no wonder that PTSD rates are through the roof among our service members.

The Basics of PTSD

So, what exactly is PTSD? In a nutshell, it’s a stress disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. We’re talking life-threatening situations, serious injury, sexual violence – the kind of stuff that would shake anyone to their core. To be diagnosed with PTSD, you need to have symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event for at least a month. It’s not just a little stress – it’s a full-blown mental health condition that can interfere with your day-to-day life. Now, imagine dealing with all that while also in a combat zone. Our military personnel are exposed to traumatic events regularly. Firefights, IED explosions, seeing fellow soldiers injured or killed – it’s all part of the job, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. Research shows that facing combat is a significant reason why some people end up with PTSD. The VA estimates that up to 20% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD. That’s a staggering number.

Read More »

The Best Jobs In The Army

The Army offers a wide range of career paths, each with its unique challenges and rewards. However, certain positions shine brighter than others, providing unmatched prospects for personal growth, mastery of skills, and upward mobility in one’s career journey. Here are the top 5 most sought-after Army careers today: In our current era, where digital threats loom large over the military landscape, safeguarding against them has never been more critical. That’s where Cyber Operations Specialists come in. These tech-savvy individuals are responsible for protecting military networks and systems from cyber-attacks. Their pivotal task involves safeguarding the confidentiality and reliability of critical data. Special Forces Operators are the elite of the elite. These highly trained soldiers carry out unconventional warfare and direct-action missions in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable. Becoming a Special Forces Operator is no easy feat, but for those who cut, it’s a chance to be part of something extraordinary. Intelligence Analysts are the eyes and ears of the Army. By sifting through diverse data streams, they offer pivotal wisdom that shapes the strategic choices of the armed forces. Without the work of Intelligence Analysts, the Army would be flying blind. They’re the backbone of mission triumph, ensuring nothing is left to chance.

Read More »

Divorce In The Military: Last Final Option

What’s left on the battlefield when love marches off into the sunset? For many in uniform, it’s military divorce. A world apart from their civilian counterparts, these divorces march to the beat of a different drum. With rules and rites all their own. The life of service members is no stroll through the park. There are frequent relocations and long deployments. Navigating the pressure is tough, testing the resilience of even the most solid relationships. Then throw a military pension or two into the mix during property division discussions, and you’ve got yourself a complex tangle that would challenge Houdini himself. But here’s where things get interesting – not all is doom and gloom! Amidst this intricate web are tales of resilience, fresh starts, and sometimes unexpected windfalls for spouses accustomed to playing second fiddle to Uncle Sam’s demands.

Read More »

Are VA Disability Benefits Taxable?

Imagine standing at the crossroads of uncertainty and opportunity. That’s often where our brave veterans find themselves when dealing with financial planning post-service. A burning question frequently emerges in these moments: Are VA disability benefits taxable? Navigating the maze of legal speak, this question seeks a simple yes or no. The short response? No. According to IRS Publication 907, such benefits do not warm the benches of your taxable income list. But don’t let its brevity fool you; this fact carries weighty implications for how veterans approach their tax returns and plan their finances. Every year, countless heroes transition from active duty into civilian life only to grapple with this complex web called federal taxes. Misunderstandings can lead to missed opportunities or unnecessary stress during a challenging time. Delving into this subject isn’t merely an exercise in crunching numbers; it’s a homage to the courage shown, aimed at guiding our veterans through their next chapter with ease.

Read More »

What Is The Army National Guard?

Serving in the National Guard is like attending one of the most intense leadership courses. From day one, individuals are put into situations that test and build their ability to lead under pressure—a skill that translates well into any career path they choose later. Leadership training received during service prepares Guardsmen for various challenges they might face in civilian life or within different branches of the military if they decide to continue serving. Service beckons beyond our nation’s edges and weaves into the fabric of neighborhood life, demanding a blend of dedication both globally and locally. Guardians from the National Guard have played a pivotal role, stepping in with aid during calamities like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires that have struck various parts of America. Their readiness to respond at a moment’s notice showcases an unparalleled commitment to national security and community welfare. In addition, overseas missions add another layer of experience as Guardsmen participate in peacekeeping operations around the globe—highlighting how versatile and indispensable this branch truly is both domestically and internationally.

Read More »

Army National Guard vs Army Reserves

Army Reserve and National Guard personnel have risen to the occasion, extending their commitment across international lines by participating in missions abroad. Take, for instance, the crucial involvement of National Guard squads in Iraqi and Afghan endeavors, where they rendered essential aid in battle scenarios. Similarly, the Army Reserve has played a crucial role by delivering unique skills like healthcare, technical engineering know-how, and supply chain management in diverse operational environments. The collaboration among reserve forces amplifies our armed forces’ worldwide influence, equipping us to tackle obstacles in any corner of the globe. The call to duty doesn’t stop at international borders for these soldiers. The National Guard shines exceptionally bright here; when hurricanes batter our coasts, or wildfires rage through communities, they’re among the first responders under state governors’ commands. This role is less common but no less vital within the Army Reserve, demonstrating how each branch contributes uniquely yet significantly to national security on U.S. soil.

Read More »